2005 DODGE VIPER tires

CAUTION!
The Low Tire Pressure (LTP) system has been opti-
mized for the original equipment tires and wheels.
The LTP system pressures have been established for
the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. After-market wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant or balance
beads if your vehicle is equipped with the LTP
system as damage to the sensors may result.
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
There are no snow tires that are compatible with the
wheels on this vehicle.
140 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 141
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DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. You could lose control of the vehicle and possi-
bly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
•Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
•Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
CAUTION!
Driving your Viper through deep puddles at speeds
over 5 mph, may cause water to be ingested into the
engine. This can cause severe engine damage.
•Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
•Keep tires properly inflated.
•Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
154 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Do not tow with sling type equipment. Only use flat bed
equipment. Always comply with applicable state or local
towing ordinances.
CAUTION!
Towing with equipment other than flat bed types
may damage your vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 155
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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.
FUSES—Power Distribution Center
A power distribution center is located in the engine
compartment. This center contains fuses and relays.
CAUTION!
•When installing the Power Distribution Center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the Power Distribu-
tion Center, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than
indicated may result in a dangerous electrical
system overload. If a properly rated fuse contin-
ues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197
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the vehicle is not going to be driven in the next 3
weeks, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual, then disconnect the battery at the
negative terminal or use the save feature described in
Maintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery.
CAUTION!
Use care when disconnecting the remote positive
cable. It is connected to the battery and can short out
to any metal on the vehicle. Always tape or wrap the
exposed cable end to prevent electrical shorts.
•Disconnecting the battery causes the engine control
system to lose memory of some“learned”functions,
unless using the Battery Save feature described inMaintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery. The engine may run rough when first
started after a battery disconnect until the control
module“relearns”these functions.
Check the battery every 4 to 6 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, (29 PSI).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7

•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 trunk, hood, doors, windows and
convertible top are completely closed.
2. Make sure that remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.3. Make sure that the hood, trunk and door switches are
in adjustment. Perform the quick system check which
follows.
Use the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the alarm
SET light comes on and flashes, the system is operating
properly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your dealer for service.REPLACEMENT BULBS
Interior Light Bulbs
Message Center Indicators.................. 103
Cluster................................ 103
Gauge Pack............................ 103
Heater Control........................... 37
Interior Light..........................212–2
Courtesy Footwell Lights................... 194
204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Call Toll Free at1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)or1–800–387–1143
(Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.comor
www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a 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 Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 241
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