Page 488 of 664

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16” (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced. Refer
to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
•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 main-
tenance 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 serious 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.
486 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 575 of 664

CAUTION!(Continued)
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill
cap is replaced and tightened after adding oil.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve
months, whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection — 1.4L Turbo Engine
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified Grade SN or better and meet the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-12991.
Engine Oil Selection — 2.0L And 2.4L Engine
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified Grade SN or better and meet the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 1.4L Turbo
Engine
MOPAR® SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil or equivalent
Pennzoil® or Shell Helix® is recommended for all oper-
ating temperatures. This engine oil improves low tem-
perature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine
oil filler cap also states the recommended engine oil
viscosity grade for your engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 573
Page 578 of 664

Tires
Checking For Tire Wear
Once a month, check the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
(Continued)
576 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 625 of 664
Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and brake
master cylinder as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change engine oil and filter.
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
•Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
•Inspect exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 623
Page 652 of 664

Lane Change Assist........................243
Lap/Shoulder Belts.........................52
Latches................................114
Lead Free Gasoline........................500
Leaks, Fluid.............................114
Life of Tires.............................486
Light Bulbs..............................114
Lights.................................114
Airbag................................84
Alarm...............................315
Anti-Lock.............................318
Automatic Headlights....................237
Brake Warning.........................312
Bulb Replacement.......................611
Cruise...............................320
Daytime Running.......................240
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................242
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator.....464
Exterior..............................114
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..241
Hazard Warning Flasher..................527
Headlights............................236
Headlights On Reminder..................240
Headlights On With Wipers................238
Headlight Switch.......................236
High Beam............................243
High Beam Indicator.....................312
High Beam/Low Beam Select...............243
Illuminated Entry........................23
Instrument Cluster......................236
Intensity Control........................244
Interior..............................244
License..............................613
Lights On Reminder.....................240
Low Fuel.............................316
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........318
Oil Pressure...........................317
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness)...........246
650 INDEX