SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE377
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original
equipment tires to help you in determining
when your tires should be replaced.
Tire Tread
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 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 maintenance is
highly recommended. 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 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
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.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE379
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
original 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
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” for
further information.
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in
“Starting And Operating” for restrictions when
towing with a spare tire designated for
temporary emergency 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 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. 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.
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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE381
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum
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 and remember to always wash when the
surfaces are not hot to the touch.
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 not use harsh
chemicals or a stiff brush. They can damage the
wheel’s protective coating that helps keep them
from corroding and tarnishing.
When cleaning extremely dirty wheels including
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.
NOTE:
If you intend parking or storing your vehicle for
an extended period after cleaning the wheels
with wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle and apply
the brakes to remove the water droplets from
the brake components. This activity will remove
the red rust on the brake rotors and prevent
vehicle vibration when braking.
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare tire
affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not
drive more than the speed listed on the
limited use spare wheel. Keep inflated to the
cold tire inflation pressures listed on your Tire
and Loading Information Placard located on
the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of
the driver’s side door. Replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire at the first opportunity
and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do
so could result in loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Avoid products or automatic car washes that
use acidic solutions or strong alkaline
additives or harsh brushes. Many aftermarket
wheel cleaners and automatic car washes
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
recommended.
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
recommended.
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384SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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.
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 and
possibly 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 30 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 vehicle’s cooling system.
Whenever you leave the vehicle stationary for
two weeks or more, idle the vehicle for
approximately five minutes, with the air
conditioning system on and high fan speed.
This will ensure proper lubrication of the
system, thus minimizing the possibility of
damage to the compressor when the vehicle
is put back into operation.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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511
Tire Stowage
.................................................. 330Tires................................... 218, 374, 379, 383Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 377Air Pressure............................................... 374Chains....................................................... 382Changing......................................... 320, 366Compact Spare......................................... 379General Information........................ 374, 379High Speed................................................ 375Inflation Pressure...................................... 375Jacking................................... 320, 322, 366Life Of Tires............................................... 377Load Capacity............................................ 371Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)............................... 131, 146, 167Quality Grading.......................................... 383Radial........................................................ 376Replacement............................................. 377Rotation.................................................... 382Safety.............................................. 366, 374Sizes.......................................................... 367Snow Tires................................................. 379Spare Tires............................. 320, 379, 380Spinning.................................................... 376Trailer Towing............................................ 295Tread Wear Indicators............................... 377Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 388To Open Hood.................................................. 97Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight....................... 294
Towing.......................................................... 289Disabled Vehicle....................................... 342Guide........................................................ 291Recreational............................................. 298Weight...................................................... 291Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 298Traction......................................................... 299Traction Control............................................ 158Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 158Trailer Towing............................................... 289Cooling System Tips................................. 297Hitches..................................................... 291Minimum Requirements........................... 294Tips........................................................... 297Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 294Wiring....................................................... 296Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 291Trailer Weight................................................ 291TransaxleAutomatic................................................. 228Operation................................................. 228Transmission................................................ 230Automatic........................................ 230, 365Maintenance............................................ 365Transporting Pets.......................................... 215Tread Wear Indicators.................................. 377Turn Signals.................................. 63, 149, 309
U
UconnectAdvanced Phone Connectivity
................... 465Phone Call Features................................. 462Theater..................................................... 469Things You Should Know About Your Uconnect Phone................................... 465Uconnect Settings.......................................21Uconnect 4 With 7-Inch Display.................... 398Uconnect 4C/4C Nav With 8.4-Inch Display.. 415Uconnect Phone................ 456, 457, 459, 460Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — Call Currently In Progress..................... 464Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — No Call Currently In Progress................ 464Bluetooth Communication Link................ 466Call By Saying A Phonebook Name........... 463Call Continuation...................................... 465Call Controls............................................. 463Call Termination....................................... 465Cancel Command..................................... 457Connect Or Disconnect Link Between The Uconnect Phone And Mobile
Phone
................................................... 465Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing................ 460
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