
284SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever
necessary, install ONLY the correct type ther-
mostat. Other designs may result in unsatis -
factory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and
increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be
inspected periodically. Refer to the
“Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder
immediately if the brake system warning light
indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder
when performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up
to the top of the “FULL” mark on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because
it may cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the
requirements described on the brake fluid
reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only brake fluid that has been
recommended by the manufacturer, and has
been kept in a tightly closed container to avoid
contamination from foreign matter or moisture.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot
resting or riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubri -
cants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information. Using the wrong type
of brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its perfor -
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for
your vehicle is also identified on the orig -
inal factory installed hydraulic master
cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, use only new brake
fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly
closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs
moisture from the air resulting in a lower
boiling point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
20_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 284

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE303
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS —
SRT
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles
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 aggressive 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 “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” for the proper maintenance
intervals. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being
performed.
Tire Rotation — Same Tire Size On Front And
Rear Axle
The suggested rotation method for vehicles
equipped with non directional three season and
all season tires is the “forward cross” as shown
in the following diagram.
Tire Rotation (Forward Cross)
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 to
variations 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.
7
20_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 303

400 Load Shed Battery Saver On
............................ 93Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction.............. 93Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor.............. 93Loading Vehicle................................... 202, 203Capacities................................................. 203Tires.......................................................... 290Locks Auto Unlock................................................. 29Automatic Door........................................... 30Child Protection........................................... 30Power Door.................................................. 26Low Tire Pressure System............................. 120Lubrication, Body........................................... 277Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 308
M
Maintenance................................................... 68Maintenance Free Battery............................. 271Maintenance Schedule............... 250, 254, 256Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)....................................... 98, 105ManualService...................................................... 394Media Hub..................................................... 383Methanol....................................................... 311Mirrors............................................................. 41Electric Powered......................................... 43Electric Remote........................................... 43Heated........................................................ 44
Outside........................................................ 43Rearview......................................41, 42, 212Vanity.......................................................... 44Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 9Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 120Mopar Parts.................................................. 393MP3 Control.................................................. 383Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 45
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period......................... 163
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 125Octane Rating,
Gasoline (Fuel)...................309, 310, 315, 318Oil Change Indicator........................................ 87Reset........................................................... 87Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 274Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 274Oil Pressure Light............................................. 97Oil, Engine................................... 272, 315, 318Capacity........................................... 313, 314Change Interval........................................ 272Checking................................................... 270Dipstick.................................................... 270Disposal................................................... 274Filter....................................... 274, 315, 318
Filter Disposal........................................... 274Identification Logo.................................... 273Materials Added To................................... 274Pressure Warning Light................................97Recommendation................... 272, 313, 314Synthetic................................................... 274Viscosity........................ 273, 274, 313, 314Onboard Diagnostic System.......................... 104Operating Precautions.................................. 104Operator ManualOwner's Manual....................................9, 394Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................43Overheating, Engine...................................... 242Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)................... 9
P
Paddle Shift Mode........................................ 172Paddle Shifters............................................. 172Paint Care..................................................... 304Panic Alarm......................................................15Parking Brake............................................... 164ParkSense System, Rear............................... 191Passing Light....................................................46Passive Entry....................................................26Performance....................................................89Pets............................................................... 155Pinch Protection...............................................67Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 290
20_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 400