2000 DODGE NEON flat tire

TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 2).
Performance tires will have a speed rating letter
after the aspect ratio number. For example, the letter
ªSº indicates that the tire is speed rated up to 112
mph (180 km/h). The speed rating is not always
printed on the tire sidewall.
²Q -up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
²T -up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
²U -up to 124 mph (200 km/h)
²H -up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
²V -up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
²Z -more than 149 mph (240 km/h) (consult the
tire manufacturer for the specific speed rating)
An All Season type tire will have eitherM+S,M
& S or M-S (indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall.
TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with the vehi-
cle to determine whether the use of tire chains is per-
mitted on this vehicle.
RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life and
ride quality, and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of
four. Under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. They may be mixed with temporary
spare tires when necessary. A maximum speed of 50
MPH is recommended while a temporary spare is in
use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
The use of oversized tires, either in the front or
rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train fail-
ure. This could also cause inaccurate wheel speed
Fig. 1 Tire (Typical)
1 ± CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL
2 ± WEIGHTS
3 ± CENTER CAP
4 ± WHEEL COVER5 ± MOUNTING NUTS
6 ± VALVE STEM
7 ± STEEL WHEEL
8 ± TIRE
22 - 2 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

TIRE WEAR PATTERNS
Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of
tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of
tire.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an
angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn
more than the other (Fig. 4).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 4).
TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses
caused by improper mounting, vibration, wheel
defects, or possibly tire imbalance.To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibra-
tion, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varying
speeds. Note the noise level during acceleration and
deceleration. The engine, differential and exhaust
noises will change as speed varies, while the tire
noise will usually remain constant.
VEHICLE LEAD DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION
Use the following chart to diagnose a vehicle that
has a complaint of a drift or lead condition. The use
of this chart will help to determine if the lead condi-
tion is the result of a bad tire or is caused by the
wheel alignment.
Fig. 4 Tire Wear Patterns
22 - 4 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

SERVICE PROCEDURES
PRESSURE GAUGES
A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to
check tire pressure. After checking the air pressure,
replace valve cap finger tight.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES
Under inflation causes rapid shoulder wear, tire
flexing, and can result in tire failure (Fig. 5).
Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 6).
Improper inflation can cause:
²Uneven wear patterns
²Reduced tread life
²Reduced fuel economy
²Unsatisfactory ride²The vehicle to drift.
For proper tire pressure specification refer to the
Tire Inflation Pressure Chart Placard provided with
the vehicle.
Tire pressures have been chosen to provide safe
operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth ride. Tire
pressure should be checked cold once per month.
Check tire pressure more frequently when the
weather temperature varies widely. Tire pressure will
decrease when the outdoor temperature drops.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are
always the cold inflation pressure of the tire. Cold
inflation pressure is obtained after the vehicle has
not been operated for at least 3 hours, or the vehicle
is driven less than one mile after being inoperative
for 3 hours. Tire inflation pressures may increase
from 2 to 6 pounds per square inch (psi) during oper-
ation. Do not reduce this normal pressure build-up.
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES
CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. THE TIRE CAN
FAIL SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE
CONTROL.
TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH SPEED
OPERATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation advocates driving at
safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed
limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds,
correct tire inflation pressure is very important. For
speeds up to and including 120 km/h (75 mph), tires
must be inflated to the pressures shown on the tire
placard. For continuous speeds in excess of 120 km/h
(75 mph), tires must be inflated to the maximum
pressure specified on the tire sidewall.
Vehicles loaded to the maximum capacity should
not be driven at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
For emergency vehicles that are driven at speeds
over 90 mph (144 km/h), special high speed tires
must be used. Consult tire manufacturer for correct
inflation pressure recommendations.
TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION
NON-DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ-
ent loads and perform different functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to
develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be
reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of
rotation are especially worthwhile. Rotation will
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and
wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet
ride.
Fig. 5 Under Inflation Wear
1 ± THIN TIRE TREAD AREAS
Fig. 6 Over Inflation Wear
1 ± THIN TIRE TREAD AREA
22 - 6 TIRES AND WHEELSPL

