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Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-63andWheel Replacement
on page 5-66for more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves,
use the wheel wrench to tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-70.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important, seeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4.When rotating your tires, always use one of the correct
rotation patterns shown here.
If your vehicle has a compact spare tire or a spare tire
that does not match your vehicle’s road tires and
wheels, in size and type, do not include the spare in the
tire rotation.
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Page 340 of 420

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P225/75R15 or P265/75R15
size tires, do not use tire chains. They can
damage your vehicle because there is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of clearance
can cause damage to the brakes, suspension
or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by
the tire chains could cause you to lose control
of your vehicle and you or others may be
injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires.Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P225/75R15 or P265/75R15 use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must. Use chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on
the tires of the rear axle. Do not use chains on the
tires of the front axle. Tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting
your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it stops. Driving too
fast or spinning the wheels with chains on will
damage your vehicle.
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Page 344 of 420

2. Turn the wing nut on the cover counterclockwise to
remove it.
For crew cab models, reach under the rear seat to
access the jack and wheel blocks. To reinstall the
jack and wheel block assembly in the mounting
bracket, insert the tabs into the jack base by pushing
the blocks up into the assembly. The outer hole in the
jack base aligns with the tab on the bracket.
When reinstalling, make sure the jack is secure,
but do not overtighten the jack in the bracket.
3. Remove the wheel blocks and the wheel block
retainer by turning the wing nut counterclockwise.
4. Put the wheel blocks at the front and rear of the tire
farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side, at the
opposite end of the vehicle.
5. Locate the wing nut used to retain the storage bag
and tools which is under the front passenger’s seat.
Remove it by turning the wing nut counterclockwise.You will use the jack handle extensions and the wheel
wrench to remove the underbody-mounted spare tire.
A. Jack Handle
Extensions
B. Bottle JackC. Extension Tool
D. Wheel Wrench
E. Wheel Blocks
1. Assemble the wheel wrench (D) and the jack
handle extensions (A) as shown.
5-72
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