Suzuki Forenza (2008 year). Instruction — part 10

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

If the warning continues and you have not

If there seems to be no leak, with the

stopped, pull over, stop, and park your

WARNING

engine on, check to see if the electric

vehicle right away.

engine cooling fan is running. If the engine

An electric engine cooling fan under

is overheating, the fan should be running.

If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle

the hood can start up even when the

If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service.

the engine for three minutes while you’re

engine is not running and can injure

parked. If you still have the warning, turn

you. Keep hands, clothing and tools

CAUTION

off the engine and get everyone out of the

away from any underhood electric

vehicle until it cools down.

fan.

Engine damage from running your

engine without coolant isn’t covered

You may decide not to lift the hood, but to

If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank

by your warranty.

get service help right away.

is boiling, don’t do anything else until it

cools down. The vehicle should be parked

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant

Cooling System

on a level surface. Make sure that the air

Surge Tank

conditioning is turned off.

CAUTION

The coolant level should be between the

MIN and MAX marks on the coolant surge

This vehicle has a specific coolant fill

tank when the engine is cool. If it isn’t, you

procedure. Failure to follow this pro-

may have a leak at the pressure cap or in

cedure could cause your engine to

the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator,

overheat and be severely damaged.

water pump or somewhere else in the cool-

ing system.

If you haven’t found a problem yet, check

to see if coolant is visible in the surge tank.

WARNING

If coolant is visible but the coolant level

isn’t between the MIN and MAX marks,

Heater and radiator hoses, and other

add a 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable

engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t

water and proper coolant at the coolant

touch them. If you do, you can be

surge tank, but be sure the cooling system,

The engine coolant surge tank is located in

burned.

including the coolant surge tank pressure

the rear of the engine compartment on the

Don’t run the engine if there is a leak.

cap, is cool before you do it. See “Engine

driver’s side.

If you run the engine, it could lose all

Coolant” in this section for more informa-

of the coolant. That could cause an

tion.

engine fire, and you could be burned.

Get any leak fixed before you drive

If no coolant is visible in the surge tank,

the vehicle.

add coolant as follows:

5-15

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

WARNING

CAUTION

Never turn the cap when the cooling

In cold weather, water can freeze and

system, including the coolant surge

crack the engine, radiator, heater

tank pressure cap, is hot.

core and other parts. Use the recom-

Steam and scalding liquids from a

mended coolant and the proper cool-

hot cooling system can blow out and

ant mixture.

burn you badly. They are under pres-

sure, and if you loosen the coolant

WARNING

surge tank pressure cap - even a lit-

tle - they can come out at high

You can be burned if you spill coolant

speed. Wait for the cooling system

on hot engine parts. Coolant con-

and coolant surge tank pressure cap

L3U5019A

tains ethylene glycol and it will burn

to cool if you ever have to loosen the

if the engine parts are hot enough.

pressure cap.

Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

WARNING

Adding only plain water to your cool-

1) Park the vehicle on a level surface. You

ing system can be dangerous. Plain

can remove the coolant surge tank

water, or some other liquid such as

pressure cap when the cooling system,

alcohol, can boil before the proper

including the coolant surge tank pres-

coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s

sure cap and upper radiator hose, is no

coolant warning system is set for the

longer hot. Turn the pressure cap

proper coolant mixture. With plain

slowly counterclockwise (left) about two

water or the wrong mixture, your

or two and one-half turns. If you hear a

engine could get too hot but you

hiss, wait for that to stop. This will allow

wouldn’t get the overheat warning.

any pressure still left to be vented out

Your engine could catch fire and you

the discharge hose.

or others could be burned. Use a 60/

40 mixture of clean, drinkable water

and a proper coolant.

5-16

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

level is lower than the MAX mark, add

How to Check Power Steering Fluid

more of the proper mixture to the cool-

ant surge tank until the level reaches

the MAX mark.

2) Then keep turning the pressure cap

slowly, and remove it.

5) Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure

the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully

seated. See your SUZUKI dealer, if

necessary.

