Page 265 of 372
Page 266 of 372

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stop-
ping distance. Use tires of the recom-
mended load capacity for your vehicle.
Never overload them.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially alumi-
num and chrome plated wheels, should be
cleaned regularly using mild (neutral Ph)
soap and water to maintain their luster and to
prevent corrosion. Wash wheels with the
same soap solution recommended for the
body of the vehicle.
Your wheels are susceptible to deterioration
caused by salt, sodium chloride, magnesium
chloride, calcium chloride, etc., and other
road chemicals used to melt ice or control
dust on dirt roads. Use a soft cloth or sponge
and mild soap to wipe away promptly. Do notuse harsh chemicals or a stiff brush. They
can damage the wheel’s protective coating
that helps keep them from corroding and
tarnishing.
NOTE:
Many aftermarket wheel cleaners contain
strong acids or strong alkaline additives that
can harm the wheel surface.
CAUTION!
Avoid products or automatic car washes
that use acidic solutions or strong alkaline
additives or harsh brushes. These prod-
ucts and automatic car washes may dam-
age the wheel's protective finish. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap,
MOPAR Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is
recommended.
When cleaning extremely dirty wheels includ-
ing excessive brake dust, care must be taken
in the selection of tire and wheel cleaning
chemicals and equipment to prevent damage
to the wheels. Mopar Wheel Treatment or
Mopar Chrome Cleaner or their equivalent is recommended or select a non-abrasive, non-
acidic cleaner for aluminum or chrome
wheels. Do not use any products on Dark
Vapor or Black Satin Chrome Wheels. They
will permanently damage this finish and such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a
bristle brush, metal polishes or oven
cleaner. These products may damage the
wheel's protective finish. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Only car wash soap, MOPAR
Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recom-
mended.
NOTE:
If you intend parking or storing your vehicle
for an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle
for a few minutes before doing so. Driving the
vehicle and applying the brakes when stop-
ping will reduce the risk of brake rotor corro-
sion.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
264
Page 267 of 372

Dark Vapor Or Black Satin Chrome Wheels
CAUTION!
If your vehicle is equipped with Dark Vapor
or Black Satin Chrome wheels DO NOT
USE wheel cleaners, abrasives or polishing
compounds. They will permanently dam-
age this finish and such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty. USE ONLY MILD SOAP AND WATER
WITH A SOFT CLOTH. Used on a regular
basis this is all that is required to maintain
this finish.
Tire Chains (Traction Devices)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-
to-body clearance. Follow these recommen-
dations to guard against damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size forthe tire, as recommended by the traction
device manufacturer.
• Install on Rear Tires Only • Due to limited clearance, Thule XG-12 Pro
or equivalent is recommended on P245/
70/R17, P265/60R18 or
265/50R20 tires.
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 deviceclearance between tires and other sus-
pension components, it is important that
only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause se-
rious damage. Stop the vehicle immedi-
ately if noise occurs that could indicate
device breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the device before further use.
CAUTION!
• Install device as tightly as possible andthen 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 manufactur-
er’s instructions on the method of instal-
lation, operating speed, and conditions
for use. Always use the suggested oper-
ating speed of the device manufacturer’s
if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Do not use traction devices on a com-
pact spare tire.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle
operate at different loads and perform differ-
ent steering, handling, and braking func-
tions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal
rates.
265
Page 268 of 372

These effects can be reduced by timely rota-
tion of tires. The benefits of rotation are
especially worthwhile with aggressive tread
designs such as those on On/Off-Road 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 maintenance intervals. More frequent
rotation is permissible if desired. The reasons
for any rapid or unusual wear should be
corrected prior to rotation being performed.
NOTE:
The premium Tire Pressure Monitor System
will automatically locate the pressure values
displayed in the correct vehicle position fol-
lowing a tire rotation.
The suggested rotation method is the
“rearward-cross” shown in the following dia-
gram.
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.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating,
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions 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 signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices, and differ-
ences 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.
Tire Rotation
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
266
Page 269 of 372

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 dissi-
pate heat, when tested under controlled con-
ditions 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 corre-
sponds 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 es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure.
STORING THE VEHICLE
If the vehicle should remain stationary for
more than a month, observe the following
precautions:
• Park your vehicle in a covered, dry andpossibly airy location the windows open
slightly.
• Check that the Electric Park Brake is not engaged.
• Disconnect the negative (-) terminal from the battery post and be sure that the
battery is fully charged. During storage
check battery charge quarterly. • If you do not disconnect the battery from
the electrical system, check the battery
charge every thirty days.
• Clean and protect the painted parts by applying protective waxes.
• Clean and protect polished metal parts by applying protective waxes.
• Apply talcum powder to the front and rear wiper blades and leave raised from the
glass.
• Cover the vehicle with an appropriate cover taking care not to damage the
painted surface by dragging across dirty
surfaces. Do not use plastic sheeting
which will not allow the evaporation of
moisture present on the surface of the
vehicle.
• Inflate the tires at a pressure of +7.25 psi (+0.5 bar) higher than recommended on
the tire placard and check it periodically.
• Do not drain the engine cooling system.
• Whenever you leave the vehicle is station- ary for two weeks or more, run idle the
engine for approximately five minutes,
with the air conditioning system on and
high fan speed. This will ensure a proper
267
Page 270 of 372

