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, maintain-
ing correct tire inflation pressure is very impor-
tant. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high-speed vehicle
operation. Refer to an authorized tire dealer or
original equipment vehicle dealer for recom-
mended 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).
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must
not exceed the load carrying capacity of the
tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the
tire's load carrying capacity if you adhere to
the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire In-
formation placard.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the
front and rear axles must not be exceeded.
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.
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 repair-
able).
• The puncture is no greater thana¼ofan
inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire re-
pairs 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
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
252
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 ab-
normal wear patterns will reduce tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
• 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 mainte-
nance 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.NOTE:
Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well
when installing new tires due to wear and tear
in existing tires.
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 bal-
ance 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 Indi-
cators” in this section. 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.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 specifi-
cations or capability. Failure to use equiva-
lent 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 per-
formance characteristics, resulting in
changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause un-
predictable handling and stress to steer-
ing and suspension components. You
could lose control and have a collisionSERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
254
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at sus-
tained 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 pres-
sures.
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” in
the Owner’s Manual for further information.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an auto-
matic car wash with a compact or limited
use temporary spare installed. Damage to
the vehicle may result.
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in
“Starting And Operating” in the Owner’s
Manual for restrictions when towing with a
spare tire designated for temporary emer-
gency use.
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 func-
tion 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 rota-
tion 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 emer-
gency use only. You can identify if your ve-
hicle 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 de-
scriptions begin with the letter “T” or “S”
preceding the size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M.
T,S=Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be repaired (or
replaced) and reinstalled on your vehicle at
the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to
mount a conventional tire on the compact
spare wheel, since the wheel is designed
specifically for the compact spare tire. Do not
install more than one compact spare tire and
wheel on the vehicle at any given time.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
256
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 sus-
pension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condi-
tion are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle imme-
diately if noise occurs that could indi-
cate device breakage. Remove the dam-
aged 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).
CAUTION!
• 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.
These effects can be reduced by timely rota-
tion of tires. The benefits of rotation are espe-
cially worthwhile with aggressive tread designs
such as those on On/Off Road type tires.Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and
contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the
proper maintenance intervals. The reasons
for any rapid or unusual wear should be
corrected prior to rotation being performed.
The suggested Front Wheel Drive (FWD) rota-
tion 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.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Tire Rotation
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
258
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 driver’s door. When
reconnecting the positive and negative ter-
minals to the battery be sure the ignition
switch is in the OFF position and the
driver’s door is closed.
BODYWORK
Preserving The Bodywork
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash
your vehicle in the shade using 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 a specific
detergent to remove.
• Use a high quality 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.
CAUTION!
• Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning
materials 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 undercar-
riage 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 re-
sponsibility of the owner.• If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision
or similar cause that destroys the paint and
protective coating, have your vehicle re-
paired as soon as possible. The cost of such
repairs is considered the responsibility of
the owner.
• If you carry special cargo such as chemi-
cals, 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.
• Touch up the scratches as soon as possible.
An authorized dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
Some parts of the vehicle may be painted
with a matte paintwork which requires spe-
cial care for its preservation
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
260
CAUTION!
Avoid washing with rollers and/or brushes
in washing stations. Wash the vehicle only
by hand using neutral pH detergents; dry it
with a wet chamois leather. Abrasive prod-
ucts and/or polishes should not be used for
cleaning the car. Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly ag-
gressive. Avoid (if at all possible) parking
the vehicle under trees; remove vegetable
resins immediately as, when dried, it may
only be possible to remove them with abra-
sive products and/or polishes, which is
highly inadvisable as they could alter the
typical opaqueness of the paint. Do not
use pure windshield washer fluid for clean-
ing the front windshield and rear window;
dilute it min. 50% with water. Only use
pure windshield washer fluid when strictly
necessary due to outside temperature con-
ditions.
INTERIORS
Seats And Fabric Parts
Use a specific product to clean fabric uphol-
stery 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.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure —
If Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the
following manner:
• Remove as much of the stain as possible by
blotting with a clean, dry towel.
• Blot any remaining stain with a clean,
damp towel.
• For tough stains, apply a mild soap solution
to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap
residue.• For grease stains, apply a specific product
to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap
residue.
• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other
form of protectants on Stain Repel
products.
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.
261
WARNING!
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.).
Plastic And Coated Parts
Use a specific product to clean vinyl
upholstery.
CAUTION!
• Direct contact of air fresheners, insect
repellents, suntan lotions, or hand sani-
tizers to the plastic, painted, or deco-
rated surfaces of the interior may cause
permanent damage. Wipe away immedi-
ately.
• Damage caused by these type of prod-
ucts 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
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. Care should be taken to avoid soaking
your leather upholstery with any liquid.
Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia-
based cleaners to clean your leather uphol-
stery. Application of a leather conditioner is
not required to maintain the original condi-
tion.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 for easy cleaning.
CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based
and/or Ketone based cleaning products to
clean leather upholstery, as damage to the
upholstery may result.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a
regular basis with any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an
abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning the inside rear window equipped
with electric defrosters or windows equipped
with radio antennas. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instruments that may scratch the
elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray
cleaner on the towel or cloth that you are
using. Do not spray cleaner directly on the
mirror.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
262
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is
deadly. Follow the precautions below to
prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They con-
tain carbon monoxide, a colorless and
odorless gas, which can kill. Never run
the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle
with the engine running for an extended
period. If the vehicle is stopped in an
open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside
air into the vehicle.
• Guard against carbon monoxide with
proper maintenance. Have the exhaust
system inspected every time the vehicle
is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive
with all side windows fully open.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS —
DIESEL ENGINE
Diesel Engine
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable
supplier. If the outside temperature is very
low, the diesel fuel thickens due to the for-
mation of paraffin clots with consequent de-
fective operation of the fuel supply system.
In order to avoid these problems different
types of fuel are distributed according to the
season: summer type, winter type and arctic
type (cold/mountain areas). If fueling with
diesel fuel whose features are not suitable for
the temperature of use, it is advisable to mix
in a suitable additive with the fuel. With the
proportions shown on the container, pour the
additive in the tank before fueling.
When using or parking the vehicle for a long
time in the mountains or cold areas, it is
advisable to refuel using locally available
fuel. In this case, it is also advisable to keep
the tank over half full.This vehicle must only use premium diesel
fuel that meets the requirements of EN 590.
Biodiesel blends up to 7% that meet EN
590 may also be used.WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel-
blending agent. They can be unstable un-
der certain conditions and hazardous or
explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of wa-
ter. To prevent fuel system trouble, drain the
accumulated water from the fuel/water sepa-
rator using the provided fuel/water separator
drain. If you buy good quality fuel and follow
the cold weather advice above, fuel condi-
tioners should not be required in your ve-
hicle. If available in your area, a high cetane
“premium” diesel fuel may offer improved
cold-starting and warm-up performance.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
272