Turn the key off and then check the fluid

level. The level should be between the MIN

Power Steering Fluid

and MAX marks on the reservoir. If the

3)

Fill the coolant surge tank with the

The power steering fluid reservoir is

level is below the MIN mark, add power

proper mixture to the MAX mark on the

located toward the front of the engine com-

steering fluid.

coolant surge tank. Wait about five min-

partment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

utes, then check to see if the level is

See “Engine Compartment Overview” in

What to Use

below the MAX mark. If the level is

this section for more information on loca-

To determine what kind of fluid to use, see

below the MAX mark, add additional

tion.

“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in

coolant to bring the level up to the MAX

section 6. Always use the proper fluid. Fail-

mark. Repeat this procedure until the

When to Check Power Steering Fluid

ure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks

level remains constant at the MAX mark

It is not necessary to regularly check

and can damage hoses and seals.

for at least five minutes.

power steering fluid unless you suspect

4)

With the coolant surge tank pressure

there is a leak in the system or you hear an

cap off, start the engine and let it run

unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system

until you can feel the upper radiator

could indicate a problem. Have the system

hose getting hot. Watch out for the

inspected and repaired.

engine cooling fan.

By this time, the coolant level inside the

coolant surge tank may be lower. If the

5-17

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Windshield Washer Fluid

Adding Washer Fluid

Brakes

Brake Fluid

Your brake master cylinder reservoir is

located near the back of the engine com-

partment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. See

“Engine Compartment Overview” in this

section for the location of the reservoir.

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.

There are only two reasons why the brake

Add washer fluid until the tank is full.

fluid level in the reservoir might go down.

The first is that the brake fluid goes down

CAUTION

to an acceptable level during normal brake

lining wear.

•

When using concentrated washer

fluid, follow the manufacturer’s

When new linings are put in, the fluid level

instructions for adding water.

goes back up. The other reason is that fluid

The windshield washer fluid reservoir is

•

Don’t mix water with ready-to-use

is leaking out of the brake system. If it is,

located in the front of the engine compart-

washer fluid. Water can cause the

you should have your brake system fixed,

ment on the driver’s side. See

“Engine

solution to freeze and damage your

since a leak means that sooner or later

Compartment Overview” in this section for

washer fluid tank and other parts of

your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work

more information on location.

the washer system. Also, water

at all.

What to Use

doesn’t clean as well as washer

So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your

When you need windshield washer fluid,

fluid.

brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct

•

Fill your washer fluid tank only

be sure to read the manufacturer’s instruc-

a leak. If you add fluid when your linings

tions before use. If you will be operating

three-quarters full when it’s very

are worn, then you’ll have too much fluid

your vehicle in an area where the tempera-

cold. This allows for expansion if

when you get new brake linings. You

ture may fall below freezing, use a fluid

freezing occurs, which could dam-

should add (or remove) brake fluid, as nec-

that has sufficient protection against freez-

age the tank if it is completely full.

essary, only when work is done on the

ing.

•

Don’t use engine coolant

(anti-

brake hydraulic system.

freeze) in your windshield washer.

It can damage your washer system

and paint.

5-18

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

If you have too much brake fluid, it

•

Using the wrong fluid can badly

The brake wear warning sound

can spill on the engine. The fluid will

damage brake system parts. For

means that soon your brakes won’t

burn if the engine is hot enough. You

example, just a few drops of min-

work well. That could lead to an acci-

or others could be burned, and your

eral-based oil, such as engine oil,

dent. When you hear the brake wear

vehicle could be damaged.

in your brake system can damage

warning sound, have your vehicle

brake system parts so badly that

serviced.

When your brake fluid falls to a low level,

they’ll have to be replaced. Don’t let

your brake warning light will come on. See

someone put in the wrong kind of

fluid.

CAUTION

“Brake System Warning Light” in section 3.

•

If you spill brake fluid on your vehi-

Continuing to drive with worn-out

What to Add

cle’s painted surfaces, the paint fin-

brake pads could result in costly

When you do need brake fluid, use only

ish can be damaged. Be careful not

brake repair.

