2005 DODGE NEON SRT tire pressure

2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure for passenger cars
is listed on either the face of the driver’s door or the
driver’s side“B”pillar. For vehicles other than passenger
cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are listed on either
the“B”pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire
Inflation Pressures brochure in the glove compartment.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.
Tire Placard Location
STARTING AND OPERATING 113
5

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
“cold tire inflation pressure”. 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
12°F(7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in
the winter.Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F(0°C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F(7°C) for this
temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
114 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
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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. Some standard tires are of the all season
type and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
WARNING!
The SRT-4 is equipped with tires that are optimized
for driving in dry and wet weather conditions.
However, these tires have reduced traction capability
in snow and ice. When driving an SRT–4 in these
conditions with these tires, you must take special
care to maintain control and avoid accidents. We
recommend that you equip your vehicle with
“SNOW”or“ALL SEASON”tires on all four wheels
for driving in snowy and icy conditions. It is neces-
sary to select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires.“SNOW”tires may
have lower speed rating than factory equipped tires
and may not match the maximum vehicle speed. Do
not use tires or wheels other than the size recom-
mended by the manufacturer for this vehicle.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. Refer to the
tire pressure label for inflation pressure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 119
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7. Finish tightening the nuts. Push down on the wrench
while tightening the wheel nuts. Alternate nuts until each
nut has been tightened twice. Correct wheel nut torque is
100 ft. lbs. (135 N·m.). If you are not sure about the
tightness, have them checked with a torgue wrench by
your dealer or at a service station.
8. Remove the wheel blocks and lower the jack until it is
free. Stow the lug wrench, replaced tire, and jack. Secure
all parts using the means provided.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
9. Adjust the tire pressure as soon as possible.
NOTE:The spare tire well is designed to hold the
compact spare tire or a deflated (flat) tire. A fully inflated
tire will not fit in the spare tire well.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW
BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has
a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 133
6

Check the front of the radiator for an accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator by gently spraying
water from a garden hose at the back of the core.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System—Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals. Discard oil antifreeze
solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified engine cool-
ants, may result in engine damage and may decrease
corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT coolant is intro-
duced into the cooling system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the specified coolant as
soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
158 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
182 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 102
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 159
Adding Fuel.......................... 124
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 151
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 153
Air Conditioning........................ 84
Air Conditioning Controls................. 84
Air Conditioning Refrigerant...........153,154
Air Conditioning System................. 153
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 113
Airbag................................ 30
Airbag Deployment...................... 35
Airbag Light.......................38,46,71
Airbag Maintenance...................... 37
Airbag, Side........................... 36
Alarm, Panic........................... 19
Alarm System........................21,71
Alignment and Balance.................. 118
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 83
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........158,176,177
Capacities........................... 176
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 102Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 69
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 21
Appearance Care....................... 165
Arming Theft System..................... 21
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 15
Ball Joints............................ 154
Battery............................... 152
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 20
Belts, Drive........................... 149
Belts, Engine.......................... 150
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 155
B-Pillar Location....................... 108
Brake Fluid........................... 177
Brake, Parking......................... 100
Brake System.......................102,162
Anti-Lock........................... 102
Hoses.............................. 162
Master Cylinder...................... 163
Parking............................ 100
Warning Light........................ 69
Brakes............................102,162
204 INDEX