
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 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 information.
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 replacement.
• 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
serious injury or death.
Tire Tread
1—WornTire
2—NewTire
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 317

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 manu-
facturer 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 equip-
ment 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 perfor-
mance characteristics, resulting in changes to steer-
ing, 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.
(Continued)
318 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING!(Continued)
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate 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 read-
ings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,
Summer, Fall and Winter). Traction levels may vary be-
tween 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 condi-
tions, 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 am-
bient 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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 319

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 origi-
nal 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 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 stud-
ded 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.
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
320 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Rotation Recommendations
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving, and
braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal
rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires. The
benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with aggres-
sive tread designs such as those on all season type tires.
Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth,
quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear
should be corrected prior to rotation being performed.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward cross”
shown in the following diagram. This rotation pattern does
not apply to some directional tires that must not be
reversed.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer in
each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on your
vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Tire Rotation
324 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test course. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half times as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel, than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Ex-
cessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 325

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............296
Adding Fuel ............................. .221
Adding Washer Fluid ........................287
Additives, Fuel ............................337
Adjust Down .................................37
Forward ................................37
Rearward ...............................37
Up....................................37
AirBag ................................ .165
Air Bag Operation ........................167
Air Bag Warning Light .....................164
Enhanced Accident Response .............173, 276
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................276
If A Deployment Occurs ....................172
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .167
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............173
Side Air Bags .......................... .168
Transporting Pets ........................191
Air Bag Light .......................111, 164, 192
Air Bag Maintenance ........................173
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......291
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................289
Air Conditioning ............................55
Air Conditioning Controls .....................55 Air Conditioning Filter
....................66, 290
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............65, 67
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............289, 290
Air Conditioning System ................55, 64, 289
Air Pressure, Tires ..........................314
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................113
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................25
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ..................... .361
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................295, 339
Capacities ............................. .339
Disposal ...............................298
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................130
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................120
Assistance T owing.........................
.382
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .132
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................44
Automatic Door Locks .....................30, 31
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............64
Automatic Transaxle .........................21
Fluid Level Check ........................303
Automatic Transmission ............204, 205, 301, 302
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................303
Fluid Level Check ........................302
Fluid Type .......................301, 302, 342
412 INDEX

Key, Programming..........................24
Key, Replacement ...........................24
Keys ....................................19
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ......................23
Lane Change And Turn Signals .................247
Lane Change Assist ..........................49
Lap/Shoulder Belts ........................ .150
Latches ................................. .194
Hood ..................................72
Leaks, Fluid ............................. .194
Life Of Tires ............................. .317
Liftgate (Sedan) .............................74
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer .................54
Light Bulbs .......................... .194, 245
Lights .................................. .194
AirBag .........................111, 164, 192
Back-Up ...............................247
Brake Assist Warning ..................... .137
Brake Warning ..........................112
Cargo .................................75
Center Mounted Stop ..................... .247
Cruise ............................... .125
Daytime Running .........................47
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...................47 Exterior
...............................194
Fog................................48, 246
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................245
Headlights ..............................47
Headlights On With Wipers ...............49, 53
Headlight Switch .........................47
High Beam ..............................47
High Beam/Low Beam Select .................47
Instrument Cluster ........................47
Interior ................................50
License ............................... .247
Lights On Reminder .......................49
Low Fuel ............................. .121
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........116
Map Reading ............................50
Park ................................. .124
Seat Belt Reminder .......................111
Security Alarm ........................26, 113
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .............117
Traction Contr
ol ........................ .137
Turn Signal ....................49, 123, 194, 247
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) .......123
Loading Vehicle ............................222
Tires................................. .309
Locks ....................................29
418 INDEX