warning DODGE SPRINTER 2008 2.G Owners Manual

390 OperationTires and wheels
4
1Maximum tire load rating
The maximum tire load is the maximum
weight the tires are designed to support.
Warning
G
Tires and spare tire should be re-
placed after 6 years, regardless of
the remaining tread.
Maximum tire load
iFor illustrative purposes only. The ac-
tual data on tires is specific to each
vehicle and may vary from the data
shown in the above illustration.
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391 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
For more information on tire load rating,
refer to "Tire size designation, load and
speed rating" (
\2
page 383).
For information on calculating total and
cargo load capacities, refer to "Tire and
loading information" (
\2
page 352).
1Maximum permissible tire inflation pres-
sure
Warning
G
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the
tire and loading information placard on
the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing
a blowout. Overloading the tires can also
result in handling or steering problems, or
brake failure.Never overload them.The vehicle maximum load on the tire
must not exceed the load carrying capac-
ity of the tire on your vehicle.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying
capacity if you adhere to the loading con-
ditions, tire size and cold tire inflation
pressures specified on the tire and load-
ing information placard.
Maximum tire inflation pressure
nf_BA.book Page 391 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

392 OperationTires and wheels
4
This is the maximum permissible tire in-
flation pressure for the tire.
Always follow the recommended tire in-
flation pressure (
\2
page 361) for proper
tire inflation.
iFor illustrative purposes only. The ac-
tual data on tires is specific to each
vehicle and may vary from the data
shown in the above illustration.
Warning
G
Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure. Follow recommended tire infla-
tion pressures.Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated
tires wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel econo-
my, and are more likely to fail from being
overheated.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride
comfort, wear unevenly, increase stop-
ping distance, and result in sudden defla-
tion (blowout) because they are more
likely to become punctured or damaged
by road debris, potholes etc.
nf_BA.book Page 392 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

399 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
Uniform tire quality grading stan-
dardsA tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s trac-
tion, temperature and treadwear. Rat-
ings are determined by tire
manufacturers using government test-
ing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the side wall of the tire.
Vehicle capacity weightRated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kg
(150 lbs) times the vehicle’s designated
seating capacity.Vehicle maximum load on the tireLoad on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its
share of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing it by two.
Rotating tiresWarning
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they
are of the same dimension.Changing the tire dimension for an axle could cause the tire to come into contact
with the vehicle body or axle parts. Dam-
age to the tire or the vehicle may be the
result.
Continued
nf_BA.book Page 399 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

400 OperationTires and wheels
4
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehi-
cles operate at different loads and per-
form different steering, driving and
braking functions. For these reasons,
they wear at unequal rates, and develop
irregular wear patterns. These effects
can be reduced by timely rotation of
tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile with aggressive tread de-
signs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread
life, help to maintain mud, snow, and wet
traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth ride. If applicable to your vehicle’s tire config-
uration, tires can be rotated according
to the tire manufacturer’s recommend-
ed intervals in the tire manufacturer’s
warranty pamphlet located in your vehi-
cle literature portfolio. If none is avail-
able, tires should be rotated every
10 000 miles (16 000 km), or sooner if
necessary, according to the degree of
tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained when mounted, see
"Direction of rotation" (
\2
page 351).
Warning (Continued)
G
could result in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your Sprinter vehicle.
This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension
components. You could lose control and
have an accident resulting in serious inju-
ry or death.could result in tire overloading and failure,
if the tires' load index are not identical.
You could lose control and have an acci-
dent.
nf_BA.book Page 400 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

