Файл: 92FWD_22.pdf

GENERAL INFORMATION

Throughout this group, references may be made to a particular vehicle by letter or number designation. A chart showing the breakdown of these designations is included in the Introduction Section.

Tires are designed for the vehicle and provide the best overall performance for normal operation. The ride and handling characteristics match the vehicle's requirements. With proper care they will give excellent reliability traction, skid resistance and tread life. They have load carrying capacity, when properly inflated, to operate at loads up to the specified Maximum Vehicle Capacity.

Driving habits have more effect on tire life than any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain, in most cases, much greater mileage than severe or careless drivers. A few of the driving habits which will shorten the life of any tire are:

²Rapid acceleration and deceleration

²Severe application of brakes

²High-speed driving

²Taking turns at excessive speeds

²Striking curbs and other obstacles

Radial ply tires can be more susceptible to irregular tread wear. It is very important to follow the tire rotation interval shown in the section on Tire Rotation to achieve a greater tread life potential.

RADIAL-PLY TIRES

Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life, and ride quality and decrease rolling resistance.

Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four and under no circumstances should they be used on the front only. However, they may be mixed with temporary spare tires when necessary, but reduced speeds are recommended.

Radial-ply tires have the same load carrying capacity as other types of tires of the same size. They also use the same recommended inflation pressures.

SPARE TIREÐCOMPACT

The compact spare tire is designed for emergency use only. The original tire should be repaired and reinstalled at the first opportunity. Refer to Owner's Manual for complete details.

TIRE CHAINS

Tire snow chains may be used on certain models. Refer to Owner's Manual for more information.

CLEANING OF TIRES

Remove protective coating on tires before delivery of vehicle, otherwise it could cause deterioration of tires.

Remove protective coating by applying warm water, letting it soak one minute, and then scrubbing the coating away with a soft bristle brush.

Steam cleaning may also be used for cleaning. DO NOT use gasoline or wire brush for cleaning. DO NOT use mineral oil or an oil-based solvent.

22 - 2 WHEELSÐTIRES

PRESSURE GAUGES

High quality dial type air pressure gauges are recommended. After checking pressure with the gauge, replace valve caps and tighten finger tight.

TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES

Under inflation (Fig. 1) causes rapid shoulder wear and tire flexing and can result in tire failure.

Fig. 1 Under inflation Wear

Over inflation (Fig. 2) cause rapid center wear and loss of the tire's ability to cushion shocks.

Fig. 2 Over inflation Wear

Improper inflation can cause:

²Uneven wear patterns

²Reduced tread life

²Reduced fuel economy

²Unsatisfactory ride

²The vehicle to drift.

Proper tire pressure can be found on the placard attached to the vehicle, See Owner's Manual.

This pressure has been selected to provide safe vehicle operation, proper vehicle stability, and a smooth ride. Tire pressure should be checked cold once per month and more frequently when the

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weather temperature varies widely. Tire pressure will decreases when the outdoor temperature drops.

Inflation pressures specified on the placards are always cold inflation pressure. Cold inflation pressure is obtained after the vehicle has not been operated for at least 3 hours or driven less than one mile after being inoperative for 3 hours.

Tire inflation pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds per square inch (psi) during operation. Do NOT reduce this normal pressure build-up.

Cold inflation pressures must not exceed 240 kPa (35 psi) for P-Series standard load tires.

TIRE PRESSURES FOR HIGH-SPEED OPERATION

Chrysler Corporation advocates driving at safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or conditions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important. For speeds up to and including 120 km/h (75 mph), tires must be inflated to the pressure shown on the tire placard. For speeds in excess of 120 km/h (75 mph), tires must be inflated to the maximum pressure specified on the tire sidewall.

Vehicles loaded to the maximum capacity should not be driven at continuous speeds above 120 km/h (75 mph).

WARNING: OVERINFLATED OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE CAN RESULT, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

For police or emergency vehicles that must be driven at continuous speeds over 144 km/h (90 mph), special high-speed tires must be used. Consult tire manufacturer for tire and inflation pressure recommendations.

REPLACEMENT TIRES

The original equipment tires on the vehicle have been engineered to provide a proper balance of many characteristics such as:

²ride

²noise

²handling

²durability

²tread life

²traction

²rolling resistance

²speed capability

Failure to use equipment replacement tires may adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle.

The use of oversize tires not listed in the specification charts may cause interference with vehicle com-

ponents. Under extremes of suspension and steering travel tire damage may occur.

WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED RATING CAN CAUSE SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.

ROTATION

DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES

Some vehicles are fitted with special highperformance tires having a directional tread pattern designed to improve traction on wet pavement.

To obtain the full benefits of this design, the tires must be installed so that they rotate in the correct direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire sidewalls.

When wheels and tires are being installed, extra care is needed to ensure that this direction of rotation is maintained.

Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.

NONDIRECTIONAL TIRES

Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at different loads and perform different steering, driving, and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.

The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross tire rotation method. This method takes advantage of current tire industry practice which now allows cross rotation of radial-ply tires. Refer to the owner's manual (usually found in the glove box) for additional information. Other rotation methods may be used, but may not have all the benefits of the recommended method.

Always check air pressure and wheel nut tightness after rotation. Do NOT use oil or grease on studs or nuts.

Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

Tread wear indicators (Fig. 3) are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. When tread is 1.6 mm (1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a 13 mm (1/2 in.) band.

Tire replacement is necessary when indicators appear in two or more grooves, or if localized balding occurs.

Fig. 3 Tread Wear Indicators

REPAIRING LEAKS

For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the defect or puncture is in the tread area otherwise the tire should be replaced.

Deflate tire completely before dismounting tire from the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap solution when dismounting or mounting tire. Use tools free of burrs or sharp edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.

Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust scale is removed from the rim and repaint if necessary.

Install wheels on vehicle, progressively tightening wheel nuts to 129 NIm (95 ft. lbs.) torque (See Wheels).

TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION

Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses caused by improper mounting, wheel irregularities, or imbalance.

To determine if the tires are causing the noise or vibration, drive the vehicle over a smooth portion of highway at different speeds and note the effect of acceleration and deceleration on noise level. Differential and exhaust noise will change in intensity as speed varies, while tire noise will usually remain constant.

TIRE WEAR PATTERNS

Under inflation results in faster wear on shoulders of tire.

Over inflation causes faster wear at center of tread. Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an angle to the road. One side of tread is worn more than the

other.

Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the tread edges of the tire, from dragging of tire. There is a feathered effect across the tread (Fig. 4).