SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE -> TIRES for Your Fiat 500 C 2 Door Second Generation (2016-2020)

250 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,  
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contami-  
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disas-  
sembled for any reason.  
Tire Markings  
RAISING THE VEHICLE  
In the case where it is necessary to raise the vehicle, go to  
an authorized dealer or service station.  
TIRES  
Tire Safety Information  
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following  
information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,  
Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire  
Loading.  
Tire Markings  
1 — U.S. DOT Safety  
4 — Maximum Load  
5 — Maximum Pressure  
Standards Code (TIN)  
2 — Size Designation  
3 — Service Description  
6 — Treadwear, Traction  
and Temperature Grades  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 251  
NOTE:  
Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emer-  
gency use only. Temporary high pressure compact spare  
tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall  
preceding the size designation. Example: T145/80D18  
103M.  
P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.  
design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”  
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation.  
Example: P215/65R15 95H.  
High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design stan-  
dards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into  
the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.  
European — Metric tire sizing is based on European  
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have  
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the  
section width. The letter Pis absent from this tire size  
designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.  
LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.  
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric  
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters  
“LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding the  
size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.  
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252 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tire Identification Number (TIN)  
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.  
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  
EXAMPLE:  
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301  
DOT = Department of Transportation  
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. 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  
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  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 253  
Tire Terminology And Definitions  
Term  
Definition  
B-Pillar  
The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located be-  
hind 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.  
8
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure  
Tire Placard  
Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure as  
shown on the tire placard.  
A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s  
loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the recom-  
mended cold tire inflation pressures.  
254 SERVICING 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 (B-Pillar)  
Example Tire Placard Location (Door)  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 255  
Tire And Loading Information Placard  
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 Operat-  
ing” section of this manual.  
NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross  
axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front 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 this manual.  
8
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.  
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your  
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of  
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or  
XXX lbs” 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.  
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.  
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare  
tires.  
256 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—  
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from  
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult  
this manual to determine how this reduces the available  
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.  
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of  
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or  
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.  
Metric Example For Load Limit  
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and  
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.  
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there will  
be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the amount of  
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-  
340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.  
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and  
passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.  
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of  
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”  
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb  
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available  
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750  
(5x150) = 650 lbs.)  
NOTE:  
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your  
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The following  
table shows examples on how to calculate total load,  
cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your vehicle  
with varying seating configurations and number and  
size of occupants. This table is for illustration purposes  
only and may not be accurate for the seating and load  
carry capacity of your vehicle.  
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and  
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not  
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load  
capacity calculated in Step 4.  
For the following example, the combined weight of occu-  
pants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 257  
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 rec-  
ommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never over-  
load them.  
258 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tires — General Information  
WARNING! (Continued)  
Tire Pressure  
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.  
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  
Economy  
Tread Wear  
Ride Comfort  
Safety  
Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-  
mended cold tire inflation pressure.  
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability  
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish  
response or over responsiveness in the steering.  
WARNING!  
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can  
NOTE:  
cause collisions.  
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause  
Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result  
in overheating and tire failure.  
erratic and unpredictable steering response.  
Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion  
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause  
damage that result in tire failure.  
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the  
vehicle to drift left or right.  
(Continued)  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 259  
Fuel Economy  
CAUTION!  
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance  
resulting in higher fuel consumption.  
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.  
Tread Wear  
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal  
wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need  
for earlier tire replacement.  
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.  
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability  
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.  
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.  
8
Tire Inflation Pressures  
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range  
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tem-  
perature changes.  
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:  
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.  
Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality pocket-  
type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual judgement  
when determining proper inflation. Tires may look prop-  
erly inflated even when they are under-inflated.  
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.  
260 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
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.  
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).  
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.  
Radial Ply Tires  
WARNING!  
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation  
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and  
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-  
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds,  
maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very impor-  
tant. 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.  
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.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 261  
Tire Repair  
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.  
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it meets  
the following criteria:  
See the tire pressure monitoring section for more informa-  
tion.  
The tire has not been driven on when flat.  
Tire Spinning  
The damage is only on the tread section of your tire  
(sidewall damage is not repairable).  
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.  
The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch (6 mm).  
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and  
additional information.  
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emer-  
gency” for further information.  
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have  
experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced immedi-  
ately with another Run Flat tire of identical size and service  
description (Load Index and Speed Symbol).  
8
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.  
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.  
262 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tread Wear Indicators  
worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be  
replaced. Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for  
further information.  
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to  
help you in determining when your tires should be re-  
placed.  
