Cannondale S440 - Manual (Page 87)

87
Printed : 8/15/02
87
TIRES
The following tire service specifications for your
vehicle can be found in the Model Specifications
section in this manual: (front tire size, rear tire size,
front/rear cold tire pressure). Be sure to observe the
specifications and service limits for your vehicle.
Checking the cold tire pressure
The air pressure within the tires affects the vehicle
handling and stability. Check the air pressure and
maintain the recommended tire pressure in each tire
before every ride.
NOTE :
Tire pressure below the minimum specification
could cause the tire to dislodge from the rim under
severe riding conditions.
Insufficient tire pressure will result in:
• Poor handling and may cause the vehicle to
“wander.”
• Rapid tire wear.
• Increases fuel consumption,
• Decrease performance
• Less control.
1. Take two tire pressure measurements of each
tire using a good quality tire pressure gauge
while the tires are cool. Use the second reading.
2. Regulate the pressure in each tire to meet tire
pressure specifications for your vehicle.
3. Add air in small amounts and re-check often to
help avoid over-inflating. Unusual air loss might
be attributed to damaged tires or rims.
4. Check the physical condition of each tire. Make
sure there is adequate tread. If the tire is torn,
punctured, or damaged, have it replaced with a
new one.
5. Check the valve stem for cracks or other dam-
age. If damage is found, replace with a new inner
tube. A tilted tire valve stem indicates that the tire
has slipped out of position and must be
remounted properly.
6. Make sure the tire valve locknut is secure and
the rimlock nut is tightened to 9.0 lbf-ft (12.2
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
(1) Uneven or improper tire pressure
(2) Improper tires
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
(1 & 2) Tire characteristics influence the han-
dling and stability of this vehicle. Use of tire
types/sizes other than specified (front/rear)
in this Owner’s Manual or improper tire
pressures can adversely affect the handling
and stability (operation) of this vehicle
increasing your risk of an accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
(1) Maintain proper pressures in each of the
tire.
Set pressures when tires are cold.
Maintain equal pressure in both tires.
(2) Always use the type and size tires speci-
fied in this manual.