
398SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE 
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil 
change indicator system. The oil change indicator 
system will remind you that it is time to take your 
vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil 
change indicator message will illuminate. This 
means that service is required for your vehicle. 
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, 
trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient 
temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change 
Required” message is displayed. Have your vehicle 
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 
500 miles (805 km). An authorized dealer will reset the oil change 
indicator message after completing the scheduled 
oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed 
by someone other than an authorized dealer, the 
message can be reset by referring to the steps 
described under Instrument Cluster Display  
Ú
page 114.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change 
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 
12 months, whichever comes first. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look for 
unusual wear or damage.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, 
brake master cylinder, and power steering, and 
fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
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446SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The Tire Identification Number (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.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:
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation 
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the US Department of Transportation 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 means the 3rd week
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE447
Tire Terminology And Definitions
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits) 
01 means the year 2001
Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could 
represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
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 The manufacturer’s 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.
EXAMPLE:
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448SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
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 in 
Vehicle Loading  Ú page 211.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, Gross 
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear 
axles must not be exceeded. 
For further information on GAWR, vehicle loading, 
and trailer towing  Ú page 211.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE451
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 underinflation and overinflation 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
Underinflated 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. Overinflation produces a jarring and 
uncomfortable ride.
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.WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and 
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and can 
result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion 
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes 
can cause damage that result in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated 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.
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452SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
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 underinflated.
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible 
damage.
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 
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, 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
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)
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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE453
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 underinflated tire 
condition, please replace the TPMS sensor as it is 
not designed to be reused when driven under Run 
Flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa) condition.
NOTE:The TPMS 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 328.
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 389.
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 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  Ú page 454.
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.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
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454SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
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 pres -
sures 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 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 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. The manufacturer strongly 
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the 
originals in size, quality and performance when 
replacement is needed  Ú
page 453. 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 445.
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 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 unpre -
dictable 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 
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a 
smaller load index could result in tire over -
loading 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.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 454