Tires: Description and Operation
Tires
The radial ply tires Specification are to meet the high speed performance of the vehicle. Only tires of identical specification may be fitted as replacements. Under no circumstances must cross-ply tires be fitted.
Tire Inflation Pressures
All recommended tires, including winter tires, must be inflated to the pressures shown in Specifications. Inflation pressures must only be checked when the tires are cold.
Tire Replacement and Wheel-interchanging
When renewal of tires is necessary, it is preferable to fit a complete set. If two replacement tires are fitted (to one axle), they must be of the same manufacturer and type as those on the other axle.
No attempt must be made to interchange wheels from the front to the rear or vice-versa, as wear produces a characteristic pattern on each tire depending upon its position on the vehicle. If this position is changed after wear has occurred, the performance of the tire will be adversely affected.
It should be remembered that new tires must be balanced before installing to the vehicle.
Winter Tires
NOTE: Speed must not exceed 210 km/h (131 mph) when winter tires are installed.
Winter tires must only be fitted in complete four-wheel sets of the same type and size.
Snow Chains and Spike Spider Traction System
Snow chains, must only be installed when using 16 inch wheels with 225/60 R16 winter tires, or 17 inch wheels with 245/50 R17 winter tires.
The spike spider traction system can be used on all wheel and tire sizes, except the temporary spare wheel.
NOTE: When using snow chains or the spike spider traction system, note that:
Snow chains and the spike spider traction system must only be fitted to the rear wheels.
Only recommended snow chains or spike spider traction system must be used.
The maximum permissible speed with winter tires, and snow chains or spike spider traction system fitted is 48 km/h (30 mph).
Traction control (where fitted) must be switched OFF when using snow chains or the spike spider traction system.
Snow chains and the spike spider traction system must not be used on roads which are clear of snow.
Asymmetric Tires
Some tires are asymmetric. Inner and outer markers embossed on the tire walls must be observed to ensure the correct installation of the tire to the wheel.
Rotational Indicators
Some tires are directional, these tires have an embossed arrow on the tire wall to show the direction of rotation of the tire when installed.
Tread Wear Indicator
NOTE: Tire condition must comply with prevailing local legislation.
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves across the width of the tire. The tire must be renewed when tread wear indicators become visible at the surface of the tread.
General Notes
1. Factory installed tires and wheels are designed to provide optimum ride and handling characteristics when inflated to the recommended inflation pressures, with vehicle loads not exceeding the full-rated load capacity.
2. Correct tire pressures and driving technique have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering, excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increase tire wear.
3. Replacement tires should follow the recommended:
Size.
Speed rating.
Load range.
Radial construction type.
4. The use of any other size or type of wheel / tire may seriously affect:
Safety.
Ride.
Handling.
Speedometer/odometer calibration.
Vehicle ground clearance.
Tire clearance between body and chassis.
Wheel bearing life.
Brake cooling.
5. Wheels must be renewed when:
Impact damaged.
Heavily corroded.
Porous Wheel stud holes or seats become damaged.
They have excessive radial or lateral runout.
Safety Notes
WARNING: DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIRES ON THE SAME VEHICLE, HANDLING MAY BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
WARNING: DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIRES ON THE SAME VEHICLE, HANDLING MAY BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
WARNING: CORRECT TIRE ROTATIONAL DIRECTION IS IMPORTANT, OBSERVE THE DIRECTION OF THE SIDEWALL MOLDED INDICATORS.
WARNING: A TIRE AND WHEEL MUST ALWAYS BE CORRECTLY MATCHED. WIDER OR NARROWER TIRES THAN RECOMMENDED COULD CAUSE DANGER THROUGH SUDDEN DEFLATION.
WARNING: WHEN USING THE TEMPORARY SPARE WHEEL, SPEED MUST NOT EXCEED 80 KMIH (50 MPH). DRIVE WITH CAUTION AND REPLACE WITH THE SPECIFIED WHEEL / TIRE ASSEMBLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
WARNING: TRACTION CONTROL (IF AVAILABLE) MUST NOT BE ENGAGED WITH THE TEMPORARY SPARE WHEEL FITTED.
WARNING: WHEN CHANGING A WHEEL, ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE CANNOT MOVE. ALWAYS APPLY THE PARK BRAKE AND SELECT TRANSMISSION *P'POSITION.
WARNING: NEVER RUN THE ENGINE WITH ONE WHEEL OFF THE GROUND, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN CHANGING THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE COULD MOVE.
WARNING: TIGHTEN THE WHEEL NUTS TO SPECIFICATION. WHEELS MAY COME LOOSE IF OVER OR UNDER TIGHTENED.
WARNING: USE WHEELS AND WHEEL NUTS DESIGNED FOR XK SERIES VEHICLES ONLY. AFTERMARKET WHEELS OR WHEEL NUTS MAY NOT FIT OR FUNCTION PROPERLY AND COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DAMAGE.
Inspection and Verification
To maximize tire performance, inspect the tires frequently for signs of:
Uneven wear.
Incorrect tire pressure.
Wheel imbalance.
Cuts.
Abrasions.
Bulges (blister).
Ply separation.
Embedded objects.
Impact damage.
Inspection should be more frequent when:
Continuous high speed operation is required.
Rapid or extreme temperatures changes occur.
Road surfaces are rough.
Roads are littered with debris.
Tread Wear Indicator
NOTE: Tire condition must comply with prevailing local legislation.
New tires must be installed if the wear indicators are exposed or if there is severe shoulder wear. Shoulder wear is usually caused by either excessive camber or toe on tires.