401 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
Rotate tires before the characteristic
tire wear pattern becomes visible (shoul-
der wear on front tires and tread center
wear on rear tires).
The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rota-
tion being performed.
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of
wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner
side of the wheels/tires, during each ro-
tation. Check for and ensure proper tire infla-
tion pressure, refer to "Recommended
tire inflation pressure" (
\2
page 361).
!
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the
tire pressure monitor*, each wheel
has an electronic component.
Tire mounting tools should not be ap-
plied in the area of the valve, as this
could damage the electronic compo-
nents.
Have the tires changed only at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Warning
G
In order to avoid loosing a wheel and in or-
der to reduce the risk of fatal or serious
injuries or vehicle damage, please follow
these safety instructions:Always replace wheel bolts that are dam-
aged or rusted.Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Continued
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402 OperationTires and wheels
4
Rotation pattern for single and dual rear
wheelsSingle rear wheels:\1
Rotate the tires by axle. Never
change the direction of rotation of
your tires.
Warning (Continued)
G
If a wheel hub thread is damaged, you
must not drive the vehicle. Consult an au-
thorized Sprinter Dealer.Only use genuine wheel bolts approved by
the vehicle manufacturer and specified
for your vehicle’s rims. Check tightness of
wheel bolts or nuts regularly and retight-
en with a torque wrench, if necessary.
Tighten wheel bolts or nuts in a crisscross
pattern. For information on mounting
bolts and tightening torques, refer to "In-
stalling a wheel" (\2page 548).
Continued
After changing a wheel, the wheel bolts or
nuts must be retightened after the vehicle
has been driven for about 30 miles
(50 km)If new or repainted rims are fitted, the
wheel bolts or nuts must be retightened
again after about 600 to 3000 miles
(about 1000 to 5000 km).
nf_BA.book Page 402 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

405 Operation
Winter driving
4
For safe handling, make sure all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.
Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If
the maximum speed for which your tires
are rated is below the speed rating of
your vehicle, you must place a notice to
this effect where it will be seen by the driver. Such notices are available at your
tire dealer or any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
\1
Reactivate the tire pressure monitor.
While studded tires improve perfor-
mance on ice, skid and traction capabil-
ity 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 us-
ing these tire types.
Warning
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are
no longer suitable for winter operation.
Warning
G
If you use your spare tire when winter
tires are fitted on the other wheels, be
aware that the difference in tire charac-
teristics may impair turning stability and
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
nf_BA.book Page 405 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

406 OperationWinter driving
4
Drive with particular care on icy roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
movements and braking.
If it seems likely that the vehicle is about
to enter a skid or cannot be stopped at a
low speed:\4
Move the selector lever to position N.
\4
Try to maintain control of the vehicle
using light corrective steering.
Road salt may adversely affect braking
efficiency. It may therefore be necessary
to apply the brakes more forcefully in or-
der to achieve the same braking force as
normal.
iW h e n t h e y h a v e b e e n r e m o v e d , s t o r e
wheels and tires in a cool, dry, and if
possible dark place. Protect the tires
from oil, grease, and gasoline /
diesel.
Driving in winterWarning
G
Downshifting to brake could cause the
drive wheels to lose grip on a slippery sur-
face due to the increased difference in
speed between the engine and the drive
wheels at this time.
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. Use the ser-
vice brake in accordance with road condi-
tions. Only downshift to a lower gear
when traveling at a low engine speed.
nf_BA.book Page 406 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

409 Operation
Maintenance and servicing
4
\3 Maintenance and servicingWarning
G
Before carrying out maintenance opera-
tions and repairs, please make sure that
you read the relevant sections of the tech-
nical documentation, such as:Operating instructions and workshop in-
formationFamiliarize yourself in advance in particu-
lar with legal requirements, such as:Safety at work and accident prevention
regulations.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
You may otherwise fail to recognize dan-
gers and could injure yourself or others.When working underneath the vehicle,
you must place the vehicle on stands with
sufficient load-bearing capacity.Never use the vehicle jack instead. There
is a risk that the vehicle jack could give
way and the vehicle could drop, seriously
injuring yourself or others, or causing
damage to property.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
The jack is only designed to raise the ve-
hicle for a short time.Always have the maintenance work car-
ried out and checked at an authorized
Sprinter Dealer which has the necessary
specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required.
Continued
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