2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE tires

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
located in the instrument cluster will start to flash
as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when the
TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can-
not prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road condi-
tions. ESC cannot prevent collisions, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent col-
lisions resulting from loss of vehicle control
due to inappropriate driver input for the con-
ditions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
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WARNING!(Continued)
driver can prevent collisions. The capabilities
of an ESC equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
The ESC system has two available operating
modes in 4WD HIGH range and two-wheel
drive vehicles, and one operating mode in 4WD
LOW range.
High Range (Four-Wheel Drive Models)
On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in
4WD HIGH range. Whenever the vehicle is
started or the transfer case (if equipped) is
shifted from 4WD LOW range or NEUTRAL
back to 4WD HIGH range, the ESC system will
be in this “On” mode. This mode should be used
for most driving situations. ESC should only be
turned to “Partial Off” mode for specific reasons
as noted below. Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pressing
the “ESC OFF” switch. When in “Partial Off”
mode, the TCS portion of ESC, except for the
BLD feature described in the TCS section, has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator Light”
will be illuminated. All other stability features of
ESC function normally. This mode is intended to
be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand, or
gravel conditions and more wheel spin than
ESC would normally allow is required to gain
traction. To turn ESC on again, momentarily
press the “ESC OFF” switch. This will restore
the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functional-
ity of ESC, (except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section), has been dis-
abled and the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will be
illuminated. All other stability features of ESC
function normally. When in “Partial Off” mode,
the engine power reduction feature of TCS is
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is reduced.
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The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
(located in the instrument cluster) starts to flash
as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when
TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” and the “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” come on momentarily each time
the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the
ESC system will be ON even if it was
turned off previously.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is active. This is
normal; the sounds will stop when ESC
becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indi-
cates the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
TIRES — GENERAL
INFORMATION
Tire PressureProper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Three primary areas are affected by improper
tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous
and can cause collisions.
• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and
can result in over-heating and tire failure.
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WARNING!(Continued)
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail sud-
denly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
• 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.
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 replace-
ment. Under-inflation also increases tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
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Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable
ride. Over-inflation produces a jarring and un-
comfortable ride. Both under-inflation and over-
inflation affect the stability of the vehicle and
can produce a feeling of sluggish response or
over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation PressuresThe proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver’s side “B” Pillar or rear edge of the
driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
•Check and adjust tire pressure with a good
quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not
make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly in-
flated even when they are under-inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible
damage.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres-
sure, always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from en-
tering the valve stem, which could damage
the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are
always “cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire
inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km)
after a three hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum infla-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a
wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire
pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi
(7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire
pressure inside a garage, especially in the
winter. Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C)
and the outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then
the cold tire inflation pressure should be in-
creased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside
temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13
to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce
this normal pressure build up or your tire pres-
sure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed
Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe
speeds and within posted speed limits. Where
speed limits or conditions are such that the
vehicle can be driven at high speeds, maintain-
ing correct tire inflation pressure is very impor-
tant. Increased tire pressure and reduced ve-
hicle loading may be required for high-speed
vehicle operation. Refer to your authorized tire
or original equipment vehicle dealer for recom-
mended safe operating speeds, loading and
cold tire inflation pressures.
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WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under
maximum load is dangerous. The added
strain on your tires could cause them to fail.
You could have a serious collision. Do not
drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum ca-
pacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of
tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle
to handle poorly. The instability could cause
a collision. Always use radial ply tires in sets
of four. Never combine them with other types
of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable
only in the tread area because of sidewall
flexing. Consult your authorized tire dealer for
radial tire repairs.
All Season Tires – If EquippedAll Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(spring, summer, fall and winter). Traction levels
may vary between different all season tires. All
season tires can be identified by the M+S, M&S,
M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use
all season tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires – If
Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and
dry conditions, and are not intended to be
driven in snow or on ice. Summer tires will not
contain the all season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. Use
summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Snow TiresSome areas of the country require the use of
snow tires during the winter. Snow tires can be
identified by a mountain/snowflake symbol on
the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in
size and type to the original equipment tires.
