wheel alignment DODGE CARAVAN 2009 Owners Manual

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident 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, 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 an accident.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate 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.
Alignment and Tire Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear
•Vehicle pull to right or left
366 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your
authorized dealer for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type “Class S” specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer.
NOTE:Do not use tire chains on a compact spare tire.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of restricted chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken chains can cause serious damage. Stop the
vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.
•Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as
possible and then retighten after driving about
0.5 mile (0.8 km).
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
5
ProCarManuals.com

Remote.............................. 28
Starting and Operating.................... 324
Starting Procedures...................... 324
Steering
Power.............................. 338
Shaft Seal............................ 448
Tilt Column.......................... 181
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls......................... 299
Storage............................ 211,474
Storage Bin............................ 211
Storage, Vehicle......................319,474
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 474
Stow n Go (Fold in Floor) Seats............. 149
Sun Roof.............................. 204
Sunglasses Storage....................... 195
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 206
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 65
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 441System, Remote Starting.................... 28
Tachometer............................ 239
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)........ 310
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant........236,411
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 86
Tilt Steering Column..................... 181
Tip Start............................... 14
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 354
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 353
Tire Markings.......................... 349
Tire Safety Information.................... 349
Tires ............................95,358,509
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 364
Air Pressure.......................... 358
Alignment........................... 366
Chains.............................. 367
Changing............................ 412
Compact Spare........................ 361
INDEX 527
10
ProCarManuals.com

Warranty Information..................... 506
Washer, Adding Fluid..................... 449
Washing Vehicle......................... 461
Water
Driving Through...................... 335
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 366
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 462
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care................ 462
Wheel Nut Torque....................... 421
Wind Buffeting.......................42,206
Window Fogging........................ 319
Windows.............................. 37Power............................... 38
Rear Vent............................ 37
Windows, Express Down................... 23
Windshield Washers...................179,449
Windshield Wiper Blades.................. 449
Wiper Blade Replacement.................. 449
Wipers, Intermittent...................... 179
YES EssentialsFabric Cleaning Procedure...... 464
Zone Control (Temperature Control).......... 306
530 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com