Wheel and tire balancing
There are two types of tire balancing: static and dynamic.
Static balance is the uniform distribution of mass around the circumference of the wheel. Assemblies that are statically unbalanced experience a vertical vibration called wheel bounce. This can eventually result in uneven wheel wear.
Dynamic balance is the even distribution of mass on both sides of the axle, so that when the assembly rotates, there is no tendency to move from side to side. Assemblies that are dynamically unbalanced may experience wheel shimmy.
General Precautions When Performing Balancing
Remove any foreign material from inside the wheel.
Attention! Remove pebbles stuck in the tread to prevent injury to the operator when performing dynamic balancing.
Check if the tire is damaged. Balance the tire according to the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.
Balance weights
If an additional weight of more than 85 grams is required for static wheel balancing (3.0 oz), then the balancing weights should be divided between the inner and outer flanges of the rim into as equal parts as possible.
Tire and alloy wheel assemblies installed in the assembly plant require the use of special nylon-coated weights that lock onto the wheel to balance tires and alloy wheels. These weights are designed for the thicker rim flanges of alloy wheels. Use a plastic-headed hammer to install these weights.
Weights glued to the wheel are also used. Follow the steps below to install adhesive-on balance weights on the wheel.
Fitting adhesive-on balance weights to the wheel
1. By grinding, clean the wheel to the alloy in the place where the balancing weight is installed.
2. With a clean cloth or paper towel soaked in a mixture of one part isopropyl alcohol and one part water, wipe the area where the weight will be placed.
3. Dry the area with hot air. When touched, the surface of the wheel should be warm.
4. Warm up to room temperature the adhesive layer on the back of the weights.
5. Remove the film covering the weights from the back. Do not touch the adhesive surface.
6. Attach the balance weight to the wheel and press it down with your hand.
7. Fix the balance weight on the wheel by pressing it with a roller with a force of 70 - 110 N (16 - 25 lb).
Using snow chains
Since the clearance between the tire and the bodywork is limited on certain vehicles, the recommendations for using snow chains in the owner's manual of the vehicle must be observed.
To ensure correct placement of the chain on the tire, snow chain manufacturers have specific chain sizes for each tire size. Be sure to purchase chains that are designed specifically for these tires. Use rubber compensators to eliminate slack or chain play.
The use of chains can adversely affect vehicle handling.
After installing snow chains, observe the following precautions:
- Choose your speed according to road conditions.
- Avoid sharp turns.
- Avoid blocking the wheels when braking.
To avoid damage to the vehicle by chains, install the chains on the front wheels as tightly as possible. After driving 0.4 - 0.8 km (0.3 - 0.5 miles), pull them up again. The use of chains on the rear wheels is not recommended as they may come into contact with the vehicle and damage it. If it is necessary to use chains on the rear wheels, ensure sufficient clearance between the chains and the body. Do not increase speed above 70 km/h (45 mph) or the value specified in the chain manufacturer's recommendations, if less. Avoid strong bumps, potholes, sharp turns and any maneuver that may cause the wheels to bounce. Follow all those chain manufacturer's instructions that do not conflict with the recommendations above.
Tire change
On the sidewall of all tires installed at the assembly plant, next to the dimension, the TPC number is embossed, reflecting the performance of the tire. This number certifies that the tire meets performance standards for traction, durability, noise, handling and rolling resistance. Tires are usually assigned a specific TPC number for each tire size
Attention! Never, except in an emergency, fit tires of different types, such as radial, diagonal and radial-diagonal tires, to the vehicle. this can lead to a serious deterioration in vehicle performance and lead to loss of controllability.
As new, use only tires that have the same size, load range, and design as the tires that were installed at the assembly plant. The use of tires of any other size or type of construction can seriously affect ride quality, handling, speedometer and odometer calibration, ground clearance and clearance between the tire and body and chassis components. This requirement does not apply to the spare tire supplied with the vehicle.
