2020 DODGE JOURNEY Owners Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 239
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
o n

the driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of
the driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire,
i n

cluding the spare tire (if equipped), at least
monthly and inflate to the recommended
pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-pillar)

Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information
a
b

out the:

1. N umber of people that can be carried in
t
he vehicle.

2. T otal weight your vehicle can carry.
3
. T ire size designed for your vehicle.
4
. C old tire inflation pressures for the front,
r
ear, and spare tires.
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 and Loading
Information placard in “Vehicle Loading” in
“Starting And Operating” for further
information.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
g r

oss axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front
and rear axles must not be exceeded.
7

240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle
Loading” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.

To determine the maximum loading conditions
of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
c o

mbined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire and
Loading Information placard. The combined
weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer
tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.

Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
we
ight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
th
e driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle. (3) Subtract the combined weight of the
dr
i

ver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
av
ailable amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb passengers in your
ve
hicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
lu
ggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
lo
ad from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg
a n

d there will be five 68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340
(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. The following table shows examples
on how to calculate total load, cargo/
luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 241
7

242 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability Safety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the
st

ability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling
of sluggish response or over responsiveness in
the steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may
cause erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling
r e

sistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear

Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
ab
normal wear patterns and reduced tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.

Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
c o

mfortable ride. Overinflation produces a
jarring and uncomfortable ride.
WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping
distance. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle
to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 243
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver's side B-pillar or rear edge of the
driver's side door.
At least once a month:
Check and adjust tire pressure with a good
quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not
make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly
inflated even when they are under-inflated.
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible
damage.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are
a l

ways “cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire
inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km)
a f

ter sitting for a minimum of three hours. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pressure molded into the
tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a
w
i

de range of outdoor temperatures, as tire
pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi
(7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature
c h

ange. Keep this in mind when checking tire
pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C)
a n

d the outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then
the cold tire inflation pressure should be
increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside
temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi
(13 to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce
t h

is 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, maintaining
correct tire inflation pressure is very important. 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
r e

commended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.

Radial Ply Tires
CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the valve stem.

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
( 1

20 km/h).
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.
7

244 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be
re

paired 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
a n

d additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that
h a

ve 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). Replace the tire
pressure sensor as well as it is not designed to
be reused.
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
r a

pid 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. When a run flat tire is changed after
driving with underinflated tire condition, please
replace the Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
sensor as it is not designed to be reused when
driven under run flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa)
condition.
NOTE:
TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the
v e

hicle on a flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded
a t

full capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in
the run flat mode.
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring” in “Safety”
f o

r further information.
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.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of
E m

ergency” for further information.
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)
f o

r more than 30 seconds continuously when
you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 245
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
th
e 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
t r

ead wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced.
Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for
f u

rther 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 pres -
sures can cause uneven wear patterns to
d e

velop 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. NOTE:

Wheel valve stem must be replaced as well
w h

en installing new tires due to wear and tear
in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
a s

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
o r

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
“T
ire 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.
7

246 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
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
w h

eel’s specifications match those of the
original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized
t i

re dealer or original equipment dealer with any
questions you may have on tire specifications
or capability. Failure to use equivalent
r e

placement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
TIRE TYPES
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Traction
levels may vary between 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 conditions, 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 ambient 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
d
e

signation 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 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 unpre -
dictable handling and stress to steering and
s u

spension 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.
WARNING! (Continued)
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.