RAM 3500 (2022 year). Manual in english — page 26

412

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

R = Construction code



"R" means radial construction, or



"D" means diagonal or bias construction

15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index



A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

H = Speed Symbol



A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions



The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading,

road conditions, and posted speed limits)

Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:



XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or



LL = Light load tire or



C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire

EXAMPLE:

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

413

Tire Identification Number (TIN)

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire; however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including

the date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is

not found on the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation



This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the US Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is approved for highway use

MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)



03 means the 3rd week

01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)



01 means the year 2001



Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could

represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

8

414

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Terminology And Definitions

Tire Loading And Tire Pressure

NOTE:

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on

the driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the

driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including

the spare tire (if equipped), at least monthly and

inflate to the recommended pressure for your

vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door)

Example Tire Placard Location (B-pillar)

Term

Definition

B-pillar

The vehicle B-pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the front door.

Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been

driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum

of three hours. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch) or kPa

(kilopascals).

Maximum Inflation Pressure

The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for

this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall.

Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire

placard.

Tire Placard

A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s loading capacity, the

original equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

415

Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about

the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the

vehicle.

2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear,

and spare tires.

Loading

The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not

exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your

vehicle. You will not exceed the tire's load carrying

capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions,

tire size, and cold tire inflation pressures specified

on the Tire and Loading Information placard

Ú

page 212.

NOTE:

Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross

axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear

axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading,

and trailer towing

Ú

page 212.

To determine the maximum loading conditions of

your vehicle, locate the statement “The combined

weight of occupants and cargo should never

exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading

Information placard. The combined weight of

occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue

weight (if applicable) should never exceed the

weight referenced here.

Steps For Determining Correct Load

Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined

weight of occupants and cargo should

never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your

vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of

the driver and passengers that will be

riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the

driver and passengers from XXX kg or

XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the

available amount of cargo and luggage

load capacity. For example, if “XXX”

amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will

be five 150 lb passengers in your

vehicle, the amount of available cargo

and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.

(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of

luggage and cargo being loaded on the

vehicle. That weight may not safely

exceed the available cargo and luggage

load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,

load from your trailer will be transferred

to your vehicle. Consult this manual to

determine how this reduces the

available cargo and luggage load

capacity of your vehicle.

8

416

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

(Continued)

Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and

there will be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle,

the amount of available cargo and luggage load

capacity is 295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as

shown in step 4.
NOTE:



If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from

your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.

The following table shows examples on how to

calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing

capacities of your vehicle with varying seating

configurations and number and size of occu

-

pants. This table is for illustration purposes only

and may not be accurate for the seating and

load carry capacity of your vehicle.



For the following example, the combined weight

of occupants and cargo should never exceed

865 lbs (392 kg).

T

IRES

— G

ENERAL

I

NFORMATION

Tire Pressure

Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the

safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.

Four primary areas are affected by improper tire

pressure:



Safety



Fuel Economy



Tread Wear



Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability

Safety

Both underinflation and overinflation affect the

stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of

sluggish response or over responsiveness in the

steering.
NOTE:



Unequal tire pressures from side to side may

cause erratic and unpredictable steering

response.



Unequal tire pressure from side to side may

cause the vehicle to drift left or right.

Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling

resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.

WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous.

Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle

handling, and increase your stopping distance.

Use tires of the recommended load capacity for

your vehicle. Never overload them.

WARNING!



Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and

can cause collisions.



Underinflation increases tire flexing and can

result in overheating and tire failure.



Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion

shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes

can cause damage that result in tire failure.



Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect

vehicle handling and can fail suddenly,

resulting in loss of vehicle control.



Unequal tire pressures can cause steering

problems. You could lose control of your

vehicle.



Unequal tire pressures from one side of the

vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to

drift to the right or left.



Always drive with each tire inflated to the

recommended cold tire inflation pressure.

WARNING!

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

417

Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause

abnormal wear patterns and reduced tread life,

resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable

ride. Overinflation produces a jarring and

uncomfortable ride.

Tire Inflation Pressures

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on

the driver's side B-pillar or rear edge of the driver's

side door.
At least once a month:



Check and adjust tire pressure with a good

quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not

make a visual judgement when determining

proper inflation. Tires may look properly inflated

even when they are underinflated.



Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible

damage.

Inflation pressures specified on the placard are

always “cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire

inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure

after the vehicle has not been driven for at least

three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km)

after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The cold

tire inflation pressure must not exceed the

maximum inflation pressure molded into the tire

sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a

wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire

pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi

(7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature change.

Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure

inside a garage, especially in the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C)

and the outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then

the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased

by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for

every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature

condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to

40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce this

normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will

be too low.

Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation

The manufacturer advocates driving at safe

speeds and within posted speed limits. Where

speed limits or conditions are such that the vehicle

can be driven at high speeds, maintaining correct

tire inflation pressure is very important. Increased

tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading may be

required for high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to

an authorized tire dealer or original equipment

vehicle dealer for recommended safe operating

speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.

Radial Ply Tires

CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,

always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will

prevent moisture and dirt from entering the

valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.

WARNING!

High speed driving with your vehicle under

maximum load is dangerous. The added strain

on your tires could cause them to fail. You could

have a serious collision. Do not drive a vehicle

loaded to the maximum capacity at continuous

speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).

WARNING!

Combining radial ply tires with other types of

tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to

handle poorly. The instability could cause a

collision. Always use radial ply tires in sets of

four. Never combine them with other types of

tires.

8

418

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if

it meets the following criteria:



The tire has not been driven on when flat.



The damage is only on the tread section of your

tire (sidewall damage is not repairable).



The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch

(6 mm).

Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs

and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have

experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced

immediately with another Run Flat tire of identical

size and service description (Load Index and

Speed Symbol). Replace the tire pressure sensor

as well as it is not designed to be reused.

Run Flat Tires — If Equipped

Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive

50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a

rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid loss of

inflation is referred to as the Run Flat mode. A Run

Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation pressure is

of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a Run Flat tire

reaches the Run Flat mode it has limited driving

capabilities and needs to be replaced immediately.

A Run Flat tire is not repairable. When a Run Flat

tire is changed after driving with underinflated tire

condition, please replace the TPMS sensor as it is

not designed to be reused when driven under Run

Flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa) condition.
NOTE:

TPMS Sensor must be replaced after driving the

vehicle on a flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at

full capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in the

Run Flat mode

Ú

page 298.

Tire Spinning

When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions,

do not spin your vehicle's wheels above 30 mph

(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds

continuously without stopping. For further

information

Ú

page 358.

Tread Wear Indicators

Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment

tires to help you in determining when your tires

should be replaced.

Tire Tread

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the

tread grooves. They will appear as bands when the

tread depth becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm).

When the tread is worn to the tread wear

indicators, the tire should be replaced.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces

generated by excessive wheel speeds may

cause tire damage or failure. A tire could

explode and injure someone. Do not spin your

vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)

for more than 30 seconds continuously when

you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a

spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

419

Life Of Tire

The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying

factors including, but not limited to:



Driving style.



Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pres

-

sures can cause uneven wear patterns to

develop across the tire tread. These abnormal

wear patterns will reduce tread life, resulting in

the need for earlier tire replacement.



Distance driven.



Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V

or higher, and Summer tires typically have a

reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires per

the vehicle scheduled maintenance is highly

recommended.

NOTE:

Wheel valve stem must be replaced as well when

installing new tires due to wear and tear in existing

tires.

Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as

little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires

from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.

Replacement Tires

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of

many characteristics. They should be inspected

regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation

pressures. The manufacturer strongly recommends

that you use tires equivalent to the originals in size,

quality and performance when replacement is

needed

Ú

page 418. Refer to the Tire and Loading

Information placard or the Vehicle Certification

Label for the size designation of your tire. The Load

Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on

the original equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example for more

information relating to the Load Index and Speed

Symbol of a tire

Ú

page 410.

It is recommended to replace the two front tires or

two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can

seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever

replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s

specifications match those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire

dealer or original equipment dealer with any

questions you may have on tire specifications or

capability. Failure to use equivalent replacement

tires may adversely affect the safety, handling, and

ride of your vehicle.

WARNING!

Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after

six years, regardless of the remaining tread.

Failure to follow this warning can result in sudden

tire failure. You could lose control and have a

collision resulting in serious injury or death.

WARNING!



Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or

speed rating other than that specified for your

vehicle. Some combinations of unapproved

tires and wheels may change suspension

dimensions and performance characteristics,

resulting in changes to steering, handling, and

braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpre

-

dictable handling and stress to steering and

suspension components. You could lose control

and have a collision resulting in serious injury or

death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with

load ratings approved for your vehicle.



Never use a tire with a smaller load index or

capacity, other than what was originally

equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a

smaller load index could result in tire over

-

loading and failure. You could lose control and

have a collision.



Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having

adequate speed capability can result in

sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

CAUTION!

Replacing original tires with tires of a different

size may result in false speedometer and

odometer readings.