Use snow tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at sustained
speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds
above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original
equipment or an authorized tire dealer for rec-
ommended safe operating speeds, loading and
cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on
ice, skid and traction capability on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded tires. Some states prohibit studded
tires; therefore, local laws should be checked
before using these tire types.
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Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel – If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this option refer to an autho-
rized tire dealer for the recommended tire rota-
tion pattern.
Compact Spare Tire – If EquippedThe compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and Load-
ing Information Placard located on the driver’s
side door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare TireSince this tire has limited tread life the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first op-
portunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than one
compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at
any given time.
WARNING!
Compact spares are for temporary emer-
gency use only. With these spares, do not
drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Tempo-
rary use spares have limited tread life. When
the tread is worn to the tread wear indicators,
the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings,
which apply to your spare. Failure to do so
could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Full Size Spare – If EquippedThe full size spare is for temporary emergency
use only. This tire may look like the originally
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary use full size
spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not the
same as your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and reinstall on
the vehicle at the first opportunity.
Limited-Use Spare – If EquippedThe limited-use spare tire is for temporary emer-
gency use only. This tire is identified by a label
located on the limited-use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this spare. This
tire may look like the original equipped tire on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited-use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. Since it is not the same as your
original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle
at the first opportunity.
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WARNING!
Limited-use spares are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited-use spare tire
affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not
drive more than the speed listed on the
limit-use spare wheel. Keep inflated to the
cold tire inflation pressures listed on your
Tire and Loading Information Placard lo-
cated on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear
edge of the driver’s side door. Replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire at the first
opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle.
Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle
control.Tire SpinningWhen stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions,
do not spin your vehicle’s wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds continu-
ously without stopping when you are stuck.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
for more than 30 seconds continuously when
you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
Tread Wear IndicatorsTread wear indicators are in the original equip-
ment tires to help you in determining when your
tires should be replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of
the tread grooves. They will appear as bands
when the tread depth becomes 1/16 in (2 mm).
When the tread is worn to the tread wear
indicators, the tire should be replaced.
1—WornTire
2 — New Tire
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Life Of TireThe service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of
V or higher, and summer tires typically have
a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle maintenance schedule is
highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can
result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in seri-
ous injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement TiresThe tires on your new vehicle provide a balance
of many characteristics. They should be in-
spected regularly for wear and correct cold tire
inflation pressure. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph
on “Tread Wear Indicators”. Refer to the “Tire
and Loading Information” placard for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the
original equipment tire sidewall. See the Tire
Sizing Chart example found in the Tire Safety
Information section of this manual for more
information relating to the Load Index and
Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires
or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire
can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If
you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the
wheel’s specifications match those of the origi-
nal wheels. It is recommended you contact your authorized
tire or original equipment vehicle dealer with
any questions you may have on tire specifica-
tions or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
•
Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other
than that specified for your vehicle. Some
combinations of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension dimen-
sions and performance characteristics, re-
sulting in changes to steering, handling,
and braking of your vehicle. This can
cause unpredictable handling and stress
to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
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264

WARNING!(Continued)
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index
or capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with
a smaller load index could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can re-
sult in sudden tire failure and loss of ve-
hicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a differ-
ent size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION
DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-
body clearance. Follow these recommenda-
tions to guard against damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size for the
tire, as recommended by the traction device
manufacturer.
• Install on Rear Tires Only
• Due to limited clearance, use reduced size
snow chains or traction devices with a maxi-
mum projection of 6 mm beyond the tire
profile.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S,
Snow) between front and rear axles can cause
unpredictable handling. You could lose control
and have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
•Because of restricted traction device clear-
ance between tires and other suspension
components, it is important that only trac-
tion devices in good condition are used.
Broken devices can cause serious dam-
age. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device break-
age. Remove the damaged parts of the
device before further use.
• Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
• Do not drive for prolonged period on dry
pavement.
(Continued)
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