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TIRES
DESCRIPTION
TIRES
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific vehicle. They providethe best overall performance for normal
operation. The ride and handling characteristics match the vehicle’s requirements. With proper care they will give
excellent reliability, traction,skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than any other factor. Carefuldrivers will obtain in most cases, much
greater mileage than severe use or careless drivers. A few of the driving habits which will shorten the life of any tire
are:
Rapid acceleration
Severe brake applications
High speed driving
Excessive speeds on turns
Striking curbs and other obstacles
Radial-ply tires are more prone to irregular tread wear. It is important tofollow the tire rotation interval (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE). This will help to achieve a greater tread life.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher the
tire identification code.
Performance tires have a speed rating letter after the
aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not always
printed on the tire sidewall. These ratings are:
Qup to 100 mph
Sup to 112 mph
Tup to 118 mph
Uup to 124 mph
Hup to 130 mph
Vup to 149 mph
Zmore than 149 mph (consult the tire manufac-
turer for the specific speed rating)
An All Season type tire will have eitherM+S,M&SorM–S(indicating mud and snow traction) imprinted on the
side wall.
TIRE CHAINS
Tire snow chains may be used oncertainmodels. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more information.
SPARE / TEMPORARY TIRE
The temporary spare tire is designed for emergency use only. The original tire should be repaired or replaced at the
first opportunity, then reinstalled. Do not exceed speeds of 80 KMH (50 MPH). when using the temporary spare tire.
Refer to Owner’s Manual for complete details.
RADIAL – PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life and ride quality, and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four. Under no circumstances should they be used on the front only.
They may be mixed with temporary spare tires when necessary. A maximum speedof80KMH(50MPH)isrec-
ommended while a temporary spare is in use.
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Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capacity as other types of tires of the same size. They also use the
same recommended inflation pressures.
The use of oversized tires, either in the front or rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train failure. This could
also cause inaccurate wheel speed signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes.
The use of tires from different manufactures on the same vehicle is NOT recommended. The proper tire pressure
should be maintained on all four tires.
TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH SPEEDS
For proper tire pressure specification refer to the Owners Manual.
REPLACEMENT TIRES
The original equipment tires provide a proper balance of many characteristics such as:
Ride
Noise
Handling
Durability
Tread life
Traction
Rolling resistance
Speed capability
It is recommended that tires equivalent to the original equipment tires beused when replacement is needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle.
The use of oversize tires may cause interference with vehicle components.Under extremes of suspension and
steering travel, interference with vehicle components may cause tire damage.
WARNING: Failure to equip the vehicle with tires having adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES
WARNING: Over or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and tread wear. This may cause
the tire to fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Under inflation will cause rapid shoulder wear (1), tire
flexing, and possible tire failure.
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Over inflation will cause rapid center wear (1) reduc-
tion in the tire’s ability to cushion shocks.
Improper inflation can cause:
Uneven wear patterns
Reduced tread life
Reduced fuel economy
Unsatisfactory ride
Vehicle drift
For proper tire pressure specification refer to the vehicles Owners Manual.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PRESSURE GAUGES
A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to check tire pressure. After checking the air pressure, replace valve
cap finger tight.
TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses caused by improper mounting, vibration, wheel defects, or possibly
tire imbalance.
To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibration, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varying speeds. Note
the noise level during acceleration and deceleration. The engine, differential and exhaust noises will change as
speed varies, while the tire noise will usually remain constant.
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators (3) are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators (3) will appear as
a 13 mm (1/2 in.) band.
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators appear
in two or more grooves or if localized balding occurs.
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TIRE WEAR PATTERNS
Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of tire.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn more than the
other.
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread.
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TIRE/VEHICLE LEAD
Use the following Vehicle Lead Diagnosis And Correction Chart to diagnoseand correct a vehicle lead or drift prob-
lem.
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STANDARD PROCEDURE
TIRE REPAIR AREA
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (1). The tire
should be replaced if the puncture is located in the
sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before removing the tire from
the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap solu-
tion when dismounting or mounting tire. Use tools free
of burrs or sharp edges which could damage the tire
or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust is
removed from the rim bead and repaint if necessary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and tighten to proper torque
specification.
CLEANING
TIRES
Remove the protective coating on the tires before delivery of a vehicle. This coating may cause deterioration of the
tires.
To remove the protective coating, apply warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. Afterwards, scrub the coating
away with a soft bristle brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove thecoating.
NOTE: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
SPECIFICATIONS
TIRE REVOLUTIONS PER MILE
TIRE SIZE SUPPLIER REVOLUTIONS PER MILE
P245/70R17
WRANGLER SRAGOODYEAR
685
LT245/70R17
LT X A / SMICHELIN
675
LT265/70R17E
LT X A / SMICHELIN
657
LT245/70R17
RUGGED TRAIL T/ABF GOODRICH
684
LT265/70R17E
RUGGED TRAIL T/ABF GOODRICH
658
LT285/70R17D
ALL TERRAIN T/ABF GOODRICH
632
P265/70R17
WRANGLER SR/AGOODYEAR
657
P265/70R17
WRANGLER GS/AGOODYEAR
661
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TIRE SIZE SUPPLIER REVOLUTIONS PER MILE
LT275/70R17E
WRANGLER AT/SGOODYEAR
649
LT275/70R17E
TTLGOODYEAR
649
P275/55R20
EAGLE LSGOODYEAR
655
P275/60R20
WRANGLER HPGOODYEAR
636
LT235/80R17E
WRANGLER SRAGOODYEAR
649
LT235/80R17E
WRANGLER GSAGOODYEAR
649
LT235/80R17E
AMERITRACGENERAL
649
LT235/80R17E
AMERITRAC TRGENERAL
648
305/40ZR22
SCORPION ZERO
STANDARD CAB
SRT-10
USES A
3 SEASON TIREPIRELLI
654
305/40ZR22
SCORPION ZERO
QUAD CAB
SRT-10
IDENTIFIED WITH A
QCAT THE END OF THE DOT
CODE
IS A
4 SEASON TIREPIRELLI
654
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WHEELS
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
Original equipment wheels are designed for the specified Maximum VehicleCapacity.
All models use steel or aluminum drop center wheels.
Aluminum wheels require special balance weights and alignment equipment.
1. On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels, The
rim is an eight stud hole pattern wheel. The wheels
have a flat mounting surface (1).
2. Theslots(1)inthewheelmustbealignedtopro-
vide access to the valve stem.