SAFETY 239
Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings
Using tire chains on the vehicle
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS
sensors
Vehicles With Matching Full-Size Spare
1. The matching full size spare wheel and tire asse m
bly has a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System sensor that can be monitored by the
TPMS.
2. If you install the full size spare in place of a road t
ire that has a pressure below the
low-pressure warning limit, a chime will sound
and the TPMS Light will turn on upon the next
ignition key cycle. In addition, the instrument
cluster will display a Tire Low message, an
"Inflate to XX" message and a graphic showing
the low tire pressure value in a different color.
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minu
tes
above 1
5 mph (24 km/h) the “TPMS Light” will
turn of
f, as long as no tire pressure is below
the low-pressure warning limit in any of the
four active road tires.
4. The instrument cluster will display a graphic showin
g the tire pressure value in the same
color as the other pressure values in place of
the different color low tire pressure value. The
instrument cluster will also display a dedicated
message to remind you to service the flat tire. Vehicles With Compact Spare Or Non-Matching
Full
S
ize Spare
1. The compact spare tire or non-matching full size
does not have a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not
monitor the pressure in the compact spare
tire.
2. If you install the compact or non-matching full size
spare tire in place of a road tire that has a
pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
upon the next ignition key cycle, the TPMS
Light will remain on and a chime will sound. In
addition, the graphic in the instrument cluster
will still display a different color pressure value
and an "Inflate to XX" message.
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minu
tes
above 1
5 mph (24 km/h), the TPMS Light will
flash
on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on solid. In addition, the instrument
cluster will display a “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM”
message for five seconds and then display
dashes (--) in place of the pressure value.
4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime
will sound, the TPMS Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then remain on
solid, and the instrument cluster will display a
“SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message for five
seconds and then display dashes (--) in place
of the pressure value. 5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire
and r
einstall it on the vehicle in place of the
compact spare or non-matching full size, the
TPMS will update automatically. In addition,
the TPMS Light will turn off and the graphic in
the instrument cluster will display a new
pressure value instead of dashes (--), as long
as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road
tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up
to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in
order f
or the TPMS to receive this information.
TPMS Deactivation — If Equipped
The TPMS can be deactivated if replacing all four
wheel and tire assemblies (road tires) with wheel
and tire assemblies that do not have TPMS
sensors, such as when installing Winter wheel and
tire assemblies on your vehicle. To deactivate the
TPMS, first, replace all four wheel and tire
assemblies (road tires) with tires not equipped with
Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors. Then,
drive the vehicle for 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km /
h). The TPMS will chime, the TPMS Light
w i
ll
f
lash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on and the instrument cluster will display
the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message and then
display dashes (--) in place of the pressure values.
Beginning with the next ignition switch cycle, the
TPMS will no longer chime or flash the TPMS and
6
330 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 r
ange 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.
K eep t
his in mind when checking tire pressure
inside a garage, especially in the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C)
and t h
e 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 me e
ts 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
a nd ad
ditional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have
experi
enced 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
r a
pi
d
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
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 colli
-
sion. Always use radial ply tires in sets of four.
Never
combine them with other types of tires.
332 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 331. Refer to the
Tire and Loading Information placard or the
Vehic l
e 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.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example for more
inform a
tion relating to the Load Index and Speed
Symbol of a tire Ú page 323.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or
two re a
r 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
deale r
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
suspe n
sion 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
h ave 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.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 333
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
equipm
ent 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 w
as 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 a
u
th
or i zed tire dealer for recommended safe
operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice,
skid a
nd 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 s p
are tire, please refer to Tire Service Kit for
further information Ú page 276.
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
desig n
ated for temporary emergency use
Ú page 127.
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
e
quip m
ent 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
convent
ional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
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.
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