2004 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN flat tire

The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
CAUTION!After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap±if equipped. This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
ªcold tire inflation pressureº. Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1mile (1 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire side wall.
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
12É F (7É C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in
the winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68É F (20É C) and the
outside temperature = 32É F (0É C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12É F (7É C) for this
outside temperature condition. STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

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
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions 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 opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures. WARNING!High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum 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 capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).254 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability. STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5

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.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) Ð IF EQUIPPED
CAUTION!All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles must have the same
size and type tires on all wheel positions. Unequal
tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire size may
cause failure of the power transfer unit and/or the
viscous coupling. TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system uses
wireless technology with wheel rim mounted electronic
sensors to monitor tire pressure levels (EXCLUDING
THE SPARE TIRE). Sensors, mounted to each wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the overhead console.
NOTE: The tire pressure monitoring system on your
vehicle will warn you when one of your tires is signifi-
cantly underinflated and when some combinations of
your tires are significantly underinflated. However, there
are other combinations of significantly underinflated
tires for which your tire pressure monitoring system may
not warn you. These other combinations are relatively
common, accounting for approximately half the instances
in which vehicles have significantly underinflated tires.
For example, your system may not warn you when both
tires on the same side or on the same axle of your vehicle STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

are significantly underinflated. It is particularly impor-
tant, therefore, for you to check the tire pressure in all of
your tires regularly and maintain proper pressure.
1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) LOW PRESSURE
Low tire pressure levels of 28 psi [1.9 bars] (193 kPa) or
less detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPM system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON.
1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) HIGH PRESSURE
High tire pressure levels of 48 psi [3.3 bars] (330 kPa) or
more detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPM system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON. SERVICE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM/SEE
OWNER'S MANUAL
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system requires
service.
See your authorized dealer for service.
TIRE PRESSURE UNAVAILABLE
The TPM system function is temporarily unavailable due
to external electromagnetic interference, such as portable
electronic devices, or near by radio or TV towers.
Move the vehicle to an area free from radio, TV antennas
and transmitting towers or disconnect any portable elec-
tronic devices, once the external interference is removed
the TPM system will resume normal operation and ªTIRE
PRESSURE NOW AVAILABLEº will appear in the over-
head console display.260 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCONTENTS m Hazard Warning Flasher ..................280
m If Your Engine Overheats .................281
m Jacking And Tire Changing ................282
N Jack Location ........................283
N Spare Tire Stowage ....................283
N Preparations For Jacking ................284
N Jacking Instructions ....................285
m Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low ....288
m Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............290
N Acceleration .........................290 N Traction ............................290
m Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................291
m Towing A Disabled Vehicle ................291
N With Ignition Key .....................291
N Without The Ignition Key ...............293
N Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ............................293
N Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolley ....................293
6

about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.
10. Lower the jack to its fully closed position.
WARNING!A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
11. Secure the flat or spare tire as follows:
² If your vehicle is equipped with cast aluminum
wheels, the center cap of the wheel must be re-
moved prior to flat tire stowage. Store the center cap
inside the glove box or other storage compartment. ² Turn the wheel so that the valve-stem is down. Slide
the wheel retainer through the center of the wheel
and position it properly across the wheel opening.
² For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation,
stow with the valve-stem toward the rear of the
vehicle.
² Using the jack-handle, rotate the drive nut to the
right until the wheel is drawn into place against the
underside of the vehicle.
² Continue to rotate the nut until you hear the mecha-
nism click three times. It cannot be overtightened.
Push against the tire several times to be sure it is
securely in place.
12. Stow jack and handle.
13. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 287
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DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.). Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.290 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES