Note:
Remove snow before driving. Snow
left on the windshield is dangerous as
it could obstruct vision.
Drive slowly. Braking performance
can be adversely affected if snow or
ice adheres to the brake components.
If this situation occurs, drive the vehicle
slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal
and lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
Do not open or close the soft top when
the temperature is 41 °F (5 °C) or less.
The material of the soft top could be
damaged by freezing.
Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.
Snow Tires
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system (vehicle
with run-flat tires), the system may not
function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the
sidewalls. Use Snow Tires on all Four Wheels
:
Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your snow tires or
legal speed limits.
When snow tires are used, select the
specified size and pressure.
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
If your vehicle is equipped with the
TPMS system, the system may not
function correctly when using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires only.
Do not use chains on the front tires.
Note:
Chains may affect handling.
Do not go faster than 30 mph
(50 km/h) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is lower.
Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
Avoid locked-wheel braking.
Do not use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminium wheels.
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
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate device breakage. 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 a prolonged period on
dry pavement.
181
WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover
aspects of the following information:
Tire Markings, Tire Identification
Numbers, Tire Terminology and
Definitions, Tire Pressures and Tire
Loading.
Tire Markings
Note:
P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is
based on U.S. design standards.
P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example:
P215/65R15 95H.
European — Metric tire sizing is
based on European design standards.
Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall
beginning with the section width. The
letter "P" is absent from this tire size
designation. Example: 215/
65R15 96H.
LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing
is based on U.S. design standards.
The size designation for LT-Metric tires
is the same as for P-Metric tires except
for the letters “LT” that are molded into
the sidewall preceding the size
designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
Temporary spare tires are designed
for temporary emergency use only.
Temporary high pressure compact
spare tires have the letter “T” or “S”
molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M.
High flotation tire sizing is based on
U.S. design standards and it begins
with the tire diameter molded into the
sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both
sides of the tire, however, the date code
mayonlybeononeside.Tireswith
white sidewalls will have the full TIN,
including the 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.
GUID-0601085395US
1 — U.S. DOT
Safety Standards
Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum
Load
2 — Size Designa-
tion 5 — Maximum
Pressure
3 — Service
Description 6 — Treadwear,
Traction and Tem-
perature Grades
239
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT =
Department of Transportation
– This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is
approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
– 03 means the 3rd week
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
– 01 means the year 2001
– Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was
manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
Tire Terminology And Definitions
Term Definition
B-Pillar The
vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the front door.
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 sitting for a minimum of three hours.
Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for
this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s loading capacity, the
original equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures.
240
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
Note:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is
listed on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the
rear edge of the driver's side door.Tire And Loading Information
Placard
This placard tells you important
information about the:
1. Number of people that can be
carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the
front, rear, and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire
must not exceed the load carrying
capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying
capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire
and Loading Information placard in
“Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And
Operating” section of this manual.
Note:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle
condition, gross axle weight ratings
(GAWRs) for the front and rear axles
must not be exceeded. For further
information on GAWRs, vehicle loading,
and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle
Loading” in the “Starting And
Operating” section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading
conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight
(if applicable) should never exceed the
weight referenced here.
GUID-0806092796USExample Tire Placard Location
(Door)
GUID-0806092795USExample Tire Placard Location(B-Pillar)
GUID-054900418-high.tifTire And Loading InformationPlacard
241
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 sitting for a minimum of
three hours. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the
maximum inflation 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 increased 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 pressure 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, maintaining correct tire
inflation pressure is very important.
Increased tire pressure and reduced
vehicle loading may be required for
high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to
your authorized tire dealer or original
equipment vehicle dealer for
recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
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
capacity 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.
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may
be repaired if it meets the following
criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when
flat.
Thedamageisonlyonthetread
section of your tire (sidewall damage is
not repairable).
The puncture is no greater than a ¼
of an inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire
repairs and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat
tires that have experienced a loss of
pressure should be replaced
immediately with another Run Flat tire
of identical size and service description
(Load Index and Speed Symbol).
245
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.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a
balance of many characteristics. They
should be inspected regularly for wear
and correct cold tire inflation pressures.
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 Indicator”. Refer to the Tire
and Loading Information placard or the
Vehicle Certification Label 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 original wheels.
It is recommended you contact your
authorized tire dealer or original
equipment dealer with any questions
you may have on tire specifications 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, load rating,
or speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting 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.
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
result in sudden tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Caution!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All 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.
247
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.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer
tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are
less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized
dealer.
Summer tires do 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.
Warning!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some 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
onlyinsetsoffour;
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 recommended 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.
Spare Tires — If
Equipped
Note:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service
Kit instead of a spare tire, please refer
to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Caution!
Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact or
limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
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 authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
248
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Compact Spare Tire — If
Equipped
The 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 Loading
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 Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
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 and collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary 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.
Collapsible Spare Tire — If
Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a
collapsible spare by looking at the
spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on
the driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description
example: 165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the
wheel is properly installed to the
vehicle. Inflate the collapsible tire using
the electric air pump before lowering
the vehicle. Do not install a wheel cover or attempt
to mount a conventional tire on the
collapsible spare wheel, since the wheel
is designed specifically for the
collapsible spare tire.
Warning!
Compact and Collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary 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 Equipped
The 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.
249