2006 DODGE SPRINTER winter tires

STARTING AND OPERATING 195
5
Tire Speed Rating
The tire speed rating (7) indicates the approved
maximum speed for the tire.
The commercial vehicle tires based on European
standards may have an additional index in the
parentheses (as illustrated). In such case, the index
preceding the parentheses is valid for European
countries and the parenthesized for the USA and
Canada.
NOTE: Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your Sprinter vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are rated is belowthe speed rating of your Sprinter vehicle, youmust
place a notice to this effect where it will be seen by the
driver.
Such notices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
NOTE: Tire load rating (6) and tire speed rating (7) are
also referred to as "service description".
WARNING!
Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at
speeds greater than the maximum speed rating
of the
tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are
rated can lead to sudden tire failure, causing loss
of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an
accident and/or personal injury and possible
death, for you and for others.
Index Speed Rating
F up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
G up to 56 mph (90 km/h)
J up to 62 mph (100 km/h)
K up to 68 mph (110 km/h)
L up to 74 mph (120 km/h)
M up to 80 mph (130 km/h)
N up to 87 mph (140 km/h)
P up to 93 mph (150 km/h)
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

206 STARTING AND OPERATING
matched for wear to prevent overloading one tire in
a set.
 To check if tires are even, lay a straight edge across
all four tires.
The straight edge should touch all the tires.Alignment and Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
 Fast tire wear
 Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear
 Vehicle pull to right or left
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or
right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See an
authorized Sprinter Dealer for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance.
Proper balancing will reduce vibration and avoid tire
cupping and spotty wear.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures below 45°F
(7°C) and whenever wintry road conditions prevail.
Winter tires should be of the same size and type
construction as the summer tires. Winter tires should
also be operated as printed at the Tire and Loading
WARNING!
3500 Dual Rear Tires have only one approved di-
rection of rotation. This is to accomodate the asy-
metrical design (tread pattern) of the ON/OFF
road tire and the use of Outline White Letter
(OWL) tires.
When replacing a flat tire, the spare tire may have
to be remounted on the rim or installed at a
different location tomaintain the correct
placement of the tire on the wheel relative to the
tire/wheel position on the vehicle. For example, if
the spare is used to replace an outer rear tire it will
have to remounted on the rim so that the wheel is
dished inward. That way the tread design of
asymmetrical tires and the white writing of the
OWL tires will maintain proper position.

STARTING AND OPERATING 207
5
Information placard, refer to "Tires and Wheels". Not
all M+S rated radial-ply tires provide special winter
performance. Make sure the tires you use show M+S
and the mountain/snowflake marking.on the tire
sidewall. These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber
Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed
specifically for use in snow conditions. Use of winter
tires is the only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS and ESP
® in winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all winter tires mounted
are of the same make and have the same tread design.
Always observe the speed rating of the winter tires
installed on your vehicle. If the maximum speed for
which your tires are rated is below the speed rating of
your vehicle, you must place a notice to this effectwhere it will be seen by the driver. Such notices are
available at your tire dealer or any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states
prohibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
SNOW CHAINS
Use "Class U" chains , or other traction aids that meet
SAE Type "U" specifications.
WARNING!
Winter tires with a tread depth under 1/6 in (4 mm)
must be replaced. They are no longer suitable for
winter operation.
WARNING!
If you use your spare tire when winter tires are fit-
ted on the other wheels, be aware that the differ-
ence in tire characteristics may very well impair
turning stability and that overall driving stability
may be reduced. Adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter tire at
the nearest authorized Sprinter Dealer.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
7
The following checks should be performed at regular
intervals (for example once a week or each time the
vehicle is refueled):
 Windshield washer system/headlamp cleaning
system (optional) – washer system fluid reservoir.
 Air strainer, in vehicles with an air strainer element
maintenance indicator (optional equipment).
 Engine oil level.
 Checking ribbed V-belt.
 Hydraulic brake system, clutch mechanism fluid
level.
 Coolant level.
 Tire and spare wheel condition and pressures of the
same. For more information, refer to "Wheels and
Tires".
 Spare wheel location.
 Vehicle lighting.Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir
1. Washer system fluid reservoir
When topping off, add windshield washer fluid ("S"
for summer or "W" for winter) to the water.
Capacity of fluid reservoir (1): about 7.4 US qt (7 liters).

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
7
WINTER OPERATION
Have your vehicle winterized by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer before the onset of winter.
 Have the engine oil changed, if the engine oil filled
is not approved for winter use.
 Coolant: antifreeze/anti-corrosion concentration in
the coolant checked.
 Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning
system (optional): add windshield washer fluid
"winter wash" to the water, depending on ambient
temperatures.
 Battery: the battery will lose capacity as
temperatures drop. Only a well-charged battery will
ensure reliable engine starting even at low outside
temperatures.
 Tires: fit M+S radial tires with a minimum tread
depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all wheels
for the winter season.BATTERIES
The standard battery is located in the engine
compartment.
WARNING!
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe personal injuries and death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured, if the battery explodes.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush
affected area with water and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.
Use only impact-resistant batteries with a central
gas release cover to prevent corrosion damage and
to prevent occupants from caustic burns in the
event of an accident.

INDEX 327
10
Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Changing the Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Date of Manufacture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Design Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Direction of Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . 196
Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Important Notes on Tire Inflation Pressure . . . . 187
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Life of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Load Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Maximum Inflation Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Maximum Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Recommended Tire Inflation Pressure . . . . . . . . 186
Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Rim Diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193Rotating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Size Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Sizes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Spare Wheel Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Speed Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192, 195
Storing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Tire and Loading Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire and Loading Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Tire Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Tire Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Tire Ply Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Tire Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Tread Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Type Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Vehicles type 2500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Vehicles type 3500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Tires, Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

INDEX 329
10
Water in Fuel Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Window Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Windows
De-Fogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
De-Icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Windshield Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir. . . . . . 257
Windshield Wiper Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Windshield wipers with rain sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Winter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Winter tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206