2020 JEEP PATRIOT tires

CAUTION!(Continued)
water. Water can cause permanent damage
to engine, driveline or other vehicle compo-
nents and your brakes will be less effective
once wet and/or muddy.
Before You Cross Any Type Of Water
As you approach any type of water, you need to
determine if you can cross it safely and respon-
sibly. If necessary, get out and walk through the
water or probe it with a stick. You need to be
sure of its depth, approach angle, current and
bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy
waters; check for hidden obstacles. Make sure
you will not be intruding on any wildlife, and you
can recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to
a safe crossing is the water depth, current and
bottom conditions. On soft bottoms, the vehicle
will sink in, effectively increasing the water level
on the vehicle. Be sure to consider this when
determining the depth and the ability to safely
cross.Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas
Or Other Standing Water
Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water
areas normally contain murky or muddy waters.
These water types normally contain hidden
obstacles and make it difficult to determine an
accurate water depth, approach angle, and
bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes
are where you want to hook up tow straps prior
to entering. This makes for a faster, cleaner and
easier vehicle recovery. If you are able to deter-
mine you can safely cross, than proceed using
the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling sys-
tem effectiveness by depositing debris onto
the radiator.
After Driving Off-RoadOff-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to check
for damage. That way you can get any problemstaken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for dam-
age.
•Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, par-
ticularly on the chassis, drivetrain compo-
nents, steering, and suspension. Retighten
them, if required, and torque to the values
specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses,
axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
•After extended operation in mud, sand, wa-
ter, or similar dirty conditions, have the radia-
tor, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake linings,
and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
183

•A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of
the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
•The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to in-
terference caused by improperly installed
or high output radio transmitting equip-
ment. This interference can cause possible
loss of anti-lock braking capability. Instal-
lation of such equipment should be per-
formed by qualified professionals.
•Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will di-
minish their effectiveness and may lead to
a collision. Pumping makes the stopping
distance longer. Just press firmly on your
brake pedal when you need to slow down
or stop.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering effi-
ciency beyond that afforded by the condi-
tion of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent collisions, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner that could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
ABS is designed to function with the OEM tires.
Modification may result in degraded ABS per-
formance.
Anti-Lock Brake Warning LightThe amber “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will
turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remains
on or comes on while driving, it indicates that
the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. How-
ever, the conventional brake system will con-
tinue to operate normally if the “Brake System
Warning Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on, the
brake system should be serviced as soon as
possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock
brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light”
does not come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, have the light re-
paired as soon as possible.
188

WARNING!(Continued)
•The capabilities of an ESC-equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of
others
•Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steer-
ing system, suspension, braking system,
tire type and size or wheel size may ad-
versely affect ESC performance. Improp-
erly inflated and unevenly worn tires may
also degrade ESC performance. Any ve-
hicle modification or poor vehicle mainte-
nance that reduces the effectiveness of the
ESC system can increase the risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, per-
sonal injury and death.ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has three available operating
modes for four–wheel drive equipped vehicles
and two available operating modes for two–
wheel drive equipped vehicles.
Full On (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On
(Two-Wheel Drive Models)
This is the normal operating mode for ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC sys-
tem will be in this “On” mode. This mode should
be used for most driving situations. ESC should
only be turned to “Partial Off” or “ESC Off” for
specific reasons as noted below.
Partial Off (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On
(Two-Wheel Drive Models)
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing
the “ESC Off” switch. When in “Partial Off”
mode, the TCS portion of ESC, except for the
“limited slip” feature described in the TCS sec-
tion, has been disabled, and the"ESC OFF
Indicator Light"will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESC function normally. This
mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in
deep snow, sand or gravel conditions, and morewheel spin than ESC would normally allow is
required to gain traction.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily push the
“ESC Off” switch. This will restore the normal
“ESC On” mode of operation.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driv-
ing with snow chains, or starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch to the “Partial Off” mode by pushing
the “ESC Off” switch. Once the situation
requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial
Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by
momentarily pushing the “ESC Off” switch.
This may be done while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func-
tionality of ESC (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section) has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator
(Continued)
192

dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” (located in the instrument cluster) starts
to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the
ESC system becomes active. The “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to
flash during acceleration, ease up on the accel-
erator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be
sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” come on momentarily each time
the ignition switch is placed in the ON/
RUN position.
•Each time the ignition is cycled to the
ON/RUN position, the ESC system will be
ON even if it was cycled off previously,
except for when the vehicle is started
while in 4L Range.•The ESC system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is active. This is
normal; the sounds will stop when ESC
becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” in-
dicates the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is partially off or full
off.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)This system anticipates the potential for wheel
lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel
input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM
determines that the rate of change of the steer-
ing wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are suffi-
cient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the appropriate brake and may also
reduce engine power to lessen the chance that
wheel lift will occur. ERM can only reduce the
chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or
evasive driving maneuvers; it cannot preventwheel lift due to other factors, such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway, or striking ob-
jects or other vehicles.
NOTE:
ERM is disabled anytime the ESC is in “Full
Off” mode (if equipped). Refer to “Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)” in this section for a
complete explanation of the available ESC
modes.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions and driving conditions, influence
the chance that wheel lift or rollover may
occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or
roll overs, especially those that involve leav-
ing the roadway or striking objects or other
vehicles. The capabilities of an ERM-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
194

Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If
Equipped
This system maintains vehicle speed while de-
scending hills during off-road driving situations.
HDC will automatically apply the brakes to
control downhill speed to between 4 mph
(7 km/h) and 6 mph (9 km/h) depending on
terrain. The system is activated by placing the
vehicle in “Off-Road” mode and placing the gear
selector in LOW or REVERSE. Refer to “Off-
Road Driving Tips” in “Starting And Operating”
for further information.
When HDC is properly enabled,
the “Hill Decent Control Light” in
the instrument cluster will be
illuminated.
HDC has the capability to sense terrain and will
only activate when the vehicle is descending a
hill. It will not activate on level ground. If desired,
HDC can be fully deactivated by putting the
vehicle into ESC “Full Off” mode. This is done
by pushing and holding the “ESC Off” button for
five seconds. Refer to “Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC)” in this section of the manual.HDC operation can be overridden with brake
application to slow the vehicle down below the
HDC control speed. Conversely, if more speed
is desired during HDC control, the accelerator
pedal will increase vehicle speed like normal.
When either the brake or the accelerator is
released, HDC will control the vehicle back to
the original set speed.
HDC is only intended for low speed off-road
driving. At vehicle speeds above 31 mph (50
km/h), HDC will no longer function. If the “HDC
Indicator Light” begins to flash, this indicates
that the brakes are getting too hot and the
vehicle should be stopped to allow the brakes to
cool.
WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in
controlling vehicle speed when descending
hills. The driver must remain attentive to the
driving conditions and is responsible for
maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
TIRES — GENERAL
INFORMATION
Tire PressureProper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
•Safety and Vehicle Stability
•Economy
•Tread Wear
•Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous
and can cause collisions.
•Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
(Continued)
195

WARNING!(Continued)
•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 af-
fect 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.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the
stability 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 resis-
tance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
abnormal 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 comfortable
ride. Over-inflation produces a jarring and un-
comfortable ride.
Tire Inflation PressuresThe 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 in-
flated even when they are under-inflated.
•Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible
damage.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres-
sure, always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from en-
tering the valve stem, which could damage
the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are
always “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)
after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The
196

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
wide 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 change.
Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure
inside a garage, especially in the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C)
and the outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then
the cold tire inflation pressure should be in-
creased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7
kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside tem-
perature condition.
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 pres-
sure 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 ve-
hicle loading may be required for high-speed
vehicle operation. Refer to your authorized tire
dealer or original equipment vehicle dealer for
recommended 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 ca-
pacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
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 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 thana¼ofan
inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs
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 tire
197

of identical size and service description (Load
Index and Speed Symbol).
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Fall 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
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 condi-
tions. You could lose vehicle control, result-
ing in severe injury or death. Driving too fast
for conditions also creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control.
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 rec-
ommended 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.
198