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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
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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.
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Run Flat Tires — If EquippedRun Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50
miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a rapid
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.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded
at full capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in
the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for
more information.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit
instead of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire
Service Kit” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
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.
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 Load-
ing Information Placard located on the driver’s
side door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with theletter “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 op-
portunity.
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.
WARNING!
Compact spares are for temporary emer-
gency use only. With these spares, do not
drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Tempo-
rary use spares have limited tread life. When
the tread is worn to the tread wear indicators,
the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings,
(Continued)
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WARNING!(Continued)
which apply to your spare. Failure to do so
could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency
use only. This tire may look like the originally
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary use full size
spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not the
same as your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and reinstall on
the vehicle at the first opportunity.
Limited Use Spare — If EquippedThe limited use spare tire is for temporary emer-
gency use only. This tire is identified by a label
located on the limited use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this spare. This
tire may look like the original equipped tire on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. Since it is not the same as youroriginal equipment tire, replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle
at the first opportunity.
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 limit
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.
Tire SpinningWhen stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice condi-
tions, 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 “What To
Do In Emergencies” 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) for more than 30 seconds
continuously when you are stuck, and do not
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
Tread Wear IndicatorsTread wear indicators are in the original equip-
ment tires to help you in determining when your
tires should be replaced.
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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 TireThe 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
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 maintenance schedule 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 seri-
ous injury or death.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 TiresThe tires on your new vehicle provide a balance
of many characteristics. They should be in-
spected 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 Indicator”. Refer to the Tire and
Loading Information placard or the Vehicle Cer-
tification 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.
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
Tire Tread
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
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you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the
wheel’s specifications match those of the origi-
nal wheels.
It is recommended you contact your authorized
tire dealer or original equipment dealer with any
questions you may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent replace-
ment tires may adversely affect the safety,
handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other
than that specified for your vehicle. Some
combinations of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension dimen-
sions and performance characteristics, re-
sulting in changes to steering, handling,
and braking of your vehicle. This can
cause unpredictable handling and stress
to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death. Use
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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 re-
sult in sudden tire failure and loss of ve-
hicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a differ-
ent size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION
DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-
body clearance. Follow these recommenda-
tions to guard against damage.
•Traction device must be of proper size for the
tire, as recommended by the traction device
manufacturer.
•Install on Front Tires.
•A 215/60R17 96H tire with the use of a
traction device that meets the SAE type
"Class S"specification is recommended.
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.
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CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
•Because of restricted traction device clear-
ance between tires and other suspension
components, it is important that only trac-
tion devices in good condition are used.
Broken devices can cause serious dam-
age. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device break-
age. Remove the damaged 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).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Observe the traction device manufactur-
er’s instructions on the method of installa-
tion, operating speed, and conditions for
use. Always use the suggested operating
speed of the device manufacturer’s if it is
less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle
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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. The reasons for
any rapid or unusual wear should be corrected
prior to rotation being performed.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward
cross” shown in the following diagram. This
rotation pattern does not apply to some direc-
tional tires that must not be reversed.
Tire Rotation
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will
warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on
the vehicle recommended cold placard pres-
sure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by
about 1 psi (7.0 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).
This means that when the outside temperature
decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire
pressure should always be set based on “cold
inflation tire pressure”. This 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 a three hour period. The cold
tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maxi-
mum inflation pressure molded into the tire
sidewall. Refer to “Tires – General Information”
in “Starting And Operating” for information on
how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The
tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is
driven - this is normal and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire
pressure if the tire pressure falls below thelow-pressure warning limit for any reason, in-
cluding low temperature effects, or natural pres-
sure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
tire pressure as long as the condition exists,
and will not turn off until the tire pressure is at or
above the recommended cold placard pressure.
Once the low tire pressure warning (Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring Telltale Light) illuminates, you
must increase the tire pressure to the recom-
mended cold placard pressure in order for the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light to turn
off. The system will automatically update and
the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
turn off once the system receives the updated
tire pressures.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure
may need to be increased up to an additional
4 psi (30 kPa) above the recommended cold
placard pressure in order to turn the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light off.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10
minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.For example, your vehicle may have a recom-
mended cold (parked for more than three hours)
placard pressure of 30 psi (207 kPa). If the
ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the
measured tire pressure is 27 psi (186 kPa), a
temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease
the tire pressure to approximately 23 psi (158
kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low
enough to turn ON the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the
tire pressure to rise to approximately 27 psi (186
kPa), but the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light will still be ON. In this situation, the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn OFF
only after the tires are inflated to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure value.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure
may need to be increased up to an additional
4 psi (30 kPa) above the recommended cold
placard pressure in order to turn the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light off.
204