2004 DODGE VIPER ground clearance

NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........120
NTire Spinning........................121
NTread Wear Indicators..................122
NReplacement Tires.....................122
NAlignment And Balance.................123
mLow Tire Pressure (Ltp) System.............124
NLow Tire Indicator....................124
mTire Chains...........................125
mSnow Tires...........................125
mTire Storage...........................126
mTire Rotation Recommendations............126mGround Clearance......................126
mFuel Requirements......................127
NReformulated Gasoline.................127
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............128
NMMT In Gasoline.....................128
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................129
NMaterials Added To Fuel................129
mAdding Fuel..........................129
mVehicle Loading........................130
mTrailer Towing.........................130
96 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the
compact spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may
result.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle's wheels above 35 mph (55 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 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don't
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 121
5

Tire Storage
Tire storage is addressed in the Michelin Limited Tire
Warranty Booklet.
Specific recommendations on guidelines for long term
tire storage for this vehicle should be requested of the
Michelin Tire Corporation 1-800-433-6838.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Do not rotate these tires as the wider rear tires will not fit
on the front of the vehicle.
Your vehicle has tires with directional tread, which will
also not allow switching tires from side to side.
GROUND CLEARANCE
The Viper is a low vehicle and ground clearance is
limited.
CAUTION!
Damage to the front and rear fascias and side sills
can occur if you disregard the low ground clearance
of your Viper. Pay close attention when parking to
avoid running into parking curbs. Exercise caution
when entering or exiting steep driveways or when
pulling off the road onto soft shoulders.
126 STARTING AND OPERATING

Carpeting
Vacuum your carpeting regularly to prevent a soil
buildup. Shampoo soiled carpeting with a reliable uphol-
stery cleaner, using a natural sponge or soft bristle brush.
After carpeting dries, vacuum it thoroughly.
Underbody Maintenance
The corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal or
dust control may accumulate on the underbody of your
vehicle. If not removed, these materials may accelerate
rusting and deterioration of underbody components such
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, exhaust system, etc.
At least twice during the winter months hose down the
wheel wells and underside of the vehicle. Make sure you
remove mud and salt from panels, crevices and ledges,
and that all drain holes and channels are free of debris.
NOTE:You can do more harm by hosing off the vehicle
without removing caked mud and debris.
The frame of your Viper is galvanized for rust-through
protection. It is also dipped in a black E-Coat to protect the
welded areas. Avoid any scratches through to bare metal.
Commercial Car Washes
We do not recommend that you take your Viper through
a commercial car wash.
In the event that you do take your Viper to a commercial
car wash, move the Heater/Air Conditioning blower
control to the lowest setting. This will prevent the possi-
bility of water entering the system.
CAUTION!
The tires on your Viper are wider than the guide
tracks on most washes and the low ground clearance
of your vehicle may not be compatible with some car
wash equipment. You could damage your vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 179
7

Oil Filter............................ 152
Oil Selection.......................... 150
Overheating........................... 78
Exhaust Gas Caution...................47,165
Exhaust System......................... 165
Exterior Lights.......................... 186
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 155
Flashers
Hazard Warning........................ 75
Fluid Capacities......................195,196
Fluid Leaks............................. 48
Fluid Level Checks
Capacities........................... 195
Manual Transmission................... 175
Power Steering........................ 161
Fog Lights.........................62,64,78
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 132Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 138
Fuel................................. 127
Adding............................. 129
Gauge............................... 81
Octane Rating........................ 127
Tank Capacity........................ 195
Fuses................................ 180
GasCap .............................. 129
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 128
Gauges................................ 80
Coolant Temperature..................78,80
Fuel................................ 81
Oil Pressure........................... 80
Tachometer........................... 80
Voltmeter............................ 81
Gear Ratios............................ 196
Glass Cleaning.......................... 178
Ground Clearance....................... 126
INDEX 229
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