
EXAMPLE:
R =
Construction code
"R" means radial construction, or
"D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H= Speed Symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure,
vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
LL= Light load tire or
C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
210
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

TiresWheel Recommended Cold
Tire InflationPressure High Speed Tire
Inflation Pressure
Front Rear Front Rear
Original Equipment 245/35Z
R19 93Y XL 19x8.5J
35 psi/
240kpa–42 psi/
290kpa–
285/30Z R19 98Y XL 19x10J –32 psi/
220kpa–42 psi/
290kpa
Snow Tires 245/35R19 93V XL M+S 19x8.5J
35 psi/
240kpa–42 psi/
290kpa–
285/30R19 98V XL M+S or
265/35R19 98V XL M+S 19x10J
–32 psi/
220kpa–42 psi/
290kpa
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.
The damage is only on the tread
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).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to
drive 50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph
(80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation
pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is
referred to as the Run Flat mode. A Run
Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa).
Once a Run Flat tire reaches the run flat
mode it has limited driving capabilities
and needs to be replaced immediately.
A Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle
loaded at full capacity or to tow a trailer
while a tire is in the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section
for more information.
218
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously
without stopping.
Warning!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin
your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) for more than 30 seconds
continuously when you are stuck, and do not
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original
equipment tires to help you in
determining when your tires should be
replaced.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 scheduled
maintenance 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.
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 Indicators” in
this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard or the Vehicle
0806104865NATire Tread
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
219

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 an
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.
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
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.
220
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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
significantly from the norm due tovariations 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 controlled
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. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
224
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

2. Make sure the free end of the cord
remains outside the trunk when closing
the trunk lid.
3. The trunk can now be opened
manually by pulling the cord.
4. After releasing the trunk, rewind the
strap around the plug, put it back into its
housing and turn it clockwise.
Caution!
The Manual Trunk Opening Device allows the
trunk to be opened without a key, even if the
vehicle is locked. Do not use this Device
unless the vehicle is parked in a secure area.
BODYWORK
Protection Against Atmospheric
Agents
The vehicle is equipped with the best
available technological solutions to
protect the bodywork against corrosion.
These include:
Painting products and systems which
give the vehicle resistance to corrosion
and abrasion.
Use of galvanized (or pre-treated)
steel sheets, with high resistance to
corrosion.
Spraying of plastic parts, with a
protective function in the more exposed
points: underdoor, inner wing, edges, etc.
Use of “open” boxed sections to
prevent condensation and pockets of
moisture which could favor the formation
of rust inside.
Use of special films to protect against
abrasion in exposed areas (e.g. rear wing,
doors, etc.).
Corrosion Warranty
Your vehicle is covered by Corrosion
Warranty against perforation due to rust
of any original element of the structure
or bodywork. For the general terms of
this warranty, refer to the Warranty
Booklet.
Preserving The Bodywork
Paint
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent the formation of
rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of
washing the car: the frequency depends
on the conditions and environment where
the car is used. For example, it is
advisable to wash the vehicle more often
in areas with high levels of atmospheric
pollution or salted roads.
Some parts of the vehicle may be
covered with a matte paint which, in
order to be maintained intact, requires
special care.
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow
these instructions:
If high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, keep a distance
of at least 15 inches (40 cm) from the
bodywork to avoid damage or alteration.
Build up of water could cause damage to
the vehicle in the long term.
To make it easier to remove any dirt
deposits in the area where the blades are
normally located it is recommended to
position the windshield wipers vertically
(service position), for more information,
refer to “Dealer Service” in this chapter.
0318135355USManual Release Cord Shown With Trunk Closed
226
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Wash the bodywork using a low
pressure jet of water if possible.
Wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge.
Rinse well with water and dry with a
leather chamois.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door
frames, hood, headlight frames, etc.) with
special care, as water may stagnate more
easily in these areas. Do not wash the car
after it has been left in the sun or with the
hood hot: this may alter the shine of the
paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle.
If washing the car in a service that moves
the car, for cars with automatic
transmissions, PARK (P) must be cut out.
You have to shut off the engine in the
following conditions: car stopped,
transmission in NEUTRAL (N), push the
starter button for at least three seconds.
Note: Avoid parking under trees; the
resin dropped by trees makes the
paintwork go opaque and increases the
possibility of corrosion. Windows
Use specific detergents and clean cloths
to prevent scratching or altering the
transparency.Caution!
Wipe the rear window inside gently with a
cloth following the direction of the filaments
to avoid damaging the heating device.
Front Headlights
Use a soft cloth soaked in water and
detergent for washing cars.
Note:
Never use aromatic substances (e.g.
gasoline) or ketones (e.g. acetone) for
cleaning the plastic lenses of the
headlights.
When cleaning with a pressure
washer, keep the pressure washer at
least eight inches (20 cm) away from the
headlights. Engine Compartment
At the end of every winter, wash the
engine compartment thoroughly, taking
care not to aim the jet of water directly at
the electronic control units or at the
windshield wiper motors. Have this
operation performed at a specialized
workshop.
Note:
The washing should take place
with the engine cold and the ignition
device in the STOP position. After the
washing operation, make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
guards) have not been removed or
damaged.
227

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
This engine is designed
to meet all emission
regulations, and provide
satisfactory fuel
economy and
performance when using
high-quality unleaded
“Regular” gasoline
having a posted octane number of 87 as
specified by the (R+M)/2 method. For
optimal performance the use of 91 or
higher octane “Premium” gasoline is
recommended in these engines.
While operating on gasoline with the
required octane number, hearing a light
knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine
is heard making a heavy knocking sound,
see your dealer immediately. Use of
gasoline with a lower than recommended
octane number can cause engine failure
and may void or not be covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems
such as hard starting, stalling, and
hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the
use of cleaner burning gasoline referred
to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains
oxygenates and are specifically blended
to reduce vehicle emissions and improve
air quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is
recommended. Properly blended
reformulated gasoline will provide
improved performance and durability of
engine and fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded
gasoline with oxygenates such as ethanol.
Caution!
DO NOT use E-85, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasoline containing more than
15% ethanol (E-15). Use of these blends
may result in starting and drivability
problems, damage critical fuel system
components, cause emissions to exceed the
applicable standard, and/or cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light” to illuminate.
Please observe pump labels as they should
clearly communicate if a fuel contains
greater than 15% ethanol (E-15).
Problems that result from using gasoline
containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15)
or gasoline containing methanol are not the responsibility of the manufacturer
and may void or not be covered under
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications
Modifications that allow the engine to
run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or
liquid propane (LP) may result in damage
to the engine, emissions, and fuel system
components. Problems that result from
running CNG or LP are not the
responsibility of the manufacturer and
may void or not be covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
MMT In Gasoline
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl (MMT) is a manganese-
containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase
octane. Gasoline blended with MMT
provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane
number without MMT. Gasoline blended
with MMT reduces spark plug life and
reduces emissions system performance
in some vehicles. The manufacturer
recommends that gasoline without MMT
be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the
gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask
your gasoline retailer whether the
gasoline contains MMT. MMT is
prohibited in Federal and California
reformulated gasoline.
239