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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Limited Use Spare — If
Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for
temporary emergency 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.
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 limited use spare wheel. Keep inflated
to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on
your Tire and Loading Information Placard
located 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.
Snow Chains
The use of snow chains should be in
compliance with local regulations of
each country. In certain countries, tires
marked with code M+S (Mud and
Snow) are considered as winter
equipment; therefore their use is
equivalent to that of the snow chains.
The snow chains may be applied only
to the front wheel tires. Check the
tension of the snow chains after the first
few feet have been driven.
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.
Observe the traction device
manufacturer’s instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device
manufacturer’s if it is less than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a
compact spare tire.
Caution!
Using snow chains with tires with
non-original dimensions may damage the
vehicle.
Using different size or type (M+S, snow,
etc.) tires between front and rear axle may
adversely affect vehicle driveability, with the
risk of losing control of the vehicle and
resulting accidents.
250
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Rotation
Recommendations
The front and rear tires are subject to
different loads and stress due to
steering, maneuver and braking. For
this reason they are subject to uneven
wear. To resolve this problem, tires
should be rotated at the appropriate
time.
The following rotation methods must
NOT be used with one-way
unidirectional tires! This type of tires can
only be switched from the front axle to
the rear axle and vice versa, keeping
them on the same side of the vehicle.
Rotate one-way unidirectional tires
and radial tires that have an
asymmetrical tread pattern only from
front to rear, not from side to side. Tire
performance will be reduced if rotated
from side to side.
Tire rotation means moving the wheels
to a different position, with respect to
the vehicle. During rotation, inspect tires
for correct balance. The single wheel will therefore operate
on a different axle and, where possible,
on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Note:
Rotate tires periodically. Irregular tire
wear is dangerous. To equalize tread
wear for maintaining good
performance in handling and braking,
rotate the tires every 6,200 miles
(10,000 km), or sooner if irregular wear
develops.
To equalize tread wear, rotate the
tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) at
the latest or sooner if irregular wear
develops. FCA recommends to rotate
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) to help
increase tire life and distribute wear
more evenly.
Because your vehicle is not
equipped with a spare tire, you cannot
do a tire rotation safely with the jack
that may come with your vehicle if so
equipped. Contact an Authorized
Dealer for tire rotation.
Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually
caused by one or a combination of the
following:
Incorrect tire pressure
Improper wheel alignment
Out-of-balance wheel
Severe braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to
specification and inspect the wheel nuts
for tightness.
With Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS)
The TPM system must be initialized
after adjusting the tire pressure, to
make the system operate normally.
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Initialization” paragraph in
“Safety” chapter.
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial
tires that have an asymmetrical tread
pattern only from front to rear, not from
side to side. Tire performance will be
reduced if rotated from side to side.
07031402-FRT-001Rotation Diagram
251