Get Starting And Operating -> Tires ? General Information Guide for Fiat 500 SUV First Generation (2007-2019)

222 STARTING AND OPERATING

TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION

WARNING! (Continued)

Tire Pressure

• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect ve-

hicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in

loss of vehicle control.

• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-

lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.

• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the ve-

hicle 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 stabil-

ity 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 re-

sult 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.

Fuel Economy

(Continued)

Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance

resulting in higher fuel consumption.

STARTING AND OPERATING 223

Tread Wear

CAUTION!

Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnor-

mal wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in

the need for earlier tire replacement.

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,

always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will pre-

vent moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,

which could damage the valve stem.

Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability

Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.

Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable

ride.

Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always

“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pres-

sure 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.

5

Tire Inflation Pressures

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the

driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side

door.

At least once a month:

Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide

range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary

with temperature changes.

• 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.

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.

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

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

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

224 STARTING AND OPERATING

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! (Continued)

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

Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation

WARNING!

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 your authorized tire dealer or origi-

nal equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe

operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pres-

sures.

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. Al-

ways use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never

combine them with other types of tires.

Tire Repair

If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it

meets the following criteria:

• The tire has not been driven on when flat.

WARNING!

• The damage is only on the tread section of your tire

High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-

mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your

tires could cause them to fail. You could have a

(sidewall damage is not repairable).

• The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch

(6 mm).

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING 225

Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and

additional information.

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 infor-

mation, contact an authorized dealer.

Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have

experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced

immediately with another Run Flat tire of identical

size and service description (Load Index and Speed

Symbol).

5

Tire Types

All Season Tires — If Equipped

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.

All season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,

Summer, Fall 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.

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.

226 STARTING AND OPERATING

Snow Tires

Run Flat 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See the tire pressure monitoring section for more infor-

mation.

Spare Tires — If Equipped

NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit

instead of a spare tire, please refer to the “Tire Service

Kit” section located in your Owner’s Information kit for

further information.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 227

tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the

letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.

Example: T145/80D18 103M.

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.

T, S = Temporary Spare Tire

Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equip-

ment tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-

stalled on your vehicle at the first opportunity.

Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And

Wheel — If Equipped

5

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.

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 recom-

mended 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

228 STARTING AND OPERATING

Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped

WARNING!

The collapsible spare is for temporary emergency use

only. You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with

a collapsible spare by looking at the spare tire descrip-

tion on the Tire and Loading Information Placard

located on the driver’s side door opening or on the

sidewall of the tire.

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.

Collapsible

spare

tire

description

example:

165/80-17 101P.

Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equip-

ment tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-

stalled on your vehicle at the first opportunity.

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.

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.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 229

Limited Use Spare — If Equipped

Tire Spinning

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.

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.

Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “What To Do In

Emergencies” for further information.

5

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-

ated 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.

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 limit use spare wheel.

Keep inflated to the cold tire inflation pressures

listed on your Tire and Loading Information Plac-

ard 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.

Tread Wear Indicators

Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment

tires to help you in determining when your tires should

be replaced.

230 STARTING AND OPERATING

• 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 replace-

ment.

• 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

maintenance schedule is highly recommended.

Tire Tread

1 — Worn Tire

2 — New Tire

WARNING!

Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six

years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to

follow this warning can result in sudden tire fail-

ure. You could lose control and have a collision

resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this

section for further information.

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.

Life Of Tire

The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying

factors including, but not limited to:

STARTING AND OPERATING 231

Replacement Tires

you may have on tire specifications or capability. Fail-

ure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely

affect the safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of

many characteristics. They should be inspected regu-

larly 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. Refer to the

paragraph on “Tread Wear Indicator” 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 side-

wall.

WARNING!

• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than

that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-

tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change

suspension dimensions and performance charac-

teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-

dling, 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.

• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having

adequate speed capability can result in sudden

tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

5

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.

It is recommended you contact your authorized tire

dealer or original equipment dealer with any questions

232 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe

the following precautions:

Replacing original tires with tires of a different size

may result in false speedometer and odometer read-

ings.

• Because of restricted traction device clearance

between tires and other suspension components,

it is important that only traction devices in good

condition 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.

TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)

Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body

clearance. Follow these recommendations to guard

against damage:

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

recommended by the traction device manufacturer.

• Install device as tightly as possible and then

retighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).

• 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 in-

structions on the method of installation, operat-

ing speed, and conditions for use. Always use the

suggested operating speed of the device manufac-

turer’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).

• Install on Front Tires.

• Due to limited clearance, a 185/55R15 tire with a

Security Chain Company (SCC) Super Z6 low profile

traction device or equivalent is recommended.

WARNING!

Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)

between front and rear axles can cause unpredict-

able handling. You could lose control and have a

collision.

(Continued)

Starting And Operating -> Tires ? General Information for Your Fiat 500 SUV First Generation (2007-2019)

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