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 pressures 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.  
Tire Tread  
1 — Worn Tire  
2 — New Tire  
WARNING!  
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  
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.  
(Continued)  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 263  
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety  
Information” section of this manual for more information  
relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.  
WARNING! (Continued)  
You could lose control and have a collision resulting in  
serious injury or death.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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 manu-  
facturer 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 tire. The Load Index  
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the  
original equipment tire sidewall.  
8
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 perfor-  
mance characteristics, resulting in changes to steer-  
ing, handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can  
(Continued)  
264 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tire Types  
WARNING! (Continued)  
All Season Tires — If Equipped  
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 equipped 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.  
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,  
Summer, Fall, and Winter). Traction levels may vary be-  
tween 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  
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-  
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire  
failure and loss of vehicle control.  
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry condi-  
tions, 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 am-  
bient temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are  
covered with ice or snow. For more information, contact an  
authorized dealer.  
CAUTION!  
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size  
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-  
ings.  
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.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 265  
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 stud-  
ded tires; therefore, local laws should be checked before  
using these tire types.  
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.  
Spare Tires — If Equipped  
Snow Tires  
NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead  
of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case  
Of Emergency” for further information.  
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.  
CAUTION!  
If you need snow tires, select tires  
equivalent in size and type to the origi-  
nal equipment tires. Use snow tires only  
in sets of four; failure to do so may  
adversely affect the safety and handling  
of your vehicle.  
8
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.  
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And  
Wheel — If Equipped  
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.  
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  
266 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an  
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation  
pattern.  
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.  
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.  
Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped  
The collapsible spare is for temporary emergency use only.  
You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with a collaps-  
ible 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.  
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 compact spare tire and wheel  
on the vehicle at any given time.  
Collapsible spare tire description example: 165/80-17 101P.  
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.  
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is properly  
installed to the vehicle. Inflate the collapsible tire using the  
electric air pump before lowering the vehicle.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 267  
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a  
conventional tire on the collapsible spare wheel, since the  
wheel is designed specifically for the collapsible spare tire.  
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 equip-  
ment 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 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!  
8
Limited use spares are for emergency use only. Instal-  
lation 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.  
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.  
268 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care  
When cleaning extremely dirty wheels including excessive  
brake dust, care must be taken in the selection of tire and  
wheel cleaning chemicals and equipment to prevent dam-  
age to the wheels. Mopar Wheel Treatment or Mopar  
Chrome Cleaner or their equivalent is recommended or  
select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner for aluminum or  
chrome wheels.  
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.  
CAUTION!  
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.  
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,  
metal polishes or oven cleaner. These products 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 equiva-  
lent is recommended.  
NOTE: If you intend parking or storing your vehicle for an  
extended period after cleaning the wheels with wheel  
cleaner, drive your vehicle and apply the brakes to remove  
the water droplets from the brake components. This activ-  
ity will remove the red rust on the brake rotors and prevent  
vehicle vibration when braking.  
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.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 269  
Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low Gloss  
Clear Coat Wheels  
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.  
CAUTION!  
If your vehicle is equipped with these specialty  
wheels, DO NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives, or  
polishing compounds. They will permanently damage  
this finish and such damage is not covered by the New  
Vehicle Limited Warranty. HAND WASH ONLY US-  
ING MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH A SOFT  
CLOTH. Used on a regular basis; this is all that is  
required to maintain this finish.  
CAUTION!  
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the  
following precautions:  
Because of restricted traction device clearance be-  
tween tires and other suspension components, it is  
important that only traction devices in good condi-  
tion are used. Broken devices can cause serious  
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately 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 re-  
tighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).  
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).  
8
Tire Chains (Traction Devices)  
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clear-  
ance. Follow these recommendations to guard against  
damage:  
Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as  
recommended by the traction device manufacturer.  
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large  
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.  
Install on Front Tires.  
Due to limited clearance, a 185/55R15 tire with a Peer-  
less Super Z6 low profile traction device or equivalent is  
recommended.  
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.  
(Continued)  
270 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
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.  
CAUTION! (Continued)  
Observe the traction device manufacturer’s instruc-  
tions 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.  
Tire Rotation Recommendations  
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at  
different loads and perform different steering, driving, 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 aggres-  
sive tread designs such as those on all season type tires.  
Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud,  
snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth,  
quiet ride.  
Tire Rotation  
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 manu-  
facturer in each category is shown on the sidewall of the  
tires on your vehicle.  
Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” for the proper mainte-  
nance intervals. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear  
should be corrected prior to rotation being performed.