Check the tire inflation pressure of the spare or compact spare whenever you check the tire pressure
of the road wheels, at least once a month. Inflate a
compact spare wheel
to the cold tire pressure
specified for the compact spare on the tire pressure label or on a separate label for the compact spare,
if there is one.
WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.
x
Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x
In some vehicles, the compact spare wheel is smaller than the original tire. A smaller
compact spare wheel is identified with a sticker and the words “50 mph” or “80 km/h.” This is
the maximum permissible speed when driving with this tire.
x
Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle
acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x
Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) if a compact spare wheel is installed on the front
axle (drive axle).
x
Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact
spare tires are designed for brief use only.
x
Regularly check the U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) to determine the age of the
compact spare wheel
⇒
page 247,
Tire labeling
. Tires age even if they are not being used and
can fail suddenly, especially at higher speeds.
x
Tires that are more than 6 years old can only be used in an emergency and then with
special care and at lower speeds.
x
The compact spare wheel must always be secured with the wheel bolts provided by the
factory.
x
Never drive using more than one compact spare wheel.
x
After installing the compact spare wheel, the tire pressure must be checked as soon as
possible,
Tire inflation pressure
.
x
Snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare wheel. If you must use snow chains
and have a compact spare wheel mounted, move the compact spare wheel to the rear axle if a
front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be used to replace the
flat front tire. Be sure you do not change the tire's direction of rotation. Install the snow
chains on the full-sized road tire.
NOTICE
The spare wheel or compact spare wheel has no tire pressure sensor. When the spare or
compact spare wheel is mounted on the vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
indicator light will flash in the instrument cluster display
⇒
page 259.
If possible, attach the compact spare wheel or the wheel you took off the vehicle securely in the
luggage compartment.