
236SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Service Description:
95 = Load Index 
A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H = Speed Symbol 
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle 
loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
XL  = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
LL = Light load tire or
C, D, E, F, G  = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load  – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure  – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
EXAMPLE:
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238SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tire Terminology And Definitions
Term Definition
B-PillarThe vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located behind 
the front door.
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. Inflation 
pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch) or kPa 
(kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire 
inflation pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded 
into the sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure FCA recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire 
placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s 
loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the recommended 
cold tire inflation pressures.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE239
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure  
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed 
on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of 
the driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, 
including 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 
about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in 
the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front,  rear, 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  Ú page 75.
8
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242SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
(Continued)
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 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
Under-inflated tires will increase tire rolling 
resistance 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 uncomfortable ride.
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 judgment 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.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and 
can cause collisions.
Under-inflation increases tire flexing and 
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Over-inflation reduces a tire's ability to 
cushion shock. Objects on the road and 
chuckholes can cause damage that result 
in tire failure.
Over-inflated or under-inflated 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.
WARNING!
 (Continued)
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE243
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 
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 
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 
this normal pressure build up or your tire 
pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation 
FCA 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 recommended 
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 
(120 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.
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244SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be 
repaired 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 
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 
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 
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. When a Run Flat tire is changed 
after driving with under-inflated tire condition, 
please replace the 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 
vehicle on a flat tire condition.
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.
For more information  Ú
page 149.
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.
For further information  Ú page 209.
Tread Wear Indicators 
Tread wear indicators are in the original 
equipment tires to help you in determining 
when your tires should be replaced.
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.
For further information  Úpage 245.
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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE245
(Continued)
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 
pressures can cause uneven wear patterns 
to develop across the tire tread. These 
abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life, 
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace -
ment.
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 
when installing new tires due to wear and tear 
in existing tires.
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 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. FCA strongly 
recommends that you use tires equivalent to 
the originals in size, quality and performance 
when replacement is needed  Ú
page 244. 
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.
For more information relating to the Load Index 
and Speed Symbol of a tire  Ú page 235.
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 
wheel’s specifications match those of the 
original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized 
tire dealer or original equipment dealer with any 
questions you may have on tire specifications or 
capability. Failure to use equivalent 
replacement tires may adversely affect the 
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
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.
WARNING!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or 
speed rating other than that specified for 
your vehicle. Some combinations of unap
-
proved tires and wheels may change 
suspension dimensions and performance 
characteristics, resulting 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 only the tire and 
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for 
your vehicle.
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246SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
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 
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.
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 recommended 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.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.
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