2004 DODGE STRATUS SEDAN tire size

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 side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
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 maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
STARTING AND OPERATING 157
5

²The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However,
if frquent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º
range must be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend tranaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
²The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using
the Autostick modes, and slecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range
should be selected that allows for adequate performance.
For example, choose ª4º if the desired speed can be
maintaned. Choose ª3º or ª2º if needed to maintain the
desired speed.
NOTE:Extended driving at high RPM should be
avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in
vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving
at high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
STARTING AND OPERATING 165
5

Speedometer........................... 86
Starting.............................. 130
Cold Weather........................ 131
Engine Fails to Start................... 132
Steering
Power...........................142,200
Tilt Column.......................... 66
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 117
Stuck, Freeing......................... 183
Sun Roof.............................. 75
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 33
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 195
Tachometer............................ 86
Tape Player........................... 117
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......87,173
Theft Alarm............................ 22
Theft System........................... 22
Tilt Steering Column..................... 66
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 147
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 146
Tire Markings......................... 143Tire Safety Information................... 143
Tires ...........................50,150,258
Air Pressure......................... 150
Alignment.......................... 156
Chains............................. 157
Changing........................... 174
Compact Spare....................... 153
Flat Changing........................ 174
General Information................... 150
High Speed......................... 152
Inflation Pressures.................... 151
Load Capacity....................... 147
Quality Grading...................... 258
Radial............................. 153
Replacement......................... 155
Rotation............................ 157
Safety...........................143,150
Sizes............................... 144
Snow Tires.......................... 157
Spinning............................ 154
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 155
Towing...........................183,184
Disabled Vehicle...................... 183
INDEX 271
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