8

420

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

T

IRE

T

YPES

All Season Tires — If Equipped

All Season tires provide traction for all seasons

(Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Traction

levels may vary between different all season tires.

All season tires can be identified by the M+S, M&S,

M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use all

season tires only in sets of four; failure to do so

may adversely affect the safety and handling of

your vehicle.

Summer Or Three Season Tires —

If Equipped

Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry

conditions, and are not intended to be driven in

snow or on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with

Summer tires, be aware these tires are not

designed for Winter or cold driving conditions.

Install Winter tires on your vehicle when ambient

temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads

are covered with ice or snow. For more

information, contact an authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all season

designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on the

tire sidewall. Use Summer tires only in sets of four;

failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and

handling of your vehicle.

Snow Tires

Some areas of the country require the use of snow

tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified

by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire

sidewall.

If you need snow tires, select tires

equivalent in size and type to the original

equipment tires. Use snow tires only in

sets of four; failure to do so may

adversely affect the safety and handling of your

vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than

what was originally equipped with your vehicle and

should not be operated at sustained speeds over

75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph

(120 km/h) refer to original equipment or an

authorized tire dealer for recommended safe

operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation

pressures.

While studded tires improve performance on ice,

skid and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces

may be poorer than that of non-studded tires.

Some states prohibit studded tires; therefore, local

laws should be checked before using these tire

types.

S

PARE

T

IRES

— I

F

E

QUIPPED

For restrictions when towing with a spare tire

designated for temporary emergency use

Ú

page 218.

Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire

And Wheel — If Equipped

Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and

wheel equivalent in look and function to the

original equipment tire and wheel found on the

front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire

may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle. If

your vehicle has this option, refer to an authorized

tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation

pattern.

WARNING!

Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions.

You could lose vehicle control, resulting in

severe injury or death. Driving too fast for

conditions also creates the possibility of loss of

vehicle control.

CAUTION!

Because of the reduced ground clearance, do

not take your vehicle through an automatic car

wash with a compact or limited use temporary

spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may

result.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

421

Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped

The compact spare is for temporary emergency

use only. You can identify if your vehicle is

equipped with a compact spare by looking at the

spare tire description on the Tire and Loading

Information Placard located on the driver’s side

door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.

Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the

letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.

Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original

equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)

and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first

opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a

conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,

since the wheel is designed specifically for the

compact spare tire. Do not install more than one

compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at any

given time.

Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped

The collapsible spare is for temporary emergency

use only. You can identify if your vehicle is

equipped with a collapsible spare by looking at the

spare tire description on the Tire and Loading

Information Placard located on the driver’s side

door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description example: 165/

80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original

equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)

and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first

opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is

properly installed to the vehicle. Inflate the

collapsible tire using the electric air pump before

lowering the vehicle.

Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a

conventional tire on the collapsible spare wheel,

since the wheel is designed specifically for the

collapsible spare tire.

Full Size Spare — If Equipped

The full size spare is for temporary emergency use

only. This tire may look like the originally equipped

tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is

not. This spare tire may have limited tread life.

When the tread is worn to the tread wear

indicators, the temporary use full size spare tire

needs to be replaced. Since it is not the same as

your original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the

original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle

at the first opportunity.

WARNING!

Compact and collapsible spares are for temporary

emergency use only. With these spares, do not

drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary

use spares have limited tread life. When the tread

is worn to the tread wear indicators, the

temporary use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be

sure to follow the warnings, which apply to your

spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire

failure and loss of vehicle control.

WARNING!

Compact and Collapsible spares are for temporary

emergency use only. With these spares, do not

drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary

use spares have limited tread life. When the tread

is worn to the tread wear indicators, the

temporary use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be

sure to follow the warnings, which apply to your

spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire

failure and loss of vehicle control.

8

422

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Limited Use Spare — If Equipped

The limited use spare tire is for temporary

emergency use only. This tire is identified by a label

located on the limited use spare wheel. This label

contains the driving limitations for this spare. This

tire may look like the original equipped tire on the

front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.

Installation of this limited use spare tire affects

vehicle handling. Since it is not the same as your

original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the

original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle

at the first opportunity.

W

HEEL

A

ND

W

HEEL

T

RIM

C

ARE

All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum

and chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned

regularly using mild (neutral Ph) soap and water to

maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion.

Wash wheels with the same soap solution

recommended for the body of the vehicle and

remember to always wash when the surfaces are

not hot to the touch.
Your wheels are susceptible to deterioration

caused by salt, sodium chloride, magnesium

chloride, calcium chloride, etc., and other road

chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on dirt

roads. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap to

wipe away promptly. Do not use harsh chemicals or

a stiff brush. They can damage the wheel’s

protective coating that helps keep them from

corroding and tarnishing.