DOT-3 brake fluid. Use new brake fluid

to spill brake fluid on your vehicle.

from a sealed container only. See “Recom-

If you do, wash it off immediately.

Some driving conditions or climates may

mended Fluids and Lubricants” in section

See

“Appearance Care” in the

cause a brake squeal when the brakes are

6.

Index.

first applied or lightly applied. This does

not mean something is wrong with your

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap

Brake Wear

and the area around the cap before remov-

brakes.

Your vehicle has front and rear disc brakes.

ing it. This will help keep dirt from entering

Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary

the reservoir.

Disc brake pads have built-in wear indica-

to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires

tors that make a high-pitched warning

are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear

WARNING

sound when the brake pads are worn and

and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper

new pads are needed. The sound may

sequence to SUZUKI torque specifica-

With the wrong kind of fluid in your

come and go or be heard all the time your

tions.

brake system, your brakes may not

vehicle is moving (except when you are

work well, or they may not even work

Brake linings should always be replaced as

pushing on the brake pedal firmly).

at all. This could cause a crash.

complete axle sets.

Always use the proper brake fluid.

See “Brake System Inspection” in section

6.

5-19

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

3)

Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.

CAUTION

Unplug unnecessary accessories

WARNING

plugged into the cigarette lighter or in

If the other system isn’t a 12-volt sys-

Using a match near a battery can

the accessory power outlet. Turn off the

tem with a negative ground, both

cause battery gas to explode. People

radio and all lamps that aren’t needed.

vehicles can be damaged. Only use

have been hurt doing this, and some

This will avoid sparks and help save

vehicles with

12-volt systems with

have been blinded. Use a flashlight if

both batteries. And it could save your

negative grounds to jump start your

you need more light.

radio!

vehicle.

Be sure the battery has enough

4)

Open the hoods and locate the batter-

water. You don’t need to add water to

ies. Find the positive (+) and negative

2)

Get the vehicles close enough so the

the battery installed in your new vehi-

(-) terminal locations on each vehicle.

jumper cables can reach, but be sure

cle. But if a battery has filler caps, be

Your vehicle’s positive

(+) terminal is

the vehicles aren’t touching each other.

sure the right amount of fluid is

located under a red tethered cap on the

If they are, it could cause a ground con-

there. If it is low, add water to take

battery. The negative

(-) terminal is

nection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be

care of that first. If you don’t, explo-

located under a black tethered cap on

able to start your vehicle, and the bad

sive gas could be present.

the battery. See “Engine Compartment

grounding could damage the electrical

Battery fluid contains acid that can

Overview” in this section for more infor-

systems.

burn you. Don’t get it on you. If you

mation on location. Flip the caps up to

To avoid the possibility of the vehicles

accidentally get it in your eyes or on

access the positive (+) and negative (-)

rolling, set the parking brake firmly on

your skin, flush the place with water

terminals.

both vehicles involved in the jump start

and get medical help immediately.

procedure. Put an automatic transmis-

WARNING

sion in PARK (P) or a instruction transmis-

5) Check that the jumper cables don’t

sion in NEUTRAL before setting the

An electric fan under the hood can

have loose or missing insulation. If they

parking brake.

start up and injure you even when the

do, you could get a shock. The vehicles

engine is not running. Keep hands,

could be damaged, too.

CAUTION

clothing and tools away from any

Before you connect the cables, here are

underhood electric fan.

some basic things you should know.

If you leave your radio or other acces-

Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a

sories on during the jump starting

remote positive (+) terminal if the vehi-

procedure, they could be damaged.

cle has one. Negative (-) will go to a

The repairs wouldn’t be covered by

heavy, unpainted metal engine part or

your warranty. Always turn off your

to a remote negative (-) terminal if the

radio and other accessories when

vehicle with the dead battery has one.

jump starting your vehicle.

