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Vehicle
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What is the vehicle placard, where is it located, and what information does it contain?
The vehicle placard is a label that is usually located on the rear section of the driver’s door jamb. It contains information specified by the vehicle manufacturer for original equipment tire size, any approved alternate tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure, and vehicle load carrying capacity. Refer to the vehicle owners’ manual for tire information if there is no placard on the driver’s door jamb.
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What should I know about a tire related breakdown?
The vehicle owners’ manual contains all the information needed to lift a vehicle and replace a tire. Always refer to the owners’ manual before attempting to replace a tire and follow the vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Be certain to pull the vehicle onto a surface that is safely out of traffic and suitable for lifting with the jack. Remove passengers from the vehicle and be aware that injury or death can occur from oncoming traffic. Never stand behind the vehicle, in front of the vehicle, or near the highway. Also be aware that improper lifting procedures can cause a vehicle to fall suddenly and without warning. Stay away from the vehicle and never crawl under the vehicle. Always know where the lug nut or wheel cover “key” is kept since you cannot remove the lock without it. The key should be kept in the storage area with the jack and lug wrench.
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Can I change the tire size on my vehicle?
It is not generally of benefit to change the size of tire used on your vehicle. Many systems in modern vehicles are controlled by computers. A tire diameter change can feed misleading information to the computers and cause them to adversely affect the safe or efficient operation of the vehicle. The manufacturer will note any acceptable alternate size in the owners’ manual or on the vehicle placard.
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What is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
The Tire Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation Act (TREAD Act) was passed in the fall of 2000 as a result of tire problems associated with the Ford Explorer. One of the regulations included in the TREAD Act was a mandate that all new autos manufactured by the 2007 model year be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. The TPMS warns the driver of a potentially dangerous under inflation condition. There are two types of TPMS: the Passive System that works in conjunction with the Anti-Lock Brake System and the Active System that uses individual sensors inside each tire that transmit a signal to a control panel readout on the dash board. Consult your vehicle owners’ manual for a complete description of your TPMS or visit Central Tire for additional information. Note that most TPMS systems must be reset following under inflation detection or tire rotation.
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Does a Tire Pressure Monitoring System require any periodic maintenance?
Passive systems will only require resetting after any event resulting in a warning message. This may be done by the consumer. Directions are in the owners’ manual. Active systems do require periodic maintenance. The active system will require resetting by a facility that has proper equipment after incurring a flat tire or rotating tires. Rubber valve stem seals and special valve cores should be replaced during new tire replacement or when age of the components is in question. Central Tire stocks TPMS parts and replacement sensors for most vehicles. Also special technician training is essential for proper TPMS service.
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Can my Tire Pressure Monitoring System be damaged
Yes, particularly the Active TPMS that has sensors inside the tires. Parts of the sensors are quite fragile, especially the metal alloy valve stem. Simple lateral force applied when checking air pressure with a gauge or adding additional air can snap off the valve stem. The sensor can be damaged during tire dismounting or mounting. Aerosol propelled tire sealants will clog the sensor ports and permanently render a sensor nonfunctional. Active TPMS sensors with metal alloy stems require a special valve core that will not become seized in the valve stem. Attempted removal of a seized valve core may fracture the valve stem. Replacement sensors are expensive so service is best left to a competent tire service facility like Central Tire.
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