
308SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
it is not designed to be reused when driven under 
a Run Flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa) condition.
NOTE:TPMS sensor must be replaced after driving the 
vehicle on a flat tire condition.
It is not recommended to drive 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 201.
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  Ú page 262.
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 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). 
When the tread is worn to the tread wear 
indicators, the tire should be replaced  
Ú page 309.
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:The Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well 
when installing new tires due to wear and tear in 
existing tires.
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 TireWARNING!
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.
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 308   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE309
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 308. 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 298.
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.
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.
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.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different 
size may result in false speedometer and 
odometer readings.
8
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 309   

310SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
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.
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED   
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead 
of a spare tire  Ú
page 252.
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire 
designated for temporary emergency use  
Ú page 157.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire 
And Wheel — If Equipped  
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 identify 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’s 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 
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.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do 
not take your vehicle through an automatic car 
wash with a compact or limited use temporary 
spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may 
result.
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 310   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE311
compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at any 
given time.
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.
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.
SNOW TRACTION DEVICES 
Use of traction devices require sufficient 
tire-to-body clearance. Due to limited clearance, 
the following snow traction devices are 
recommended. Follow these recommendations to 
guard against damage:
Snow traction device must be of proper size for 
the tire, as recommended by the snow traction 
device manufacturer.
No other tire sizes are recommended for use 
with the snow traction device.
Please follow the table below for the recom -
mended tire size, axle and snow traction device:
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 tread 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!
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.
8
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 311   

312SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
FWD
Trim Level Axle
Tire/Wheel Size Snow Traction Device 
(maximum projection beyond tire  profile or equivalent)
Sport
Latitude Limited Front
215/65R167 mm Cable or Chain
AWD
Trim Level Axle
Tire/Wheel Size Snow Traction Device 
(maximum projection beyond tire  profile or equivalent)
Sport
Latitude Limited
Trailhawk Front
215/65R167mm Cable or Chain
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow) between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 312   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE313
(Continued)
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS 
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle 
operate at different loads and perform different 
steering, handling, and braking functions. For 
these reasons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of 
tires. The benefits of rotation are especially 
worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such as 
those on On/Off Road type tires. Rotation will 
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, 
and wet traction levels, and contribute to a 
smooth, quiet ride.
For the proper maintenance intervals   Úpage 268. 
The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should 
be corrected prior to rotation being performed. The suggested rotation method is the “forward 
cross” shown in the following diagram. This 
rotation pattern does not apply to some directional 
tires that must not be reversed.
Tire Rotation (Forward Cross)
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe 
the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device clearance 
between tires and other suspension compo -
nents, it is important that only traction devices 
in good condition are used. Broken devices can 
cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle imme -
diately if noise occurs that could indicate 
device breakage. Remove the damaged parts 
of the device before further use.
Install device as tightly as possible and then 
retighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km). 
Autosock traction devices do not require 
retightening.
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and 
large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry 
pavement.
Observe the traction device manufacturer’s 
instructions on the method of installation, 
operating speed, and conditions for use. 
Always use the suggested operating speed of 
the device manufacturer’s if it is less than 
30 mph (48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact 
spare tire.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles 
depends on tires of equal size, type and 
circumference on each wheel. Any difference in 
tire size can cause damage to the power transfer 
unit. Tire rotation schedule should be followed to 
balance tire wear.
8
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 313   

314SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES 
The following tire grading categories 
were established by the National 
Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 
The specific grade rating assigned by the 
tire's manufacturer in each category is 
shown on the sidewall of the tires on 
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform 
to Federal safety requirements in 
addition to these grades.
TREADWEAR
The Treadwear grade is a comparative 
rating, based on the wear rate of the tire 
when tested under controlled conditions 
on a specified government test course. 
For example, a tire graded 150 would 
wear one and one-half times as well on 
the government course as a tire graded 
100. The relative performance of tires 
depends upon the actual conditions of 
their use, however, and may depart  significantly from the norm due to 
variations in driving habits, service 
practices, and differences in road 
characteristics and climate.
TRACTION GRADES
The Traction grades, from highest to 
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades 
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet 
pavement, as measured under 
controlled conditions on specified 
government test surfaces of asphalt and 
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor 
traction performance.
TEMPERATURE GRADES
The Temperature grades are A (the 
highest), B, and C, representing the tire's 
resistance to the generation of heat and 
its ability to dissipate heat, when tested 
under controlled conditions on a 
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause 
the material of the tire to degenerate 
and reduce tire life, and excessive 
temperature can lead to sudden tire 
failure. The grade C corresponds to a 
level of performance, which all 
passenger vehicle tires must meet 
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A 
represent higher levels of performance 
on the laboratory test wheel, than the 
minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based 
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and 
does not include acceleration, cornering, 
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is 
established for a tire that is properly inflated and 
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, 
or excessive loading, either separately or in 
combination, can cause heat build-up and 
possible tire failure.
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 314   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE315
STORING THE VEHICLE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than three 
weeks, we recommend that you take the following 
steps to minimize the drain on your vehicle's 
battery:
Disconnect the negative cable from battery.
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of 
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, 
run the air conditioning system at idle for about 
five minutes in the fresh air and high blower 
setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri-
cation to minimize the possibility of compressor 
damage when the system is started again.
NOTE:When the vehicle has not been started or driven for 
at least 30 days, an “Extended Park Starting 
Procedure” is required to start the vehicle  
Úpage 100.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC 
A
GENTS  
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to 
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that 
make roads passable in snow and ice and those 
that are sprayed on trees and road surfaces during 
other seasons are highly corrosive to the metal in 
your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your 
vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on 
which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold 
weather and other extreme conditions will have an 
adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody 
protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will 
enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the 
corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal 
of paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
Stone and gravel impact.
Insects, tree sap and tar.
Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
BODY AND UNDERBODY MAINTENANCE
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care   
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum 
and chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned 
regularly using mild (neutral Ph) soap and water to 
maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion. 
Wash wheels with the same soap solution 
recommended for the body of the vehicle and 
remember to always wash when the surfaces are 
not hot to the touch.
Your wheels are susceptible to deterioration 
caused by salt, sodium chloride, magnesium 
chloride, calcium chloride, etc., and other road 
chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on dirt 
roads. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap to 
wipe away promptly. Do not use harsh chemicals or 
a stiff brush. They can damage the wheel’s 
protective coating that helps keep them from 
corroding and tarnishing.
CAUTION!
Before removal of the positive and negative 
terminals to the battery, wait at least a minute 
with ignition switch in the OFF position and close 
the driver’s door. When reconnecting the 
positive and negative terminals to the battery be 
sure the ignition switch is in the OFF position 
and the driver’s door is closed.CAUTION!
Avoid products or automatic car washes that use 
acidic solutions or strong alkaline additives or 
harsh brushes. Many aftermarket wheel 
cleaners and automatic car washes may 
damage the wheel's protective finish. Such 
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle 
Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap, Mopar® 
Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recommended.
8
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 315