Page 240 of 288

Check the battery every four to six weeks to ensure that
the voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below 12.40,
follow the battery recharge procedure in the Service
Manual.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
•Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
•For long term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
NOTE:To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the rear liftgate/decklid, hood, and
doors are completely closed.
2. Make sure that the remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the hood, rear liftgate and door
switches are in adjustment.
4. Use the remote transmitter to set the alarm.
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 264 of 288

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
Tire Sizing Chart
NOTE:
P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: P215/65R15 95H.
NOTE:European Metric tire sizing is based on Euro-
pean design standards. Tires designed to this standard
have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning
with the section width. The letterPis absent from this
tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
NOTE:LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on
U.S. design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters
“LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding the size
designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
NOTE:Temporary Spare tires are high pressure com-
pact spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
NOTE:High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards and begins with the tire diameter
molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
264 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Page 265 of 288
EXAMPLE:
Size Designation:
P= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards
...blank...= Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT= Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards
T= Temporary Spare tire
31= Overall Diameter in Inches (in)
215= Section Width in Millimeters (mm)
65= Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)
—Ratio of section height to section width of tire.
10.5= Section Width in Inches (in)
R= Construction Code
—Rmeans Radial Construction.
—Dmeans Diagonal or Bias Construction.
15= Rim Diameter in Inches (in)
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 265
9
Page 267 of 288

EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT= Department of Transportation
—This symbol certifies that the tire is in com-
pliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation
tire safety standards, and is approved for highway
use.
MA= Code representing the tire manufacturing loca-
tion. (2 digits)
L9= Code representing the tire size. (2 digits)
ABCD= Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 dig-
its)
03= Number representing the week in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
—03 means the 3rd week.
01= Number representing the year in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
—01 means the year 2001.
—Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were
only required to have 1 number to represent the year
in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031
could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
Tire Placard Location
NOTE:
Some vehicles have a “Tire and Loading Infor-
mation” placard located on the driver’s side “B” pillar.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 267
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Page 268 of 288

Tire and Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the,
1. number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2. the total weight your vehicle can carry
3. the tire size designed for your vehicle
4. the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” or “Vehicle Capacity” on the Tire and Loading
Information placard. The combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable)
should never exceed the weight referenced here.
268 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Page 281 of 288

Changing........................174,178
Inflation Pressures.................... 267
Load Capacity....................... 267
Pressure Label....................... 154
Pressure Monitor System.............80,157
Quality Grading...................... 264
Replacement......................... 160
Rotation............................ 162
Safety............................... 47
Sizes............................... 264
Snow Tires.......................... 159
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 160
Tow-Away Alarm.....................18,188
Towing.............................. 185
Disabled Vehicle...................... 185
Trailering........................... 169
Towing Eyes.......................... 186
Traction.............................. 184
Trailer Towing......................... 169
Transmission
Automatic........................135,220
Fluid.............................. 220
Manual..........................133,221Shifting..........................133,134
Transporting Pets........................ 45
Tread Wear Indicators................... 160
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 19
Turn Signals........................... 75
Umbrella Hook......................... 96
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 264
Universal Transmitter..................92,95
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 217
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 168
Vehicle Storage......................... 239
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 17
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 261
Washer, Adding Fluid................... 212
Washing Vehicle........................ 222
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care............... 223
Windows
Power.............................. 20
INDEX 281
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