2006 DODGE SPRINTER fuel

182 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.

186 STARTING AND OPERATING
Recommended Tire Inflation Pressure
The tire inflation pressure (including the spare wheel)
should be checked regularly and adjusted as well asinspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage. Use
a good quality pocket-type gauge to check tire inflation
pressure.
Do not make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Radial tires may look properly
inflated even when they are underinflated.
The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly, i.e. at least each time you refuel the vehicle,
and should only be adjusted on cold tires. The
preferred interval for checking the tire inflation
pressure, however, is before each trip.
The tires can be considered cold if the vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) at an ambient temperature of approximately
68 °F (20 °C).
Follow recommended cold tire inflation pressures
listed on Tire and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar.
Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best
handling, tread life and riding comfort.
The pressure difference between the tires on a single
axle should not exceed 1.5 psi (10 kPa).
WARNING!
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is
not covered by the Warranty.
WARNING!
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.

188 STARTING AND OPERATING
Keep this in mind when checking tire inflation
pressure where the temperature is different from the
outside temperature.
For example:
If inside temperature is 68 °F (20 °C) and the outside
temperature is 32 °F (0 °C) then the cold tire inflation
pressure should be increased by 3 psi (0.2 bar), which
equals 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) for every 18 °F (10 °C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide
range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.Checking Tire Inflation Pressure
The 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.
Inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar are
always cold tire inflation pressures. Check and adjust
the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. Cold
tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at an ambient
temperature of approximately 68 °F (20 °C).
The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum tire inflation pressure molded into the tire
side wall, refer to "Tire Labeling".
If you check the tire inflation pressure when the tires
are warm (the vehicle has been driven for several miles
or sitting less than 3 hours), the reading will be higher
than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out
to match the specified cold tire inflation pressure.
Otherwise, the tire will be underinflated.
WARNING!
Tire pressure may increase during operation.
Never reduce this normal pressure build up or
your tire pressure will be too low.
Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or
unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to fail from being
overheated.

STARTING AND OPERATING 189
5
Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire inflation
pressure:
 Remove the cap from the valve on one tire. Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
 Read tire inflation pressure on tire gauge and check
against the recommended tire inflation pressure on
the Tire and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. If necessary, add air to
achieve the recommended tire inflation pressure.
NOTE: If you have overfilled the tire, release tire
inflation pressure by pushing the metal stem of the
valve with e.g. a tip of a pen. Then recheck the tire
inflation pressure with the tire gauge.
 Install the valve cap.
 Repeat this procedure for each tire.
WARNING!
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.
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.
WARNING!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire inflation
pressure always reinstall the valve cap if
equipped.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering
the valve stem, which could damage the valve
stem.

STARTING AND OPERATING 191
5
2. Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These
abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting
in a need for earlier tire replacement. Underinflation
also increases tire rolling resistance and results in
higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.Tire Labeling
Besides tire name (sales designation) and
manufacturer name, a number of markings can be
found on a tire.
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.
(1) DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
(2) Maximum tire load

STARTING AND OPERATING 199
5
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has been
sitting for at least 3 hours or d r i v e n n o m o r e t h a n 1 m i l e
(1.6 km).
Curb Weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning
and additional optional equipment, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire meets
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle weight.
The gross vehicle weight on each axle must never
exceed the GAWR for the front and rear axle indicatedon the Certification Label located below the driver’s
seat on an outward facing position of the mounting
pillar.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of
all cargo, equipment, luggage etc. loaded on the trailer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle
including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories,
passengers and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the GWVR
indicated on the Certification Label located below the
driver’s seat on an outward facing position of the
mounting pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is themaximum permissible vehicle weight of the
fully loaded vehicle (weight of the vehicle including all
options, passengers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on the Certification
Label located below the driver’s seat on an outward
facing position of the mounting pillar.

STARTING AND OPERATING 209
5
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains,
observe the following precautions:
 Because of limited chain clearance between tires and
other suspension components, it is important that
only chains in good condition are used. Broken
chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop the
vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts
of the chain before further use.
 Install chains as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
 Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
 Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
 Do not install tire chains on front wheels.
 Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
 Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions
on method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for usage. Always use the lower
suggested operating speed of the chain
manufacturer if different than the speed
recommended by the manufacturer.FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Use only commercially available vehicular diesel fuels
No. 2 or No. 1 (ASTM D 975 No. 2-D or No. 1-D).
NOTE: Because of its better quality the manufacturer
recommends the use of commercially available
vehicular diesel fuel No. 2.
For information on cold weather operation, contact
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
WARNING!
Marine diesel fuel, Bio diesel fuel, heating oil or
the like must not be used.
Do not blend diesel fuel with marine diesel fuel,
Bio diesel fuel or heating oil.
The use of such non-approved fuels or blending
diesel fuel may result in malfunction or cause
engine damage. Damage or malfunctions
resulting from poor fuel quality or from blending
specific fuel additives are not covered by the
Sprinter Warranty.