2006 DODGE SPRINTER tires

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Potential Problems associated with Underinflated
and Overinflated Tires
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire inflation pressure:
1. Safety
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
 Underinflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
 Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to
cushionshock. Objects on the road and chuck
holes can cause damage that results in tire
failure.
 Unequal tire inflation pressures can cause
steering problems.You could lose control of
your vehicle.
 Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affectvehicle handling and can fail suddenly,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
 Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift
to the right or left. Always drive with each tire
inflated to the recommended cold tire inflation
pressure.

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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

192 STARTING AND OPERATING
(3) Maximum tire inflation pressure
(4) Manufacturer
(5) Tireplymaterial
(6) Tire size designation, load and speed rating
(7) Tire name
Tire Size Designation, Load and Speed Rating
(1) Design standard
(2) Tire width
(3) Aspect ratio in %
(4) Radial tire code
(5) Rim diameter
(6) Tire load rating
(7) Tire speed rating
NOTE: Data shown on tires are for illustration
purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each
vehicle and may vary from data shown in the
illustration.

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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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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.