
WARNING! (Continued)• 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 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 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 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. 8SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 269

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.270 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low Gloss
Clear Coat Wheels
CAUTION!If your vehicle is equipped with these specialty
wheels, DO NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives, or
polishing compounds. They will permanently damage
this finish and such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. HAND WASH ONLY US-
ING 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 clear-
ance. Follow these recommendations to guard against
damage:
• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as
recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
• Install on Front Tires.
• Due to limited clearance, a 185/55R15 tire with a Peer-
less Super Z6 low profile traction device or equivalent is
recommended. 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 be-
tween tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condi-
tion 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 re-
tighten 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. (Continued)274 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

CAUTION! (Continued)• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
• Observe the traction device manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions 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.
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 “Scheduled Servicing” 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.
Tire Rotation 8SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 275

Washing
Hand washing is highly recommended. Automatic car
washing equipment can damage the top material. If you
must use an automatic car wash, soft cloth systems are
preferred.
CAUTION!Avoid high-pressure car washes, as they can damage
the top material. Also, increased water pressure may
force water past the weather strips.
General Cleaning
Careful vacuuming of the top before washing is helpful in
removing dust and other foreign particles. Wash in partial
shade instead of direct sun. Wet the entire vehicle before
washing the top. The top should be washed with a soft,
natural bristle scrub brush, and a mild soap solution such
as liquid dishwashing soap. Do not use detergent. CAUTION!Never use an abrasive type cleaner or bleaches. Clean-
ers should not contain silicones, organic solvents,
petroleum distillates, or plasticizers. Always wait until
the top is thoroughly dry before lowering it into the
storage area.
Scrub in all directions, covering an area of about two
square feet at a time. Avoid heavy scrubbing. Rinse the
entire vehicle with water to remove all soap and dirt from
the top fabric and to prevent streaking on painted and
chrome surfaces. Allow the top to dry before lowering.
Vacuuming the top with a wet/dry shop vacuum will
decrease the top’s drying time, ensure removal of all dirt,
and delete streaks in the material. Multiple cleanings may
be necessary to remove stubborn stains. If stains persist,
contact your local authorized dealer for further sugges-
tions.280 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

About Your Brakes ........................ .285
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............ .250
Adding Fuel ............................. .186
Adding Washing Fluid ...................... .236
Additives, Fuel ........................... .287
Air Bag
Air Bag Operation ....................... .127
Air Bag Warning Light .................... .124
Driver Knee Air Bag ..................... .128
Enhanced Accident Response ............ .133, 228
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ................ .228
If Deployment Occurs .................... .132
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .127
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............ .136
Maintenance ........................... .136
Side Air Bags .......................... .128
Transporting Pets ....................... .153
Air Bag Light ...................... .84, 124, 155
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ..... .240
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................. .240
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ............... .240, 241
Air Conditioner System ..................... .240
Air Conditioning Filter ................... .55, 242
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................54
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ................. .241 Air Filter ............................... .240
Air Pressure
Tires................................. .264
Alarm
Security Alarm ...........................22
Alarm System
Security Alarm ...........................22
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... .249, 290
Capacities ............................. .290
Disposal .............................. .251
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................ .100
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. .88, 93
Arming System
Security Alarm ........................... 2 2
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .296
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................ .34, 35
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............... .231
Automatic Transmission ................. .168, 254
Adding Fluid .......................... .255
Autostick ............................. .174
Fluid And Filter Change .................. .255
Fluid Change .......................... .255
Fluid Level Check ....................... .255
Fluid Type ......................... .254, 293322 INDEX