2004 CHRYSLER 300 M tires

•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control OFF Light, indicated byTRAC OFF, located in
the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. After cooling, the system will auto-
matically reactivate and turn off theTRAC OFFlight.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
TIRES
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
1. Safety—
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended pressure.
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period. The cold inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum values molded into the tire side wall.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi [.13 to.41 bars]
(13 to 40 kPa) during operation. Do NOT reduce this
normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too
low.
The tire pressures shown on the tire label apply only to
the tire sizes listed on the label.
Tire Pressure Monitor System — If Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) monitors the
pressure in all 4 road tires and the full size spare. The
TPM system uses wireless technology to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part
of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the overhead console. The tire pres-
sure status is shown in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) display. Pressure in the spare tire, al-
though monitored, is not displayed in the EVIC. Refer to
“Understanding the Features of Your Vehicle, Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” for more informa-
tion. The TPM system functions even when the EVIC is
not set on the tire pressure display screen.The TPM system informs you of a low or high tire
pressure condition. If this occurs, correct your tire infla-
tion pressure as soon as possible, and inspect all of your
tires. Be sure to use a high quality gauge when adjusting
pressure. The TPM system is designed to periodically
monitor your tire pressure but cannot be expected to
function as a tire pressure gauge. There can be a delay
between the instant you adjust the air pressure in a tire
and when the system updates the display. The TPM
system is not intended to provide you with notification of
rapid air loss.
The following chart indicates the TPM system pressure
levels. A threshold is the level at which the TPM system
provides you with an indication.
300M 300M Special
High Pressure
Threshold45 psi (310 kPa) 45 psi (310 kPa)
Placard Pressure 30 psi (207 kPa) 32 psi (220 kPa)
Low Pressure
Threshold24 psi (165 kPa) 26 psi (179 kPa)
NOTE:A TPM system does not replace normal tire
maintenance.
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CAUTION!
The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
After-market wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use tire sealant or balance beads if your vehicle
is equipped with TPM system as damage to the
sensors may result.
Tire Pressure Monitor System Tire/Wheel Rotation
and Sensor Replacement — If Equipped
If a road tire and wheel is replaced by the spare, the TPM
system will detect the swap automatically (after the
ignition has been cycled) and display SPARE SWAP
DETECTED along with a chime. This could take up to 10
minutes with vehicle speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).The tire pressure sensorsmustbe retrained following a
wheel rotation or sensor replacement. Refer to “Under-
standing The Features of Your Vehicle, Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), Customer Programmable
Features, Retrain Tire Sensors” for more information. It is
necessary to program the EVIC with the new sensor(s) or
the new position of each sensor as it is rotated to a
different corner of the vehicle.
If a wheel rotation is not followed by the retrain proce-
dure, the system will not properly inform you of the
correct vehicle location of a low or high tire pressure.
The retraining procedure requires the use of a training
magnet which is located in the left, rear corner of the
spare tire well under the spare tire cover in the trunk.
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CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the wheel rim sensor.
WARNING!
Death or serious injury can occur if magnetically
sensitive devices are exposed to this magnet. Mag-
nets can affect pacemakers.
High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident.
Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capac-
ity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other tires on your
vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The
instability could cause an accident. Always use ra-
dial tires in sets of four. Never combine them with
other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
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Spare Tire Usage with Directional Tread Pattern
Tires (300M Special Only)
The 300M Special model offers tires with a directional
tread pattern. These tires are designed to optimize dry
handling as well as wet performance. To obtain the full
benefits of this design, the tires must be installed so that
they rotate in the correct direction. The rotation direction
of this type of tire is indicated by arrows on the side wall
of the tire. The full size spare tire is mounted as a direct
replacement for the right side of the vehicle. For road-
side replacement of a flat tire on the left side of the
vehicle, the full size spare can be used as mounted. If this
is required, correct the rotation as soon as possible to
restore optimum wet performance.
Compact Spare Tire
Maintain the compact spare tire inflation pressure at 60
psi [4.1 bars](414 kPa). Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
while the compact spare is installed on the vehicle.
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.Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the
compact spare installed.
WARNING!
Temporary-use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With the compact spare tire assembly installed
on your vehicle, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km).
Vehicle handling and braking performance will be
reduced. Also, do not drive more than 50 mph (80
km) with the compact spare installed. Failure to
follow compact spare tire warning may result in an
accident and/or fatal injury. Temporary-use spare
tires have a total tread life of 2,000 miles (3 200 km).
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.
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Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels above 30 mph. (48 km/h).
See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in section 6
of this manual.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
Tire Chains
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
The 300M Special offers a high performance three
season tire. The performance of this type of tire on
snow and ice is not equivalent to traditional all season
tires.
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WARNING!
The 300M Special is equipped with tires that are
optimized for driving in dry and wet weather con-
ditions. However, these tires have reduced traction
capability in snow and ice. When driving a 300M
Special in these conditions with these tires, you must
take special care to maintain control and avoid
accidents. We recommend that you equip your ve-
hicle with “SNOW” or “ALL SEASON” tires on all
four wheels for driving in snowy and icy conditions.
It is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. “SNOW”
tires may have lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum
vehicle speed. Do not use tires or wheels other than
the size recommended by the manufacturer for this
vehicle.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. Refer to the
tire pressure label for inflation pressure.Snow tires may have a lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum vehicle
speed.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
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These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct inflation pressure. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when replace-
ment is needed (see the paragraph on tread wear indica-
tors). Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original
equipment dealer on any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire smaller than the minimum tire
size listed on your vehicle’s tire label located on
the driver’s door. Using a smaller tire could result
in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
•Overloading your tires is dangerous. Like under
inflation, overloading can cause tire failure. Use
tires of the recommended load capacity for your
vehicle and never overload them.
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