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.
118 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
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