2007 DODGE SPRINTER tire type

223 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
Tire sizes for Sprinter vehicles
Design standard
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the side wall may
have no letter or a letter1 preceding the
tire width or the tire load rating designa-
tion.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design stan-
dards.
Letter “C” preceding the tire load designa-
tion:
Commercial vehicle tire based on Europe-
an design standards.
Tire width
The tire width2 indicates the nominal tire
width in mm.Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio3 is the dimensional re-
lationship between tire section height and
section width and is expressed in percent-
age. The aspect ratio is arrived at by divid-
ing section height by section width.
Tire code
The tire code4 indicates the tire con-
struction 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 diameter5 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 rating6 is a numerical code
associated with the maximum load a tire
can support.For example, a load rating of 120 corre-
sponds to a maximum load of 3042 lbs
(1380 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 val-
ue, succeeding the slash "/", applies to
twin tires (dual wheel rear axle).
The commercial vehicle tires based on Eu-
ropean standards may have an additional
value in the parentheses (as illustrated). In
such cases, the value preceding the paren-
theses is valid for European countries and
the parenthesized for the USA and Canada.
Refer also to "Maximum tire load"
(\2page 226) where the maximum load as-
sociated with the load index is indicated in
kilograms and lbs.
Sprinter type
2500
LT 245/75 R 16 120/116 LLT 245/75 R 16 120/116 N
3500
LT 215/85 R 16 115/112 NLT 215/85 R 16 115/112 Q

224 OperationTires and wheels
4
Tire speed rating
The tire speed rating6 indicates the ap-
proved maximum speed for the tire.
The commercial vehicle tires based on Eu-
ropean standards may have an additional
index in the parentheses. In such cases,
the index preceding the parentheses is val-
id for European countries and the paren-
thesized for the USA and Canada.
Warning
G
The tire load rating must always be at least
h a l f o f t h e G A W R o f y o u r v e h i c l e . O t h e r w i s e ,
tire failure may be the result which may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part.Warning
G
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the plac-
ard located 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.
iTire load rating6 and tire speed
rating7 are also referred to as “ser-
vice description”.
Warning
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.iAlways observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your Sprinter
vehicle. If the maximum speed for
which your tires are rated is below the
speed rating of your Sprinter vehicle,
you must 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 Deal-
er.

225 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
U.S. tire regulations require each new tire
manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a
TIN into or onto a side wall of each tire pro-
duced.The TIN is a unique identifier which facili-
tates 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 the “manufactur-
er’s identification mark”, “tire size”, “tire
type code” and “date of manufacture”.
1DOT
2Manufacturer’s identification mark
3Tire size
4Tire type code (tire manufacturer's op-
tion)
5Date of manufactureThe 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 side
walls will have the full TIN including date
code located on the white side wall side of
the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard
side of black side wall 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 re-
mounted. Make sure the TIN is visible on
the outboard side of the tire and if applica-
ble that the direction of rotation is correct
when remounting the tire.
Rotation (spinning) direction, see "Direc-
tion of Rotation" (\2page 204).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)
iTire load rating5 and tire speed
rating6 are also referred to as “ser-
vice description”.DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN)
iFor illustrative purposes only. The actu-
al data on tires is specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from the data shown
in the above illustration.

226 OperationTires and wheels
4
DOT (D
epartment O
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol1 which denotes
the tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
Manufacturer’s identification mark
The manufacturer’s identification mark2
denotes the tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four sym-
bols. For more information on retreaded
tires, see (\2page 199).
Tire size
The code3 indicates the tire size.
Tire type code
The code4 may, as the manufacturer's
option, be used as a descriptive code for
identifying significant characteristics of
the tire.
Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture5 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.
If the date of manufacture code indicated
on the tire is less than 4 figures, do not use
it.1Maximum tire load rating
The maximum tire load is the maximum
weight the tires are designed to support.
iPrior 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.Warning
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced
after 6 years, regardless of the remain-
ing tread.
Maximum tire loadiFor illustrative purposes only. The actu-
al data on tires is specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from the data shown
in the above illustration.