If a tire is replaced with an alternate one, the specifications of the alternate tire must be entered into the ECM (ECM) using a diagnostic tool.
If only one tire needs to be replaced, pair it with the tire with the best tread remaining to equalize the braking action.
Tires made by different manufacturers but with the same TPC number can be used on the same vehicle even if the tread pattern differs.
All season tires
All-season radial tires with steel breaker are now fitted as standard on most vehicles. These tires are called "snowy" and they have a 37% higher average traction on snow than previously used non-all-season radial tires. Other performance indicators have also been improved, such as wet grip, rolling resistance, service life and air pressure retention. This was achieved through improvements in both design and tread materials. These tires are marked "M + S", extruded on the sidewall of the tire, after its dimension. Letters "MS" also embossed on the sidewall after the TPC number.
The optional traction tires fitted to some vehicles are not all-season tires. On these tires, after the tire dimension or TPC number, the designation "MS" missing.
Tire marking
The tire label is located on the end of the driver's door and should be used to obtain tire specifications. It shows the maximum load of the car, tire size (including spare) and cold tire pressure (including spare).
Spare tire
This vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare tire (155/90R16) and wheel (4T16). Standard tire sizes available depending on regions (215/70R16) And wheels (6.5J X 16).
Wheels
Wheels should be replaced if they are bent, dented, have excessive lateral or radial runout, are leaking through welds, have oval bolt holes, or if the wheel bolts are loose or severely corroded. Excessive wheel wobble can cause the vehicle to vibrate. New wheels must have the same load capacity, diameter, rim width, offset and attachment configuration as the wheels that were installed at the assembly plant. A wheel that is not the correct size or type can adversely affect wheel and bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer and odometer calibration, vehicle ground clearance, and clearance between the tire and bodywork and chassis. Wheel offset is 49 + 1 mm (1.93 + 0.04 inches). Steel wheels can be identified by a two- or three-letter designation stamped on the rim near the valve. Alloy wheels must have the code, part number and manufacturer's identification number molded on the back.
Wheel inflation
The pressure recommended for a particular vehicle model is carefully calculated to ensure good driving performance, handling, tire life and load carrying capacity.
Tire pressure is recommended to be checked monthly and before any long trip. Check tires cold after vehicle has been left in place for 3 or more hours or after driving less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Inflate the tire to the pressure indicated on the label located on the end of the driver's door. The air pressure in the tires is also indicated in this part in the section «Tire size and air pressure».
Valves must be closed with caps or tips to prevent dust and water from entering.
For continuous driving at speeds up to 140 km/h (85 mph) Inflate tires to the pressure indicated on the tire. Continuous movement at a speed of more than 140 km/h (85 mph), even though it is legal, is not recommended unless the vehicle is fitted with special performance tires available from many tire dealers. If the tire is hot, then the air pressure in it can increase up to 41 kPa (6 psi inch).
Air pressure exceeding the recommended value may cause the following:
- Deterioration in smoothness.
- Dents or damage to the tire.
- Rapid wear of the middle part of the tread.
An air pressure lower than the recommended value may cause the following:
- Tire screeching when cornering.
- Difficult steering.
- Rapid and uneven wear along the edges of the tread.
- Dents and tire rim tear
- Tire cord rupture.
- High tire temperature.
Inequality in air pressure in tires on the same axle can cause the following:
- uneven braking.
- Lateral steering.
- Deterioration in control.
- Deviation from the course when accelerating.
- Car pull during acceleration.
Tire swap
Tires and wheels need to be rotated at regular intervals to evenly distribute wear. In addition to those scheduled, perform tire and wheel rotations if you notice any uneven tire wear.
Radial tires tend to wear faster in the shoulder area, especially in the front. Radial tires that are not in contact with the road can experience wear with an uneven profile that can increase tire noise.
Always use 4 wheel shift. After repositioning, check that the wheel nuts are tightened to the specified torque. Then pump up the tires.