2006 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

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Tire Sizes for Sprinter Vehicles
1. Vehicles with programmed top speed limit of 68
mph (109 km/h) only.
Design Standard
Depending on the design standards used, the tire size
molded into the sidewall may have no letter or a letter
(1) preceding the tire width or the tire load rating
designation.
Letter "LT" preceding the tire width designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards.
Letter "C" preceding the tire load rating designation:
Commercial vehicle tire based on European design
standards.Tire Width
The tire width (2) indicates the nominal tire width in
mm.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio (3) is the dimensional relationship
between tire section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at
by dividing section height by section width.
Tire Code
The tire code (4) indicates the tire construction type.
The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter “D” means
diagonal or bias ply construction; letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter (5) is the diameter of the bead seat,
not the diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire Load Rating
The tire load rating (6) is a numerical code associated
with the maximum load a tire can support. Sprinter type
2500 C/HC/SHC 3500 C/HC/SHC
225/70 R 15 C 112/110 R
(115 N)195/70 R 15 C 104/102 R
LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 N LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 N
LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 L
1LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 L1

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For example, a load rating of 115 corresponds to a
maximum load of 2680 lbs (1215 kg) the tire is designed
to support.
If two values are given (as illustrated), the first value,
preceding the slash "/", applies to single tires (rear
axle).
The second value, succeeding the slash "/", applies to
twin tires (dual wheel rear axle).
The commercial vehicle tires based on European
standards may have an additional value in the
parentheses (as illustrated). In such case, the value
preceding the parentheses is valid for European
countries and the parenthesized for the USA and
Canada.
Refer also to "Maximum Tire Load" where the
maximum load associated with the load index is
indicated in kilograms and lbs.
NOTE: Tire load rating (6) and tire speed rating (7) are
also referred to as "service description".
WARNING!
The tire load rating must always be at least half of
the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise, tire failure
may be the result which may cause an accident
and/or serious personal injury to you or others.
For information on GAWR, refer to "Tire and
Loading Terminology".
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown on
the original part.
WARNING!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard on the driver’s door B-pillar.
Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly
causing a blowout.
Overloading the tires can also result in handling
or steering problems, or brake failure.

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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)

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DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
(1) DOT
(2) Manufacturer’s identification mark
(3) Tiresize
(4) Tire type code (at the option of the tire
manufacturer)
(5) Date of manufacture NOTE: Data shown on tire are for illustration purposes
only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in the illustration.
U.S. tire regulations require each new
tiremanufacturer or tire retreader to mold a TIN into or
onto a sidewall of each tire produced.
The TIN is a unique identifier which facilitates efforts by
tire manufactures to notify purchasers in recall situations
or other safety matters concerning tires and gives
purchasers the means to easily identify such tires.
The TIN is comprised of "Manufacturer’s identification
mark", "Tire size", "Tire type code" and "Date of
manufacture".
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire
however the date code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN including
date code located on the white sidewall side of the tire.
Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle.
If the TIN is not found on the outboard side then you
will find it on the inboard side of the tire. In this case,
the tire must be remounted. Make sure the TIN is

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5
visible on the outboard side of the tire and if applicable
that the direction of rotation is correct when
remounting the tire.
Rotation (spinning) direction, refer to "Direction of
Rotation".
DOT (Department Of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol (1) which denotes the tire
meets requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Manufacturer’s Identification Mark
Themanufacturer’s identificationmark (2) denotes the
tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four symbols. For
more information on retreaded tires, refer to "Tires and
Wheels".
Tire Size
The code (3) indicates the tire size.Tire Type Code
The code (4) may, at the option of the manufacturer, be
used as a descriptive code for identifying significant
characteristics of the tire.
Date of Manufacture
The date of manufacture (5) identifies the week and
year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week, starting with
“01” to represent the first full week of the calendar
year. The second two figures represent the year.
For example, "0301" represents the 3rd week of 2001.
NOTE: Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only
required to have 1 number to represent the year in
which the tire was manufactured.
For example, "031" could represent the 3rd week of
1981 or 1991.
NOTE: If the date of manufacture code indicated on the
tire is less than 4 figures, do not use it.

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Maximum Tire Load
(1) Maximum tire load rating
NOTE: Data shown on tire are for illustration purposes
only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in the illustration.The maximum tire load is the maximum weight the
tires are designed to support.
For more information on tire load rating, refer to "Tire
Size Designation, Load and Speed Rating".
For information on calculating total and cargo load
capacities, refer to "Tire and Loading Information".
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after 6
years, regardless of the remaining tread.
WARNING!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar.
Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly
causing a blowout.
Overloading the tires can also result in handling or
steering problems, or brake failure.

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Maximum Tire Inflation Pressure
(1) Maximum permissible tire inflation pressure
NOTE: Data shown on tire are for illustration purposes
only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in the illustration.
This is the maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure for the tire.Always follow the recommended tire inflation
pressure for proper tire inflation, refer to
"Recommended Tire Inflation Pressure".
WARNING!
Never exceed the max. tire inflation pressure.
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are more
likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result
in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by
road debris, potholes etc.

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Tire Ply Material
(1) Plies in sidewall
(2) Plies under tread
NOTE: Data shown on tire are for illustration purposes
only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in the illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.Tire and Loading Terminology
Accessory Weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not).
Air Pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on
each square inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed
in pounds per square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect Ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire section height
and section width expressed in percentage.
Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There are 14.5038
pounds per square inch (psi) to 1 bar; there are 100
kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.