When cleaning extremely dirty wheels including

excessive brake dust, care must be taken in the

selection of tire and wheel cleaning chemicals and

equipment to prevent damage to the wheels.

Mopar® Wheel Treatment or Mopar® Chrome

Cleaner or their equivalent is recommended or

select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner for

aluminum or chrome wheels.

NOTE:

If you intend parking or storing your vehicle for an

extended period after cleaning the wheels with

wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle and apply the

brakes to remove the water droplets from the

brake components. This activity will remove the

red rust on the brake rotors and prevent vehicle

vibration when braking.

WARNING!

Limited use spares are for emergency use only.

Installation of this limited use spare tire affects

vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive

more than the speed listed on the limited use

spare wheel. Keep inflated to the cold tire

inflation pressures listed on your Tire and

Loading Information Placard located on the

driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the

driver’s side door. Replace (or repair) the original

equipment tire at the first opportunity and

reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do so could

result in loss of vehicle control.

CAUTION!

Avoid products or automatic car washes that use

acidic solutions or strong alkaline additives or

harsh brushes. Many aftermarket wheel

cleaners and automatic car washes may

damage the wheel's protective finish. Such

damage is not covered by the New Vehicle

Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap, Mopar®

Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recommended.

CAUTION!

Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle

brush, metal polishes or oven cleaner. These

products may damage the wheel's protective

finish. Such damage is not covered by the New

Vehicle Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap,

Mopar® Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is

recommended.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

423

Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low Gloss Clear Coat Wheels

S

NOW

T

RACTION

D

EVICES

Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clearance. Due to limited clearance, the following snow traction devices are recommended. Follow these

recommendations to guard against damage:



Snow traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as recommended by the snow traction device manufacturer.



No other tire sizes are recommended for use with the snow traction device.



Please follow the table below for the recommended tire size, axle and snow traction device:

CAUTION!

If your vehicle is equipped with these specialty wheels, DO NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives, or polishing compounds. They will permanently damage this

finish and such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. HAND WASH ONLY USING MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH A SOFT CLOTH. Used on

a regular basis; this is all that is required to maintain this finish.

2500 4x2 (2WD) & 4x4 (4WD)

Trim Level

Axle

Tire/Wheel Size

Snow Traction Device (maximum

projection beyond tire profile or

equivalent)

Tradesman

Rear

LT245/70R17E
LT275/70R18E

U Class

Bighorn

Laramie

Longhorn

LT275/70R18E
LT285/60R20E

Limited

LT285/60R20E

Power Wagon (4x4 Only)

LT285/70R17D

8

424

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

3500 SRW 4x2 (2WD) & 4x4 (4WD)

Trim Level

Axle

Tire/Wheel Size

Snow Traction Device (maximum

projection beyond tire profile or

equivalent)

Tradesman

Bighorn

Limited

Laramie

Longhorn

Rear

LT275/70R18E

U Class

3500 DRW 4x2 (2WD)

Trim Level

Axle

Tire/Wheel Size

Snow Traction Device (maximum

projection beyond tire profile or

equivalent)

Tradesman

Bighorn

Limited

Laramie

Longhorn

Rear

LT235/80R17E

U Class

3500 DRW 4x4 (4WD)

Trim Level

Axle

Tire/Wheel Size

Snow Traction Device (maximum

projection beyond tire profile or

equivalent)

Tradesman

Bighorn

Limited

Laramie

Longhorn

Front/Rear

LT235/80R17E

U Class

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

425

(Continued)

T

IRE

R

OTATION

R

ECOMMENDATIONS

Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles

operate at different loads and perform different

steering, driving, and braking functions. For these

reasons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of

tires. The benefits of rotation are especially

worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such as

those on all season type tires. Rotation will

increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow

and wet traction levels and contribute to a smooth,

quiet ride.

For the proper maintenance intervals

Ú

page 362.

More frequent rotation is permissible if desired.

The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should

be corrected prior to rotation being performed.
The suggested rotation method is the “rearward

cross” shown in the following diagram. This

rotation pattern does not apply to some directional

tires that must not be reversed.

Tire Rotation (Rearward Cross)

WARNING!

Using tires of different size and type (M+S,

Snow) between front and rear axles can cause

unpredictable handling. You could lose control

and have a collision.

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe

the following precautions:



Because of restricted traction device clear

-

ance between tires and other suspension

components, it is important that only traction

devices in good condition are used. Broken

devices can cause serious damage. Stop the

vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could

indicate device breakage. Remove the

damaged parts of the device before further

use.



Install device as tightly as possible and then

retighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).

Autosock traction devices do not require

retightening.



Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).



Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and

large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.



Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry

pavement.



Observe the traction device manufacturer’s

instructions on the method of installation,

operating speed, and conditions for use.

Always use the suggested operating speed of

the device manufacturer’s if it is less than

30 mph (48 km/h).



Do not use traction devices on a compact

spare tire.

CAUTION!

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426

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Dual Rear Wheels — If Equipped

The tires used on dual wheel assemblies should be

matched for wear to prevent overloading one tire in

a set. To check if tires are even, lay a straight edge

across all four tires. The straight edge should touch

all the tires.

Tire Rotation

NOTE:

If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure

Information System (TPIS):



The Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)

uses unique sensors in the inner rear wheels to

help identify them from the outer rear wheels,

because of this, the inner and outer wheel loca

-

tions can’t be switched.



After a tire rotation is completed, as shown

below, the system can auto learn the locations

of each sensor ID. Auto learning/localization

occurs when the vehicle ignition status is

changed from Off to On and speeds of greater

than 5 mph (8km/h) are obtained and remain

over 5 mph (8km/h) for at about a 15 minute

period. You may need to drive for 20 minutes to

account slower speeds and stops.



If the tires are rotated incorrectly, The auto

localization of the TPIS sensors will fail to locate

correctly resulting in incorrect locations for the

pressure values displayed in the instrument

cluster.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES

The following tire grading categories

were established by the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The specific grade rating assigned by the

tire's manufacturer in each category is

shown on the sidewall of the tires on

your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform

to Federal safety requirements in

addition to these grades.

T

READWEAR

The Treadwear grade is a comparative

rating, based on the wear rate of the tire

when tested under controlled conditions

on a specified government test course.

For example, a tire graded 150 would

wear one and one-half times as well on

the government course as a tire graded

100. The relative performance of tires

depends upon the actual conditions of

their use, however, and may depart

significantly from the norm due to

CAUTION!



3500 Dual Rear Tires may only have one

approved direction of rotation. This is to

accommodate the asymmetrical design (tread

pattern) of the On/Off-Road tire and the use of

Outline White Letter (OWL) tires.



When replacing a flat, the spare tire may have

to be remounted on the rim, or installed at a

different location, to maintain the correct

placement of the tire on the wheel relative to

the tire/wheel position on the truck. For

example, if the spare is used to replace an

outer rear tire it will have to be remounted on

the rim so that the wheel is dished inward.

That way the tread design of asymmetrical

tires and the white writing of the OWL tires will

maintain proper position.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

427

variations in driving habits, service

practices, and differences in road

characteristics and climate.

T

RACTION

G

RADES

The Traction grades, from highest to

lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades

represent the tire's ability to stop on wet

pavement, as measured under

controlled conditions on specified

government test surfaces of asphalt and

concrete. A tire marked C may have poor

traction performance.

T

EMPERATURE

G

RADES

The Temperature grades are A (the

highest), B, and C, representing the tire's

resistance to the generation of heat and

its ability to dissipate heat, when tested

under controlled conditions on a

specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause

the material of the tire to degenerate

and reduce tire life, and excessive

temperature can lead to sudden tire

failure. The grade C corresponds to a

level of performance, which all

passenger vehicle tires must meet

under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standard No. 109. Grades B and A

represent higher levels of performance

on the laboratory test wheel, than the

minimum required by law.

STORING THE VEHICLE

If you are storing your vehicle for more than three

weeks, we recommend that you take the following

steps to minimize the drain on your vehicle's

battery:



Disconnect the negative cable from battery.



Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of

service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more,

run the air conditioning system at idle for about

five minutes in the fresh air and high blower

setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri

-

cation to minimize the possibility of compressor

damage when the system is started again.

BODYWORK

P

ROTECTION

F

ROM

A

TMOSPHERIC

A

GENTS

Vehicle body care requirements vary according to

geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that

make roads passable in snow and ice and those

that are sprayed on trees and road surfaces during

other seasons are highly corrosive to the metal in

your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your

vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on

which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold

weather and other extreme conditions will have an

adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody

protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will

enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the

corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.

WARNING!

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based

on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and

does not include acceleration, cornering,

hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

WARNING!

The temperature grade for this tire is

established for a tire that is properly inflated and

not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation,

or excessive loading, either separately or in

combination, can cause heat build-up and

possible tire failure.

8