Dodge Grand Caravan (2020 year). Manual in english — page 16

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

247

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.

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:

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)

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Tire Terminology And Definitions

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

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.

EXAMPLE:

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249

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)

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 in “Vehicle Loading” in the

“Starting And Operating” section of this manual.

NOTE:

Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,

gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front

and rear axles must not be exceeded.

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For further information on GAWRs, vehicle

loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle

Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”

section of this manual.

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.

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 occupants. 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).

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Tires — General Information

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.
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.

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.

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253

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 under-inflated.



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.

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).

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Radial Ply Tires

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 TPM sensor as it is not designed to

be reused when driven under run flat mode

14 psi (96 kPa) condition.

NOTE:

TPM 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.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for

more information.

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.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of

Emergency” for further information.

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.

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.

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255

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.
Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for

further information.

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

pressures 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 replace

-

ment.



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.

Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear

Indicators” in this section. 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 found in the

“Tire Safety Information” section of this manual

for more information relating to the Load Index

and Speed Symbol of a tire.

1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire

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.

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(Continued)

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.

Tire Types

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.

WARNING!



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

speed rating other than that specified for

your vehicle. Some combinations of unap

-

proved tires and wheels may change

suspension dimensions and performance

characteristics, resulting in changes to

steering, handling, and braking of your

vehicle. This can cause unpredictable

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

overloading 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.

WARNING!

(Continued)

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.

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257

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.

Spare Tires — If Equipped

NOTE:

For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit

instead of a spare tire, please refer to

“Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of Emergency” for

further information.

Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in

“Starting And Operating” for restrictions when

towing with a spare tire designated for

temporary emergency use.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

259

Wheel And Wheel Trim Care

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.

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(Continued)

Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or

Low Gloss Clear Coat Wheels

Tire Chains and Traction Devices

Use of traction devices require sufficient

tire-to-body clearance. Due to limited clearance,

the following traction devices are

recommended. Follow these recommendations

to guard against damage.



Traction device must be of proper size for the

tire, as recommended by the traction device

manufacturer.



No other tire sizes are recommended for use

with a tire chain or traction device.



Install on front tires only.



For a 225/65R17 tire, use of a Peerless

Super Z6 low profile traction device or equiv

-

alent is recommended.

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.

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 trac

-

tion 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!

(Continued)

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

261

Tire Rotation Recommendations

The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle

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.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper

maintenance intervals. The reasons for any

rapid or unusual wear should be corrected prior

to rotation being performed.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward

cross” shown in the following diagram. This

rotation pattern does not apply to some

directional tires that must not be reversed.

Tire Rotation (Forward Cross)

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.

Treadwear

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

variations in driving habits, service

practices, and differences in road

characteristics and climate.

Traction Grades

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.

7

262

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Temperature Grades

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.

VEHICLE STORAGE

If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more

than 21 days, you may want to take steps to

protect your battery. You may do the following:



Remove the 60 Amp cartridge in the Totally

Integrated Power Module (TIPM) labeled Igni

-

tion-Off Draw (IOD).



Or, disconnect the negative cable from the

battery.



Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out

of service 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

lubrication to minimize the possibility of

compressor damage when the system is

started again.

BODYWORK

Protection From Atmospheric Agents

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,

under-inflation, or excessive loading, either

separately or in combination, can cause heat

buildup and possible tire failure.