Don’t connect positive (+) to negative

(-) or you’ll get a short that would dam-

5-21

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

age the battery and maybe other parts,

trical connection is just as good there,

too. And don’t connect the negative (-)

and the chance of sparks getting back

cable to the negative (-) terminal on the

to the battery is much less.

dead battery because this can cause

10)Now start the vehicle with the good bat-

sparks.

tery and run the engine for a while.

11)Try to start the vehicle that had the

WARNING

dead battery. If it won’t start after a few

tries, it probably needs service.

An electric fan under the hood can

7)

Don’t let the other end touch metal.

start up and injure you even when the

Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of

CAUTION

engine is not running. Keep hands,

the good battery. Use a remote positive

clothing and tools away from any

Damage to your vehicle may result

(+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

underhood electric fan.

from electrical shorting if jumper

cables are removed incorrectly. To

prevent electrical shorting, take care

that the cables don’t touch each

other or any other metal. The repairs

wouldn’t be covered by your war-

ranty.

8) Now connect the black negative

(-)

cable to the negative (-) terminal of the

good battery. Use a remote negative (-)

terminal if the vehicle has one.

Don’t let the other end touch anything

until the next step. The other end of the

negative

(-) cable doesn’t go to the

dead battery. It goes to a heavy,

6) Connect the red positive (+) cable to

unpainted metal engine part or to a

the positive

(+) terminal of the dead

remote negative

(-) terminal on the

battery. Use a remote positive (+) termi-

vehicle with the dead battery.

nal if the vehicle has one.

9) Connect the other end of the negative

(-) cable at least 18 inches (45 cm)

away from the dead battery, but not

near engine parts that move. The elec-

5-22

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Jumper Cable Removal

Headlamp Aiming

Bulb Replacement

If your vehicle is damaged in an accident,

For the type of bulb to use, see “Replace-

the headlamp aim may be affected. Aim

ment Bulbs” in this section. For any bulb

adjustment of the low beam may be neces-

changing procedure not listed in this sec-

sary if it is difficult to see lane markers, for

tion, contact your SUZUKI dealer.

horizontal aim, or if oncoming drivers flash

their high beams at you, for vertical aim. If

Halogen Bulbs

you believe your headlamps need to be re-

aimed, we recommend that you take your

WARNING

vehicle to the dealer for service. However,

Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas

it is possible for you to re-aim your head-

inside and can burst if you drop or

lamps by following the procedure in the

scratch the bulb. You or others could

service instruction for your vehicle.

be injured. Be sure to read and follow

the instructions on the bulb package.

CAUTION

A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part

To make sure your headlamps are

B. Good Battery

aimed properly, read all the instruc-

C. Dead Battery

tions before beginning. Failure to fol-

low these instructions could cause

To disconnect the jumper cables from both

damage to headlamp parts.

vehicles, do the following:

1) Disconnect the black negative (-) cable

from the vehicle that had the dead bat-

tery.

2) Disconnect the black negative (-) cable

from the vehicle with the good battery.

3) Disconnect the red positive (+) cable

from the vehicle with the good battery.

4) Disconnect the red positive (+) cable

from the other vehicle.

5) Return the terminal cover to its original

position.

5-23

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Headlamps

10)Reverse the steps 1 and 2 to reinstall

7) Install the socket into the lamp housing

the headlamp assembly. Then, check

by turning it clockwise.

the lamps.

8) Reverse the steps 1 and 2 to reinstall

the headlamp assembly. Then, check

Front Turn Signal Lamps

the lamps.

Front Side marker Lamps

To replace a headlamp bulb:

1)

Open the hood.

2)

Remove the two bolts and one nut

shown in the illustration that retain the

To replace a front turn signal lamp bulb:

headlamp assembly.

3)

Disconnect the wiring harness connec-

1) Open the hood.

To replace a front sidemarker lamp bulb:

tor from the rear of the bulb.

2) Remove the two bolts and one nut and

4)

Remove the headlamp cap by turning it

remove the headlamp assembly.

1) Open the hood.

counterclockwise.

3) Turn the front turn signal bulb socket

2) Rotate the front side marker bulb socket

5)

Release the spring that retains the bulb.

counterclockwise.

counterclockwise.

