Rotate your tires at intervals shown on the maintenance
schedules. More frequent rotation is permissible if de-
sired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should
be corrected before rotating.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the diagram.
Alignment And Balance
The suspension components of your vehicle should be
inspected and aligned when needed to obtain full tire
tread mileage.
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•fast tire wear;
•uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
•vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause 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.
Vehicle vibration may be a result of tire and wheel
out-of-balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration
and avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high quality regular unleaded gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended.
The use of premium gasoline will provide no benefit over
high quality regular and mid-grade gasolines, and in
some circumstances may result in poorer performance.
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
5
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of this manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts – Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the maintenance schedules,
check all drive belts for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specificationsand procedures shown in the Service Manual. See the
Consumer Assistance section for information on ordering
a Service Manual.
Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug. Check the
specifications section for the proper type of spark plug
for use in your vehicle.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
178 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol and high quality water with recom-
mended antifreeze for proper corrosion protection of
your engine cooling system that contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 191
7