228 OperationTires and wheels
4
1Plies in side wall
2Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the side wall
and under the tread.Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory-in-
stalled 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 the tire
section height and the section width ex-
pressed 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.
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 driv-
en no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.Tire ply materialiFor illustrative purposes only. The actu-
al data on tires is specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from the data shown
in the above illustration.
Tire and loading terminology

230 OperationTires and wheels
4
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or ac-
cessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (P
ounds per S
quare I
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pres-
sure. Another metric unit for air pressure is
bar or kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure list-
ed on the placard located on driver’s door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions. Pro-
vides best handling, tread life and riding
comfort.Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Side wall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
TIN (T
ire I
dentification N
umber)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers
in recall situations or other safety matters
concerning tires and gives purchases the
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN
is comprised of the “manufacturer’s identi-
fication mark”, “tire size”, “tire type code”
and “date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the maxi-
mum load a tire can support.Tire ply composition and material used
This indicates the number of plies or the
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in
the tire tread and side wall. Tire manufac-
turers also must indicate the ply materials
in the tire and side wall, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is approved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road
via the tires. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into con-
tact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called
“wear bars” that show across the tread of
a tire when only
1/16
in (1.6 mm) of tread
remains.

231 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
TWR (T
ongue W
eight R
ating)
Maximum permissible weight on the trailer
tongue.
Uniform tire quality grading standards
A tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction,
temperature and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The rat-
ings are molded into the side wall of the
tire.
Vehicle capacity weight
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle’s
designated seating capacity.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
Load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its share
of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and
dividing it by two.
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles
operate at different loads and perform dif-
ferent steering, driving and braking func-
tions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and develop irregular wear
patterns. These effects can be reduced by
timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile with aggressive tread designs
such as those on On/Off Road type tires.
Rotation will increase tread life, help to
maintain mud, snow, and wet traction lev-
els, and contribute to a smooth ride.
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire configu-
ration, tires can be rotated according to
the tire manufacturer’s recommended in-
tervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should
be rotated every 10,000 miles
(16,000 km), or sooner if necessary, ac-
cording to the degree of tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained when mounted, see
"Direction of rotation" (\2page 204).
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder
wear on front tires and tread center wear
on rear tires).
Rotating tiresWarning
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are
of the same dimension.
Changing the tire dimension for an axle
\4could cause the tire to come into con-
tact with the vehicle body or axle parts.
Damage to the tire or the vehicle may be
the result.
\4could result in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your Sprinter vehi-
cle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and sus-
pension components. You could lose
control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
\4could result in tire overloading and fail-
ure, if the tires' load index are not iden-
tical. You could lose control and have an
accident.

232 OperationTires and wheels
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The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear
should be corrected prior to rotation being
performed.
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of
wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner side
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation.
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation
pressure, refer to "Recommended tire in-
flation pressure" (\2page 210).
Rotation pattern for single and dual rear
wheelsSingle rear wheels:
\1Rotate the tires by axle. Never change
the direction of rotation of your tires.
\1Make sure that on one axle just one
type of tire (same size, type construc-
tion, load and speed rating) is used.
!
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitor*, each wheel has an
electronic component.
Tire mounting tools should not be ap-
plied in the area of the valve, as this
could damage the electronic compo-
nents.
Have the tires changed only at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Warning
G
In order to avoid loosing a wheel and in or-
der to reduce the risk of fatal or serious in-
juries or vehicle damage, please follow
these safety instructions:
\4Always replace wheel bolts that are
damaged or rusted.
\4Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
\4If a wheel hub thread is damaged, you
must not drive the vehicle. Consult an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Only use genuine wheel bolts approved
by the vehicle manufacturer and speci-
fied for your vehicle’s rims. Check tight-
ness of wheel bolts or nuts regularly and
retighten with a torque wrench, if neces-
sary. Tighten wheel bolts or nuts in a
crisscross pattern. For information on
mounting bolts and tightening torques,
refer to "Installing a wheel"
(\2page 320).
\4After changing a wheel, the wheel bolts
or nuts must be retightened after the ve-
hicle has been driven for about 30 miles
(50 km).
\4If new or repainted rims are fitted, the
wheel bolts or nuts must be retightened
again after about 600 to 3000 miles
(about 1000 to 5000 km).