6)

Remove the old bulb.

4) Pull the front turn signal bulb socket out

3) Pull the front side marker bulb socket

7)

Install the new bulb. See “Replacement

of the lamp housing.

out of the front bumper.

Bulbs” in this section for the proper

5) Press the bulb inward and turn it coun-

4) Pull the old bulb straight out of the bulb

bulb.

terclockwise to remove it from the bulb

socket.

8)

Install the bulb retaining spring.

socket.

5) Push a new bulb straight into the

9)

Install the wiring harness connector to

6) Install the new bulb into the bulb socket

socket.

the bulb and replace the headlamp cap

by pressing it in and turning it clock-

6) Reverse the steps 1 through 4 to rein-

by turning it clockwise.

wise. See “Replacement Bulbs” in this

stall the bulb socket.

section for the proper bulb.

5-24

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Front Fog Lamps

Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp

Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp

(Sedan)

(Wagon)

N5U5003A

To replace a front fog lamp bulb:

To replace a center high-mounted stop

To replace a center high-mounted stop

1)

Disconnect the wiring harness connec-

lamp bulb:

lamp bulb:

tor from the front fog lamp bulb.

2)

Rotate the front fog lamp bulb counter-

1) Open the trunk lid.

1) Open the lift gate.

clockwise and remove it.

2) Remove the two screws which are

2) Remove the two screws and the lift gate

3)

Replace the bulb. See “Replacement

recessed on the underside of the hood.

trim cover.

Bulbs” in this section for the proper

3) Disconnect the wiring harness connec-

3) Remove the bulb socket from the lamp

bulb.

tor before removing the lamp housing.

housing.

4)

Connect the wiring harness connector

4) Remove the lamp housing.

4) Remove the bulb by pulling it straight

to the front fog lamp bulb.

5) Remove the two screws and the reflec-

out of the bulb socket.

tor assembly.

5) Install the appropriate bulb into the

6) Remove the bulb by pulling it straight

socket. See

“Replacement Bulbs” in

out of the bulb socket.

this section.

7) Install the new bulb. See “Replacement

6) Replace the lamp housing and trim in

Bulbs” in this section for the proper

reverse order.

bulb.

8) Reverse the steps 1 through 5 to rein-

stall the lamp housing.

5-25

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Luggage Compartment Lamp

Tail/Stop Lamps, Turn Signal Lamps

Tail/Stop Lamps, Turn Signal Lamps

and Backup Lamps (Sedan)

and Backup Lamps (Wagon)

N5U5004A

To replace a luggage compartment lamp

bulb:

To replace a tail/stop lamp bulb, a rear turn

To replace a tail/stop lamp bulb, a rear turn

signal lamp bulb, or a rear backup lamp

signal lamp bulb, or a rear backup lamp

1)

Use a flat screwdriver to pry the lamp

bulb:

bulb:

assembly from the lamp assembly

holder.

1) Open the trunk.

1) Open the lift gate.

2)

Replace the bulb. See “Replacement

2) Open the trim cover.

2) Remove the two screws shown in the

Bulbs” in this section for the proper

3) Remove the bulb socket by turning it

illustration and the lamp assembly.

bulb.

counterclockwise.

3) Remove the bulb socket from the lamp

3)

Reinstall the lamp assembly.

4) Remove the bulb from the socket by

housing by turning the bulb socket

pressing the bulb and turning it counter-

counterclockwise.

clockwise.

4) Remove the bulb from the socket by

5) Install the appropriate bulb into the

pressing the bulb and turning it counter-

socket. See

“Replacement Bulbs” in

clockwise.

this section.

5) Install the appropriate bulb into the

6) Replace the bulb socket into the lamp

socket. See

“Replacement Bulbs” in

housing. Turn the bulb socket clockwise

this section.

to secure it.

6) Replace the bulb socket into the lamp

7) Replace the trim cover.

housing.

8) Close the trunk.

