tire size DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G User Guide

SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
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 pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
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 pat-
terns. These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of
tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile
with aggressive tread designs such as those on all season
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
STARTING AND OPERATING 183
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Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met.
Store heavier items down low and be sure that the weight
is distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tires ..............................54,175
Air Pressure......................... 175
Alignment.......................... 181
Chains............................. 182
Changing........................... 209
Compact Spare....................... 178
General Information................... 175
High Speed......................... 177
Inflation Pressures.................... 176
Jacking............................. 211
Load Capacity....................... 172
Radial............................. 178
Replacement......................... 180
Rotation.........................183,264
Safety...........................167,175
Sizes............................... 169
Snow Tires.......................... 183
Spare Tire........................... 210
Spinning............................ 179
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 180
Warnings........................... 182
Wheel Nut Torque.................... 213
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 197Torque Converter Clutch................. 149
Towing
Disabled Vehicle...................... 217
Guide.............................. 199
Recreational......................... 202
Trailering........................... 195
Weight............................. 199
Traction.............................. 206
Trailer Towing......................... 195
Cooling System Tips................... 201
Hitches............................. 198
Minimum Requirements................ 199
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 197
Wiring............................. 200
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 199
Trailer Weight......................... 199
Transfer Case.......................... 248
Fluid.............................. 260
Transmission....................146,150,245
Automatic.....................144,146,245
Filter.............................. 247
Fluid........................245,247,260
Manual.......................144,150,245
INDEX 299
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