Page 285 of 392

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the rear wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly 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 known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
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 Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
—if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS)—if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to“Electronic
Stability Program,”or“Traction Control System”in Sec-
tion 3 of this manual for details.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 285
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Page 371 of 392

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 AA, A, B,
and C. Those 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 perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
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.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 371
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Page 385 of 392

Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......146,275
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 25
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 25
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................. 135
Tilt Steering Column.................. 111,112
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 239
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 238
Tire Markings......................... 234
Tire Safety Information................... 234
Tires ...........................61,243,371
Aging (Life of Tires)................... 249
Air Pressure......................... 243
Alignment.......................... 250
Chains............................. 251
Changing........................275,278
Compact Spare....................... 246
Flat Changing........................ 275
General Information................... 243
High Speed......................... 245
Inflation Pressures.................... 244
Jacking..........................276,278
Life of Tires......................... 249
Load Capacity....................239,240Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 230
Quality Grading...................... 371
Radial............................. 246
Replacement......................... 249
Rotation............................ 252
Safety...........................234,243
Self-Sealing.......................... 229
Sizes............................... 236
Snow Tires.......................... 252
Spare Tire........................... 277
Spinning............................ 247
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 248
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 266
Torque Converter Clutch................. 214
Towing.............................. 262
Behind a Motor Home................. 272
Disabled Vehicle...................... 286
Guide.............................. 264
Recreational......................... 272
Weight............................. 264
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 272
Traction Control........................ 113
Traction Control Switch.................. 113
INDEX 385
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