5-26

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

7) Replace the lamp housing into the vehi-

Rear Side marker Lamps

Replacement Bulbs

cle using the two screws removed ear-

lier.

Wattages

Bulb

8) Close the lift gate.

Bulb

x

No.

Quantity

License Plate Lamps

High-Beam

55W x 2

H1

Headlamp

Low-Beam

55W x 2

H7

Headlamp

Front Turn Signal

28/8W x 2

2357NA

Lamp

Front Sidemarker

5W x 2

168

Lamp

To replace a rear side marker lamp bulb:

Stop Lamp/

27/8W x 4

1157

Tail Lamp

1)

Insert your hand into the inside of the

rear bumper and hold the socket.

N4U5029B

Rear Turn Signal

2)

Rotate the rear side marker bulb socket

27W x 2

1156NA

Lamp

counterclockwise.

To replace a license plate lamp bulb:

3)

Pull the rear side marker bulb socket

Backup Lamp

27W x 2

1156

1) Remove the two screws shown in the

out of the rear bumper.

License Plate

illustration and the lamp cover.

4)

Pull the old bulb straight out from the

5W x 2

168

Lamp

2) To remove the bulb holder from the

bulb socket.

lamp housing, rotate the bulb holder

5)

Push a new bulb straight into the

Center

counterclockwise.

socket.

High-Mounted

5W x 5

168

3) Pull the bulb out from the bulb holder.

6)

Reverse the steps 1 through 3 to rein-

Stop Lamp

4) Replace the bulb. See “Replacement

stall the bulb socket.

Bulbs” in this section for the proper

Rear Sidemarker

5W x 2

168

bulb.

Lamp

5) Install the bulb holder into the lamp

housing by rotating the bulb holder

clockwise.

6) Replace the lamp cover.

5-27

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Windshield Wiper Blade

Tires

WARNING

Replacement

Your new vehicle comes with high-quality

tires made by a leading tire manufacturer.

(Continued)

Windshield wiper blades should be

If you ever have questions about your tire

• Worn, old tires can cause acci-

inspected at least twice a year for wear or

warranty and where to obtain service, see

dents. If your tread is badly worn,

cracking. If the wiper blades become brittle

your SUZUKI Warranty booklet for details.

or if your tires have been damaged,

or damaged, or make streaks when wiping,

replace them.

replace the wiper blades for optimum driv-

For additional information refer to the tire

ing visibility. Replacement blades come in

manufacturer’s booklet included with your

different types and are removed in different

vehicle’s Owner’s Manual.

Tire Sidewall Labeling

ways.

Useful information about a tire is molded

into its sidewall. The examples below show

WARNING

Here’s how

to

remove

the

Shepherd’s

a typical passenger car tire and a spare

Hook type:

Poorly maintained and improperly

tire sidewall.

used tires are dangerous.

•

Overloading your tires can cause

Passenger Car Tire Example

overheating as a result of too much

friction. You could have an air-out

and a serious accident. See “Load-

ing Your Vehicle” in the Index.

•

Under inflated tires pose the same

danger as overloaded tires. The

resulting accident could cause

serious injury. Check all tires fre-

quently to maintain the recom-

mended pressure. Tire pressure

should be checked when your tires

are cold.

•

Overi nflated tires are more likely to

1)

Pull the windshield

wiper

arm

away

be cut, punctured or broken by a

from the windshield.

sudden impact - such as when you

2)

Press the retaining clip (A) and pull the

hit a pothole. Keep tires at the rec-

A. Tire Size

wiper blade off the arm.

The tire size is a combination of let-

ommended pressure.

3)

Install a new blade by reversing the

(Continued)

ters and numbers used to define a

steps 1 and 2.

particular tire’s width, height, aspect

ratio, construction type and service

description. See the “Tire Size” illus-

5-28

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

tration later in this section for more

inflation pressure. The higher the

Compact Spare Tire Example

detail.

number is, the greater the load carry-

B. Department of Transportation (DOT)

ing capacity. The letter symbol

Code

denotes the speed at which a tire is

The Department of Transportation

designed to be driven for extended

(DOT) code indicates that the tire is in

periods of time.

