Caring for Your Tyres

Your vehicle is equipped with general use tyres which may not be suitable for long-term use and storage at low temperatures. Because low temperatures may lead to a decrease in the tyre’s performance, and even cracks may appear on the tread, if you drive your car in low temperatures, or on the snowy and icy roads, it is recommended to install winter tyres and anti-skid chains. Refer to “Driving in Winter”in this section for details. The damage of a tyre or rim may happen unnoticed. If abnormal vibration or deviation is experienced, it may mean that the tyre may have been damaged. If you suspect that a tyre is damaged, please slow down immediately, and stop your vehicle to check the tyre for damage. If you can’t see the damage from the outside, continue driving the vehicle slowly to the nearest Authorised Repairer or tyre centre for inspection and service. During the use of tyres and wheels, attention should be paid to the followings:

1. New Tyres New tyres may not have the same adhesion properties of the old tyres, please run in at moderate speed using a careful driving style for the first 300 miles (500km). This action could benefit tyre life.
2. You should drive at low speed when passing over kerbs or similar sections, if it is necessary to mount a kerb, then please try and ensure the wheel mounts the kerb at a 90 degree right angle so as not to damage the wheel rim or tyre sidewall.
3. Regularly check tyres for damage (punctures, scratches, cracks and pits), and remove any foreign objects such as stones as soon as possible. (Do not remove nails or screws that could have punctured the tyre, if a screw or nail is noticed seek advice from an Authorised Repairer or tyre centre immediately).
4. The valve dust cap must be fitted to prevent dust from entering the valve.
5. If the tyre is to be removed, always mark the tyre/wheel orientation to ensure correct refit.
6. Store the removed wheels or tyres in cool and dry places to keep out of direct sunlight.
7. General use tyres should be stored at room temperature when not in use. If the tyres have been used or stored at low temperatures, they should be placed in a space of not less than 5℃for 24 hours or above before you install them or drive a vehicle fitted with them.
8. Do not directly heat or blow warm air into, or onto the tyres. Service Life of Tyres Correct tyre pressures and a moderate driving style can extend tyre life. Recommendations during use are as follows:

• Check the tyre pressures at least once a month, it should be carried out when the tyre is cold;
• Avoid cornering at excessive speeds;
• Regularly check tyres for abnormal wear patterns.
• If the vehicle is to be stored for a lengthy time, please move your vehicle at least once every two weeks to‘rotate the tyres’. The following factors affect the tyre life: Tyre Pressure Over or under-inflated tyres will cause the abnormal wear of the tyre, greatly shorten the service life, and have an adverse effect on the driving characteristics of the vehicle. Driving Style Fast driving, excessively harsh acceleration and braking whilst cornering will increase the tyre wear. Wheel Balance Every new vehicle leaves the factory having had the wheels dynamically balanced. Out of balance wheels may be due to many factors. If wheels are out of balance, shaking or vibration of the steering mechanism may occur and the tyres may start to wear excessively. It is important to restore wheel balance as quick as possible. Each wheel should be rebalanced after installing a new tyre or having a tyre repair. Wheel Alignment Defect Incorrect wheel alignment can cause excessive tyre wear and affect vehicle safety. If the tyres show signs of abnormal wear, seek advice from an Authorised Repairer and have the wheel alignment checked.