2004 DODGE DAKOTA tire size

WARNING!
²Do 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.
²Never 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 an accident.
²Failure 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 read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
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5

SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on a ªSupplemental Tire Pressure Inflationº
label located on the face of the driver's door or in the Tire
Information Pressures pamphlet in the glove box.
TIRE CHAINS
Use only Class S chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE specifications. Chains must be the proper size for the
vehicle as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains observe the following
precautions:
²Because of restricted chain clearance between tires and other suspen-
sion components, it is important that only chains in good condition
are used. Broken chains can cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could indicate chain breakage.
Remove the damaged parts of the chain before further use.
²Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after driving
about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, especially
with a loaded vehicle.
²Install only Class S chains on 4x2 and 4x4 vehicles.²Do not install tire chains on the front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.²Do not install tire chains or traction devices on rear wheels of 4x2
vehicles with tires larger than LT225/75R16. These tires are too large
for sufficient body clearance with chains or other traction devices.
²Do not install tire chains or traction devices on front wheels of 4x4
models with tires larger than LT225/75R16. Do not install tire chains
or traction devices on rear wheels of 4x4 models with tires larger than
LT225/75R16. These tires are too large for sufficient body clearance
with chains or other traction devices.
²Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.²Tire chains are not allowed on 4x2 vehicles equipped with P255/65R16
or P255/55R17 tires or 4x4 vehicles equipped with P265/70R16 tires.
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions on method of
installation, operating speed, and conditions for usage. Always use
the lower suggested operating speed if both the chain manufacturer
and the vehicle manufacturer suggest a maximum speed.
182 STARTING AND OPERATING

SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
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 pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
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 and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns. 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 main-
tain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
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Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met.
Store heavier items down low and be sure that the weight
is distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tires ..............................54,175
Air Pressure......................... 175
Alignment.......................... 181
Chains............................. 182
Changing........................... 209
Compact Spare....................... 178
General Information................... 175
High Speed......................... 177
Inflation Pressures.................... 176
Jacking............................. 211
Load Capacity....................... 172
Radial............................. 178
Replacement......................... 180
Rotation.........................183,264
Safety...........................167,175
Sizes............................... 169
Snow Tires.......................... 183
Spare Tire........................... 210
Spinning............................ 179
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 180
Warnings........................... 182
Wheel Nut Torque.................... 213
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 197Torque Converter Clutch................. 149
Towing
Disabled Vehicle...................... 217
Guide.............................. 199
Recreational......................... 202
Trailering........................... 195
Weight............................. 199
Traction.............................. 206
Trailer Towing......................... 195
Cooling System Tips................... 201
Hitches............................. 198
Minimum Requirements................ 199
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 197
Wiring............................. 200
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 199
Trailer Weight......................... 199
Transfer Case.......................... 248
Fluid.............................. 260
Transmission....................146,150,245
Automatic.....................144,146,245
Filter.............................. 247
Fluid........................245,247,260
Manual.......................144,150,245
INDEX 299
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