2006 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

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For more information on tire size designation, load and
speed rating, refer to "Tire Labeling". See an authorized
Sprinter Dealer for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice concerning tire
service and purchase.
WARNING!
Using tires other than those approved by the vehi-
cle manufacturer can have detrimental effects,
such as
 poor handling characteristics
 increased noise
 increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by the
vehicle manufacturer may, under load, exhibit
dimensional variations and different tire
deformation characteristics that could cause them
to come into contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be
the result.
WARNING!
Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your Sprinter vehicle. Some
combinations of unapproved tires and wheels
may change suspension dimensions and perfor-
mance characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your Sprinter
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension compo-
nents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the
tire and wheel sizes with load ratings approved
for your Sprinter vehicle, refer to "Tire and Load-
ing Information". Never use a tire with a smaller
load index or speed index or capacity, other than
what was originally equipped on your Sprinter
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index
could result in tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have an accident.
Failure to equip the vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

178 STARTING AND OPERATING
Use only wheels and tires which have been tested and
approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
WARNING!
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, man-
ufacturer and type as shown on the original part. See
an authorized Sprinter Dealer for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are mounted:
 The wheel brakes or suspension components
can be damaged.
 The operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
WARNING!
Sprinter tire valves are tested and approved under
rough operating conditions.
The installation of additional hub caps or other wheel
simulators could cause damage to the tire valve and
lead to a loss of tire pressure at the valve stem.
Do not install any of these parts on your Sprinter
vehicle. To help ensure safe and reliable
operation of your Sprinter vehicle, only use parts
and accessories tested and approved by the
vehicle manufacturer for your Sprinter vehicle.
WARNING!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and odome-
ter readings.
WARNING!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is
badly
worn, or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine wheel
bolts approved from the vehicle manufacturer and
specified for the particular rim type. Failure to do
so can result in the bolts loosening and possibly
an accident.
Do not use retreaded/remolded tires. This process
does not always permit previous damage to be
detected. Therefore vehicle safety cannot be
guaranteed if retreaded/remolded tires are fitted.

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Radial-Ply Tires
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult an
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
Important Guidelines
Only use sets of tires and rims of the same type and
make.
 Tires must be of the correct size for the rim.
 Break in new tires for approximately 65 miles (100
km) at moderate speeds.
WARNING!
Fitting other wheel sizes to the vehicle will change
the vehicle’s handling characteristics andmay lead
to an accident resulting in death, severe personal
injuries and property damage.
Only certain tires meeting the tire size/load/speed
rating specifications are certified to conform to
FMVSS 110 for the Sprinter vehicle at this time.
Please check your side walls of your originally
equipped tires for specific makes/sizes, and speed
load ratings when you need to replace your tires.
To prevent accidents resulting in possible death,
severe injury or property damage, use only the tire
andwheel sizeswith load ratings approved for
your Sprinter vehicle for your tire replacement.
Refer to "Tire and Loading Information"WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of
tires on your Sprinter vehicle will cause your ve-
hicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause
an accident.
Always use radial ply tires in sets of 4 (or 6, in case
of vehicles with dual rear wheels).
Never combine them with other types of tires.

180 STARTING AND OPERATING
 Regularly check the tires and rims for damage.
Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation pressure
loss and damage to the tire beads.
 If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire inflation
pressure and correct as required.
 Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths under 1/8 in (3 mm) for
summer tires and 1/6 in (4 mm) for winter tires.
 When replacing individual tires, you should mount
new tires on the front wheels first.
Tire Care and MaintenanceThe tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly, i.e. at least each time you refuel the vehicle.
The preferred interval for checking the tire inflation
pressure, however, is before each trip.
For more information on checking tire inflation
pressure, refer to "Recommended Tire Inflation
Pressure".
Tire Inspection
Every time when checking the tire inflation pressure,
the tires should also be inspected for the following:
 excessive treadwear, refer to "Tread Depth"
 cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber
 bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the tread or
side of the tire
Replace the tire if any of the above conditions is found.
Also inspect the spare tire periodically for condition
and inflation. Spare tires will age and become worn
over time even if never used, and thus should be
inspected and replaced when necessary.
WARNING!
Regularly check the tires for damage. Damaged
tires can cause tire inflation pressure loss. As a re-
sult, you could lose control of your Sprinter vehi-
cle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained
damage, replace them.

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Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
driving style
 tire inflation pressure
 distance drivenTread Depth
Tread Wear Indicator (TWI) (1)
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid band across
the tread.
Do not allow tires to wear down too far. Adhesion
properties on wet roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under 1/8 in (3 mm) for summer tires and 1/6
in (4 mm) for winter tires.
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after 6
years, regardless of the remaining tread.

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Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These
indicators are located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire
is considered worn and should be replaced.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:
 Summer tires 1/8 in (3 mm)
 Winter tires 1/6 in (4 mm)Storing Tires
Cleaning Tires
Direction of Rotation
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the intended
direction of rotation (spinning) of the tire which
means, the wheel must mounted in the direction of
rotation.
WARNING!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the
treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at ap-
proximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), do not allow your
tires to wear down to that level. As tread depth ap-
proaches 1/8 in (3 mm) for summer tires or 1/6 in 4
mm) for winter tires, the adhesion properties on a
wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road surface
conditions), the tire traction varies widely.
WARNING!
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as
little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires
from contact with oil, grease and diesel fuel.
WARNING!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the
tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.

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If a tire does not have an arrow on the sidewall
indicating the direction of rotation, the wheel can be
mounted either way.
NOTE: The Tire Identification Number (TIN) must
always be visible on the outboard side of the tire.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These
indicators are located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire
is considered worn and should be replaced.
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid band across
the tread.
WARNING!
Spare wheels may be mounted against the direc-
tion of rotation (spinning) even with a unidirec-
tional tire for temporary use only until the regular
drive wheel has been repaired or replaced.
Always observe and follow applicable temporary
use restrictions and speed limitations indicated
on the spare wheel.
Have a spare wheel that was mounted against the
direction of rotation replaced with a regular road
wheel as soon as possible.
WARNING!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride
distubance, or you suspect that possible damage
to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
the hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down,
and drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody for
possible damage. If the vehicle or tires appear
unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized Sprinter dealer or tire dealer for
repairs.

184 STARTING AND OPERATING
Specified tire inflation pressuresmust bemaintained.
This applies particularly if the tires are subjected to
high loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures).
WARNING!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the
treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at ap-
proximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), do not allow your
tires to wear down to that level. As tread depth ap-
proaches 1/8 in (3 mm) for summer tires or 1/6 in (4
mm) for winter tires, the adhesion properties on a
wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road surface
(conditions), the tire traction varies widely.
WARNING!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a
flat tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire
will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a
fire.
WARNING!
Even when permitted by law, never operate a ve-
hicle at speeds greater than themaximum 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 serious injury and possible death,
for you and for others.