TIRES
3
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C,
T1 4
5/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on US design standards, or
"....blank...." =
Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light Truck tire based on US design standards, or
T
or S = Temporary spare tire or
3 1 =
Overall diameter in inches (in)
2 1
5, 235, 145 =
Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
• Ra
tio of section height to section width of tire, or 10
.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
• "R" means radial construction, or
• "D
" means diagonal or bias construction
1 5
, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
S e
rvice 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 corre -
s p
onding to its load index under certain operating conditions
• The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved un
der specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road condi -
tions, and posted speed limits)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire
in d
icates 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
TIRES
4
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire; however, the date code may only
be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the date code,
located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard side of
black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard
side, then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.
Tire Terminology And Definitions
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation
• Th
is symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the US Department of Trans -
p o
rtation tire safety standards and is approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9
= Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 =
Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
• 03 m
eans the 3rd week
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
• 01 m
eans the year 2001
• Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to
re
present the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could repre -
sent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
Term Definition
B-pillar The vehicle B-pillar is the structural member of the body
l
o c
ated behind the front door.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure
af
t
er the vehicle has not been driven for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for
a m
inimum 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
p
e
r
missible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire. The
maximum inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall.
TIRES
5
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver side B-pillar or the rear edge
of
the driver side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire (if equipped), at least
mo n
thly and inflate to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
Example Tire Placard Location (Door)
Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation
pre
ssure as shown on the tire placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing
th
e
vehicle’s loading capacity, the original equipment tire
sizes and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures.
Term Definition
TIRES
6
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 in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating” section
of your Owner’s Manual.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs) for the
f r o
nt and rear axles must not be exceeded. For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”
section of your Owner’s Manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
co m
bined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lb” 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.
TIRES
9
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 and Vehicle Stability
• Ec
onomy
• Tr
ead Wear
• Ri
de Comfort
S a
fety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the stability of the vehicle and can produce
a f
eeling of sluggish response or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
• U nequal tire pressures from side to side may cause erratic and unpredictable steering
r e
sponse.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
F u
el Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance, resulting in higher fuel
co n
sumption.
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result in overheating and tire failure.
•Ov
erinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuck -
h o
les can cause damage that result in tire failure.
• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, re
sulting in loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your ve
hicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other can cause the ve
hicle to drift to the right or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
TIRES
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Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal wear patterns and reduced
tre
ad life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Overinflation produces a jarring
and
uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver side B-pillar or rear edge of
the driver side door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do notma
ke a visual judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires may look properly
inflated even when they are underinflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
I n
flation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold
ti r
e 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
th r
ee 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
ti r
e pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature
ch a
nge. 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
c o n
dition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT
re d
uce this normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
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.
TIRES
11
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
FCA US LLC 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
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.
• Th
e damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall damage is not repair -
a b
le).
• The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch (6 m
m).
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).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h)
aft
er 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 to drive a vehicle loaded at full capacity or to tow a trailer while a
tir
e is in the Run Flat mode.
See the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) section for more information.
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 maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(1 2
0 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.
TIRES
13
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including, but not limited to:
• D riving style.
•
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns
t
o develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
• D istance driven.
•
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and Summer tires typically
h
ave a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle scheduled mainte -
nance is highly recommended.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible.
P r
otect 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 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 tires. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tires will be found on the original equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety Information” section of this
ma
nual 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
o n
e 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
a n
y 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.