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Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on the wear rate of the tire when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA,
A, B, and C. The grades represent the tire’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
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Letter rating Speed rating - km/h (mph)
Y 299 km/h (186 mph)
Note:For tires with a maximum speed capability over
240 km/h (149 mph), tire manufacturers sometimes use the
letters ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over
299 km/h (186 mph), tire manufacturers always use the
letters ZR.
8.U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN):
This begins with the letters“DOT”and indicates that
the tire meets all federal standards. The next two
numbers or letters are the plant code where it was
manufactured, the next two are the tire size code
and the last four numbers represent the week and
year the tire was built. For example, the numbers
317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the
numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means
the 25th week of 2001. The numbers in between are
marketing codes used at the manufacturer’s
discretion. This information is used to contact
customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
9.M+S or M/S:Mud and Snow. or
AT:All Terrain. or
AS:All Season.
10.Tire Ply Composition and Material Used:
Indicates the number of plies or the number of
layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and
sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the
ply materials in the tire and the sidewall, which
include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
11.Maximum Load:Indicates the maximum load in
kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the
tire. Refer to the tire label or the safety certification
label, located on the B-Pillar or the driver’s door, for
the correct tire pressure for your vehicle
12.Treadwear, Traction and Temperature
Grades
•Treadwear:The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a
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tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(11⁄2) times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100.
•Traction:The traction grades, from highest to
lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
•Temperature:The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B and C, representing the tire’s
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel.
13.Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure:
Tire manufactures maximum permissible pressure
and/or the pressure at which the maximum load can
be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally
higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold
inflation pressure which can be found on either the
tire label or certification label which is located on
the structure by the trailing edge of the driver’s door
or the edge of the driver’s door. The cold inflation
pressure should never be set lower than the
recommended pressure on the label.
Note:You may not find this information on all tires
because it is not required by federal law.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings,
notes or warnings such as standard load, radial
tubeless, etc.
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SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving
at very high speeds for extended periods of time
may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade
as the tires you currently have on your
vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to
provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some
climates, you may need to use snow tires and
chains. Use chains on the tires only in an emergency
or if the law requires them.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and
chains:
•Chains may damage aluminum wheels.
•Use only Cable Type chains with size P225/55R16
or 245/45ZR17 tires. Use of SAE Class S chains
may damage your vehicle.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or
bang against your vehicle, stop and re-tighten the
chains. If this does not work, remove the chains
to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer
needed. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help
prevent vehicle damage. Do not remove these
components from your vehicle when using snow
tires and chains.
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Speed control ............ 46
Starting your
vehicle ........ 99–100, 103jump starting ........ 136
Steering wheel tilting ....................... 44
T
Tilt steering wheel .... 44
Tires ................. 200–201 changing 130–132, 135
snow tires and
chains .................... 214
tire grades ............. 201
treadwear .............. 201
Towing ..................... 120 recreational
towing .................... 120
trailer towing ........ 120
wrecker .................. 141
Traction control ...... 107
Traction-lok rear
axle .......................... 108
Transmission automatic
operation ............... 108
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ...................... 108
fluid, checking
and adding
(automatic) ........... 196
fluid, checking and
adding (manual) ... 199 fluid, refill
capacities ............... 215
lubricant
specifications. 218, 221
manual operation .. 114
Trunk ......................... 54 remote release .. 50, 57
Turn signal ................ 38
V
Vehicle dimensions . 221
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ......... 222
Vehicle loading ........ 117
Ventilating your
vehicle ...................... 104
W
Warning lights
(see Lights) ............... 10
Washer fluid ............ 167
Water, Driving
through .................... 116
Windows power ....................... 45
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers ........ 43 checking and
adding fluid ........... 167
replacing wiper
blades ...................... 43
Wrecker towing ....... 141
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
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