lubrication of the system, thus minimizing
the possibility of damage to the compres-
sor when the vehicle is put back into
operation.
NOTE:
When the vehicle has not been started or
driven for at least 30 days, an Extended Park
Start Procedure is required to start the ve-
hicle. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in
“Starting And Operating” for further
information.
CAUTION!
Before removal of the positive and nega-
tive terminals to the battery, wait at least a
minute with ignition switch in the OFF
position and close the drivers door. When
reconnecting the positive and negative ter-
minals to the battery be sure the ignition
switch is in the OFF position and the
drivers door is closed.
BODYWORK
Body And Underbody Maintenance
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic head-
lights and fog lights that are lighter and less
susceptible to stone breakage than glass
headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and
therefore different lens cleaning procedures
must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the
lenses and reducing light output, avoid wip-
ing with a dry cloth. To remove road dirt, wash
with a mild soap solution followed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components,
solvents, steel wool or other aggressive mate-
rial to clean the lenses.
Preserving The Bodywork
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your vehicle in the shade using MOPAR Car
Wash, or a mild car wash soap, and rinse
the panels completely with clear water.
• If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumulated on your vehicle, use
MOPAR Super Kleen Bug and Tar Remover
to remove.
• Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR Cleaner Wax to remove road film,
stains and to protect your paint finish. Take
care never to scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing that may diminish the gloss
or thin out the paint finish.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
268
Page 271 of 372

CAUTION!
• Do not use abrasive or strong cleaningmaterials such as steel wool or scouring
powder that will scratch metal and
painted surfaces.
• Use of power washers exceeding
1,200 psi (8 274 kPa) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
Special Care
• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if
you drive near the ocean, hose off the
undercarriage at least once a month.
• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors, rocker panels,
and trunk be kept clear and open.
• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately.
The cost of such repairs is considered the
responsibility of the owner.
• If your vehicle is damaged due to a colli- sion or similar cause that destroys the
paint and protective coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The
cost of such repairs is considered the re-
sponsibility of the owner.
•
If you carry special cargo such as chemicals,
fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such
materials are well packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads,
consider mud or stone shields behind each
wheel.
• Use MOPAR Touch Up Paint on scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer
has touch up paint to match the color of
your vehicle.
INTERIORS
Seats And Fabric Parts
Use MOPAR Total Clean to clean fabric up-
holstery and carpeting.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flammable,
and if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with
chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners. This
will weaken the fabric. Sun damage can also
weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap
solution or lukewarm water. Do not remove
the belts from the vehicle to wash them. Dry
with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or
worn or if the buckles do not work properly.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a
collision and leave you with no protection.
Inspect the belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immedi-
ately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system. Seat belt assemblies must be re-
placed after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.).
269
Page 272 of 372

Plastic And Coated Parts
Use MOPAR Total Clean to clean vinyl
upholstery.
CAUTION!
Direct contact of air fresheners, insect
repellents, suntan lotions, or hand sanitiz-
ers to the plastic, painted, or decorated
surfaces of the interior may cause perma-
nent damage. Wipe away immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage caused by these type of products
may not be covered by your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this
vehicle are molded in clear plastic. When
cleaning the lenses, care must be taken to
avoid scratching the plastic.1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap
solution may be used, but do not use high
alcohol content or abrasive cleaners. If
soap is used, wipe clean with a clean
damp cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Leather Parts
MOPAR Total Clean is specifically recom-
mended for leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved
by regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth.
Small particles of dirt can act as an abrasive
and damage the leather upholstery and
should be removed promptly with a damp
cloth. Stubborn soils can be removed easily
with a soft cloth and MOPAR Total Clean.
Care should be taken to avoid soaking your
leather upholstery with any liquid. Please do
not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, sol- vents, detergents, or ammonia-based clean-
ers to clean your leather upholstery. Applica-
tion of a leather conditioner is not required to
maintain the original condition.
NOTE:
If equipped with light colored leather, it
tends to show any foreign material, dirt, and
fabric dye transfer more so than darker col-
ors. The leather is designed to for easy clean-
ing, and FCA recommends MOPAR total care
leather cleaner applied on a cloth to clean the
leather seats as needed.
CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based
and/or Keton based cleaning products to
clean leather seats, as damage to the seat
may result.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
270