TIRES
8
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended
load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
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
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
12
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.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” in your Owner’s Manual for
fu r
ther information.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to help you in determining when
your tires should be replaced.
Tire Tread
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. They will appear as
bands when the tread depth becomes a 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is
wo r
n to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section 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
co n
tinuously when you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
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.
TIRES
14
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.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of unapproved 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.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity, other than what was originally eq
uipped 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!
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.
TIRES
16
Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary emergency use only. You can identify if your vehicle
is equipped with a collapsible 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.
Collapsible spare tire description example: 165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment tire should be repaired (or
re
placed) and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Inflate the collapsible tire only after the wheel is properly installed on the vehicle. Inflate
t h
e collapsible tire using the electric air pump before lowering the vehicle.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conventional tire on the collapsible
s p
are wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically for the collapsible spare tire.
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.
WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary use spares have limited
t r
ead 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, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
WARNING!
Compact and Collapsible spares are for temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary use spares have limited
t r
ead 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, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
TIRES
17
Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency 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 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 limited 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.