TIRES
12
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and 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
op
eration. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure build up or your tire
pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
FCA US LLC advocates driving at safe speeds and within posted
sp
eed 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 recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire
inflation pressures.
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maximum load is
da
ngerous. 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 (120 km/h).
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your
ve
hicle 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.
TIRES
13
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it meets the
fo
llowing criteria:
• The tire has not been driven on when flat.
•
The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall
d
amage is not repairable).
• The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch (6
mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and additional
in
formation.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have 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).
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 rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid
lo
ss 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 to drive a vehicle loaded at full capacity or to
to
w a trailer while a tire is in the Run Flat mode.
See the Tire Pressure Monitoring System section for more information.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not spin your
ve
hicle's wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
co
ntinuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” in your
Ow
ner’s Manual for further information.
TIRES
15
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including,
bu
t not limited to:
• Driving style.
•
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
u
neven wear patterns to develop 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
S
ummer tires typically have a reduced tread life. Rotation of these
tires per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is highly recom -
mended.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to
l i
ght as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease, and
gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
ch
aracteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear and
correct cold tire inflation pressures. FCA US LLC 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
In
formation” section of this manual for more information relating to
the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six years,
re
gardless 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.
TIRES
18
For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original equipment or an
au
thorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid and traction
ca
pability 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
S
pare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Eq
uipped
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
id
entify 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 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
t h
rough an automatic car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may result.
TIRES
20
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency use only. This tire may
lo
ok 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 Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use only. This
ti
re 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 your original 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
li
mited 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.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
26
• Misapplication, improper maintenance, racing, underinflation,
overinflation or other abuse
• Operation without a properly functioning low pressure warning
s
ystem, for Comp T/A® ZR SSS tires
• Uneven or rapid wear which is caused by mechanical irregularity in
t
he vehicle such as wheel misalignment, a measured tread differ -
ence of 2/32 nds of an inch (1.6 mm) or more across the tread on the
sa
me tire
• Accident, fire, chemical corrosion, tire alteration or vandalism
•
Flat spotting caused by improper storage or brake lock
•
The adding of liquid, solid or gaseous materials other than air,
n
itrogen or carbon dioxide for example, waterbase sealers or
balancing substances
• Ozone or weather checking
H
OW REPLACEMENT CHARGES ARE CALCULATED
Passenger And Light Truck Tires Workmanship/Materials
A tire which becomes unserviceable due to a condition covered by this
wor
kmanship and materials limited warranty will be replaced with a
comparable new BFGoodrich® brand tire, free of charge, when 2/32 nds
of an inch (1.6 mm) or less of the original tread is worn, (or 25% or less,
whi
chever is more beneficial to you) and within 12 months of the date of
pu
rchase. The cost of mounting and balancing the tire is included. You
pay the cost of any other service charges and applicable taxes.
When more than 2/32 nds of an inch (1.6 mm) of the original tread has
be
en worn (or more than 25%, whichever is more beneficial to you) or
after 12 months from the date of purchase, you must pay the cost of a
co
mparable new BFGoodrich® brand passenger or light truck
replacement tire on a pro rated basis. The retailer shall determine the
charge by multiplying the percentage of the original usable tread
worn by the current selling price at the adjustment location or the
price on the current BFGoodrich® brand Base Price List, whichever is
lower. This list is based on a predetermined price intended to fairly
represent the actual selling price of the tire.
You pay the cost of mounting, balancing, and or any other service
ch
arges and applicable taxes.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
29
DRIVING ON ANY TIRE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE CORRECT
INFLATION PRESSURE IS DANGEROUS
Any underinflated tire builds up excessive heat that may result in
su
dden tire destruction. If tires are supplied as original equipment,
refer to the tire decal on the vehicle (check vehicle and/or vehicle
Owner’s Manual for decal location) for the recommended operating
pressures. For replacement tires, the correct inflation pressure will be
provided by your tire retailer; if not, refer to the vehicle decal.
These inflation pressures must be maintained as a minimum.
Ho
wever, do not exceed the maximum pressure rating indicated on
the tire sidewall.
CHECK THE COLD INFLATION PRESSURES IN ALL YOUR
TI
RES, INCLUDING THE SPARE, AT LEAST ONCE EACH
MONTH
Failure to maintain correct inflation may result in improper vehicle
ha
ndling and may cause rapid and irregular tire wear, sudden tire
destruction, loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
Therefore, inflation pressures should be checked at least once each
month and always prior to long distance trips. This applies to all tires,
including sealant types, and Self-Supporting tires which are as
susceptible to losing air pressure as any other type of tire if not
properly maintained.
UNDERINFLATION
It is impossible to determine whether tires are properly inflated by
si
mply looking at them. It is almost impossible to “feel or hear” when
a tire is being run underinflated or nearly flat. Tires must be checked
monthly with a tire pressure gauge.
Pressures should be checked when tires are cold, in other words,
be
fore they have been driven on. Driving, even for a short distance,
causes tires to heat up and air pressure to increase.
Checking pressure when tires are hot:
If pressures are checked after tires have been driven for more than
th
ree minutes or more than 1 mile, (1.6 km) the tires become hot and
th
e pressures will increase by approximately 4 psi. Therefore when the
tire pressure is adjusted under these conditions, it should be increased
to a gauge reading of 4 psi greater than the recommended cold
inflation pressure.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
30
Check cold pressure as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.
“Bleeding” air from hot tires could result in under-inflation. Use an
accurate tire gauge to check pressures. Never allow children to
inflate or deflate tires.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
Sy
stem (TPMS) that is designed to monitor the pressure of tires
mounted on your vehicle and sends a signal to the driver if a tire
pressure falls below a predetermined level. A TPMS should not
replace monthly manual pressure checks for all four tires and the
spare. We recommend that you manually monitor and check tire
pressure inflation with a pressure gauge.
Your tires should have the recommended pressure listed by your
ve
hicle’s manufacturer. This information can be found in the vehicle
Owner’s Manual and often on a placard located in the vehicle’s door
jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door. If you
have a plus size fitment that requires a higher inflation pressure, your
TPMS will require re-calibration to the new inflation pressure. Refer
to your tire dealer/installer of plus size tires for proper inflation
pressure.
We recommend checking air pressure once each month, and before a
lo
ng trip. Whether you have a full-sized or mini-spare, make sure that
it is properly inflated as well. If the TPMS generates improper
monitoring or signals we recommend that you consult your Owner’s
Manual provided with your vehicle and follow up with FCA US LLC.
For Example Only:
Gauge reading of hot tire: .............................................. 32 psi (220 kPa)
If recommended cold inflation pressure is: .................... 30 psi (205 kPa)
Desired gauge reading of hot tire 30 + 4 psi = .............. 34 psi (205 + 30 = 235 kPa)
Therefore: add 2 psi ...................................................... (15 kPa)