The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method (Fig. 7). This method takes
advantage of current tire industry practice which
allows rotation of radial-ply tires. Other rotation
methods may be used, but may not have all the ben-
efits of the recommended method.
NOTE: Only the 4 tire rotation method may be used
if the vehicle is equipped with a low mileage or tem-
porary spare tire.
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Some vehicles are fitted with special high-perfor-
mance tires having a directional tread pattern. These
tires are designed to improve traction on wet pave-
ment. To obtain the full benefits of this design, the
tires must be installed so that they rotate in the cor-
rect direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire
sidewalls.
When wheels and tires are being installed, extra
care is needed to ensure that this direction of rota-
tion is maintained.
Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
REPAIRING TIRE LEAKS
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 8). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel.Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire.Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and progressively tighten
the 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
TIRE AND WHEEL MATCH MOUNTING
Wheels and tires are match mounted at the factory.
This means that the high spot of the tire is matched
to the low spot on the wheel rim. This technique is
used to reduce run-out in the wheel/tire assembly.
The high spot on the tire is marked with a paint
mark or a bright colored adhesive label on the out-
board sidewall. The low spot on the rim is identified
with a label on the outside of the rim and a dot or
line in the drop well on the tire side of the rim. If the
outside label has been removed the tire will have to
be removed to locate the dot or line on the inside of
the rim.
Before dismounting a tire from its wheel, a refer-
ence mark should be placed on the tire at the valve
stem location. This reference will ensure that it is
remounted in the original position on the wheel.
Fig. 7 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
Fig. 8 Tire Repair Area
1 ± REPAIRABLE AREA
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 7
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

CLEANING AND INSPECTION
CLEANING TIRES
Remove the protective coating on the tires before
delivery of a vehicle. This coating may cause deteri-
oration of the tires.
To remove the protective coating, apply warm
water and let it soak for a few minutes. Afterwards,
scrub the coating away with a soft bristle brush.Steam cleaning may also be used to remove the coat-
ing.
NOTE: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-based
solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
SPECIFICATIONS
TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
The following guide should help you understand the tire designations:
P Passenger car tire (or ªTº for temporary-use tire).
185 Nominal width of tire in millimeters.
70 Tire height-to-width ratio.
R Radial-ply tire (or ªDº for bias-ply tire).
14 Nominal rim diameter in inches.
Do not install smaller than minimum size tires shown on the tire inflation placard on the vehicle.
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 9

WHEELS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL................................10
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON).................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION......................11
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT................12
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE................13REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON).................15
WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT............15
TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY...............16
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL SPECIFICATIONS..................17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.All models use steel or cast aluminum drop center
wheels (Fig. 1). Every wheel has raised sections
between the rim flanges and rim drop well called
safety humps (Fig. 2).
Initial inflation of the tires forces the bead over
these raised sections. In case of air loss the raised
Fig. 1 Wheels and Covers (Typical)
1 ± CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL
2 ± WEIGHTS
3 ± CENTER CAP
4 ± WHEEL COVER5 ± MOUNTING NUTS
6 ± VALVE STEM
7 ± STEEL WHEEL
8 ± TIRE
22 - 10 TIRES AND WHEELSPL

pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT
THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE.
USED WHEELS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. THE
SERVICE HISTORY OF THE WHEEL MAY HAVE
INCLUDED SEVERE TREATMENT OR VERY HIGH
MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD FAIL WITHOUT WARN-
ING.
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT
NOTE: Runout should always be measured off the
vehicle and on a suitable balance machine.
Radial run out is the difference between the high
and low points on the outer edge of the tire or wheel.
Lateral run out is the total side±to±side wobble of
the tire or wheel.
Radial run out of more than 1.5 mm (.060 inch)
measured at the center line of the tread may cause
the vehicle to shake.
Lateral run out of more than 2.0 mm (.080 inch)
measured at the side of the tire as close to the tread
as possible may cause the vehicle to shake.
Sometimes radial run out can be reduced by relo-
cating the wheel and tire on the wheel studs (See
Method 1). If this does not reduce run out to an
acceptable level, the tire can be rotated on the wheel.
(See Method 2).
METHOD 1 (RELOCATE WHEEL ON HUB)
Check accuracy of the wheel mounting surface;
adjust wheel bearings.
Drive vehicle a short distance to eliminate tire flat
spotting from a parked position.
Verify all wheel nuts are tightened and properly
torqued in the correct sequence (Fig. 5).
Use run out gauge D-128-TR to determine run out
(Fig. 6).
Relocate the wheel on the mounting studs, two
studs over from the original position.
Retighten wheel nuts until all are properly
torqued. This will prevent brake distortion.
Check radial run out. If still excessive, mark tire
sidewall, wheel, and stud at point of maximum run
out (Fig. 7) and proceed to Method 2.
Fig. 5 Tightening Wheel Nuts
Fig. 6 Run Out Gauge
Fig. 7 Chalk Marking On Wheel, Tire And Stud
1 ± STUD
2 ± TIRE
3 ± CHALK MARK LOCATIONS
22 - 12 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)