(Ratings are listed

compliance with the U.S. Department

below.)

of Transportation Motor Vehicle

Safety Standards.

Letter Rating

Speed Rating

C. Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Q

99 mph

The letters and numbers following the

DOT code are the Tire Identification

R

106 mph

Number (TIN). The TIN shows the

manufacturer and plant code, tire size

S

112 mph

and the date the tire was manufac-

T

118 mph

tured. The TIN is molded on to both

A. Temporary Use Only Marking

sides of the tire, although only one

U

124 mph

The compact spare tire should not be

side may have the date of manufac-

driven at speeds over 50 mph (80 km/

ture.

H

130 mph

h). The compact spare tire is for

D. Tire Ply Material

V

149 mph

emergency use when a regular road

The type of cord and number of plies

tire has lost air and gone flat. See

in the sidewall and under the tread.

W

168 mph*

“Compact Spare Tire” and “If a Tire

E. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)

Y

186 mph*

Goes Flat” in this section.

Tire manufacturers are required to

B. Tire Ply Material

grade tires based on three perfor-

The type of cord and number of plies

mance factors: treadwear, traction

*The letters ZR may be used on tires with a

in the sidewall and under the tread.

and temperature resistance.

maximum speed capability over 149 mph

C. Tire Identification Number (TIN)

F. Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit

and will always be used on tires with a

The Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Maximum load that can be carried

maximum speed capability over 186 mph.

shows the manufacturer and plant

and the maximum pressure needed to

code, tire size, and date the tire was

support that load.

manufactured. The TIN is molded

G. Load Index and Speed Rating

onto both sides of the tire, although

The two- or three-digit number is the

only one side may have the date of

tire’s load index, the maximum load a

manufacture.

tire can carry at the speed indicated

D. Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit

by its speed symbol at the maximum

Maximum load that can be carried

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

and the maximum pressure needed to

tire’s sidewall is 70% as high as it is

support that load. See

“Compact

wide.

Spare Tire” in this section and “Load-

D. Construction Code

ing Your Vehicle” in section 4.

A letter code is used to indicate the

E. Tire Inflation Pressure

type of ply construction in the tire. The

The temporary use tire or compact

letter “R” means radial ply construc-

spare tire should be inflated to 60 psi

tion, the letter “D” means diagonal or

(420 kPa). For more information on

bias ply construction; and the letter

tire pressure and inflation, see “Tire

“B” means belted-bias ply construc-

Inflation Pressure” in this section.

tion.

F. Tire Size

E. Rim Diameter

A combination of letters and numbers

Diameter of the wheel in inches.

defining a tire’s width, height, aspect

F. Service Description

ratio, construction type and service

These characters represent the load

description. The letter “T” as the first

range and the speed rating of a tire.

character in the tire size means the

The following illustration shows an exam-

The load range represents the load

tire is for temporary use only.

ple of a typical passenger car tire size.

carrying capacity a tire is certified to

carry. The speed rating is the maxi-

A. Tire Type

Tire Size

mum speed a tire is certified to carry

This letter code indicates the primary

a load. Speed ratings range from “A”

intended use of the tire. The “P” as

WARNING

to “Z”.

the first character in the tire size

Your SUZUKI is equipped with tires

means a passenger vehicle tire engi-

which are all the same type and size.

neered to standards set by the U.S.

This is important to ensure proper

Tire and Rim Association.

steering and handling of the vehicle.

B. Tire Width

Never mix tires of different size or

The three-digit number indicates the

type on the four wheels of your vehi-

tire section width in millimeters from

cle. Mixing tires could cause you to

sidewall to sidewall.

lose control while driving which may

C. Aspect Ratio

lead to an accident. The size and type

A two-digit number that indicates the

of tires used should be only those

tire height-to-width measurements.

approved by SUZUKI Motor Corpora-

For example, if the tire size aspect

tion as standard or optional equip-

ratio is “70”, as shown in item “C” of

ment for your vehicle.

the illustration, it would mean that the

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