Get Servicing And Maintenance -> Tires Guide for Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

262 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Fluid And Filter Changes

Tire Markings

Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at

the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life

of the vehicle.

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.

RAISING THE VEHICLE

In the case where it is necessary to raise the vehicle, go to

an authorized dealer or service station.

TIRES

Tire Markings

Tire Safety Information

1 — U.S. DOT Safety

4 — Maximum Load

Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following

information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,

Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire

Loading.

Standards Code (TIN)

2 — Size Designation

3 — Service Description

5 — Maximum Pressure

6 — Treadwear, Traction

and Temperature Grades

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 263

NOTE:

•

Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emergency

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 ЉPЉ is absent from this tire size

designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

Tire Identification Number (TIN)

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

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.

• 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.

8

264 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 265

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. In-

flation 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.

266 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 267

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.

268 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—

Metric Example For Load Limit

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or

XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.

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.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and

passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

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.

(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.)

• For the following example, the combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs

(392 kg).

(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.

(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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 269

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.

270 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

• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-

mended cold tire inflation pressure.

• Ride Comfort

Safety

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

cause collisions.

• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result

in overheating and tire failure.

NOTE:

• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause

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 271

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 properly inflated even when they are under-

inflated.

Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the

outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation

• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.

272 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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.

Radial Ply Tires

WARNING!

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.

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.

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.

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).

WARNING!

Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and

additional information.

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).

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

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 273

description (Load Index and Speed Symbol). Replace the

tire pressure sensor as well as it is not designed to be

reused.

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.

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 TPM sensor as it is not designed to be

reused when driven under run flat mode (14 psi (96 kPa))

condition.

Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emer-

gency” 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 continuously when

you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a spinning

wheel, no matter what the speed.

8

Tread Wear Indicators

NOTE: TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the

vehicle on a flat tire condition.

Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to

help you in determining when your tires should be re-

placed.

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.

See the tire pressure monitoring section for more informa-

tion.

274 SERVICING 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 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

worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be

replaced.

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.

Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further

information.

NOTE: Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well when

installing new tires due to wear and tear in existing tires.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 275

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.

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

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.

8

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.

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.

(Continued)

276 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped

WARNING! (Continued)

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.

• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-

equate 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 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.

Tire Types

All Season Tires — If Equipped

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.

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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 277

Snow Tires

Spare Tires — If Equipped

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in “Starting

And Operating” for restrictions when towing with a spare

tire designated for temporary emergency use.

8

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.

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.

278 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped

WARNING!

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.

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.

T, S = Temporary Spare Tire

Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped

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.

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.

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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 279

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

8

280 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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.

WARNING!

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.

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.

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.

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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 281

CAUTION!

CAUTION! (Continued)

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.

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.

Tire Chains (Traction Devices)

Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clear-

ance. Follow these recommendations to guard against

damage.

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.

• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as

recommended by the traction device manufacturer.

8

• Install on Front Tires Only.

• Due to limited clearance, on a 205/55 R16, use reduced

size snow chains or traction devices with a maximum

projection of 9 mm beyond the tire profile.

Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low Gloss

Clear Coat Wheels

CAUTION!

WARNING!

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

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.

(Continued)

282 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Rotation Recommendations

CAUTION!

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.

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).

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.

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.

• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large

bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.

• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-

ment.

• 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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 283

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.

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.

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 charac-

teristics and climate.

8

Tire Rotation

Servicing And Maintenance -> Tires for Your Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

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