tire type DODGE SPRINTER 2007 2.G User Guide

225 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
U.S. tire regulations require each new tire
manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a
TIN into or onto a side wall of each tire pro-
duced.The TIN is a unique identifier which facili-
tates efforts by tire manufactures to notify
purchasers in recall situations or other
safety matters concerning tires and gives
purchasers the means to easily identify
such tires.
The TIN is comprised of the “manufactur-
er’s identification mark”, “tire size”, “tire
type code” and “date of manufacture”.
1DOT
2Manufacturer’s identification mark
3Tire size
4Tire type code (tire manufacturer's op-
tion)
5Date of manufactureThe TIN may be found on one or both sides
of the tire; however, the date code may
only be on one side. Tires with white side
walls will have the full TIN including date
code located on the white side wall side of
the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard
side of black side wall tires as mounted on
the vehicle.
If the TIN is not found on the outboard side
then you will find it on the inboard side of
the tire. In this case, the tire must be re-
mounted. Make sure the TIN is visible on
the outboard side of the tire and if applica-
ble that the direction of rotation is correct
when remounting the tire.
Rotation (spinning) direction, see "Direc-
tion of Rotation" (\2page 204).Index
Speed rating
F
up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
G
up to 56 mph (90 km/h)
J
up to 62 mph (100 km/h)
K
up to 68 mph (110 km/h)
L
up to 74 mph (120 km/h)
M
up to 80 mph (130 km/h)
N
up to 87 mph (140 km/h)
P
up to 93 mph (150 km/h)
Q
up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R
up to 106 mph (170 km/h)
iTire load rating5 and tire speed
rating6 are also referred to as “ser-
vice description”.DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN)
iFor illustrative purposes only. The actu-
al data on tires is specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from the data shown
in the above illustration.

226 OperationTires and wheels
4
DOT (D
epartment O
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol1 which denotes
the tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
Manufacturer’s identification mark
The manufacturer’s identification mark2
denotes the tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four sym-
bols. For more information on retreaded
tires, see (\2page 199).
Tire size
The code3 indicates the tire size.
Tire type code
The code4 may, as the manufacturer's
option, be used as a descriptive code for
identifying significant characteristics of
the tire.
Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture5 identifies the
week and year of manufacture.The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first full
week of the calendar year. The second two
figures represent the year.
For example, "0301" represents the 3rd
week of 2001.
If the date of manufacture code indicated
on the tire is less than 4 figures, do not use
it.1Maximum tire load rating
The maximum tire load is the maximum
weight the tires are designed to support.
iPrior to July 2000, tire manufacturers
were only required to have 1 number to
represent the year in which the tire was
manufactured.
For example, "031" could represent the
3rd week of 1981 or 1991.Warning
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced
after 6 years, regardless of the remain-
ing tread.
Maximum tire loadiFor illustrative purposes only. The actu-
al data on tires is specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from the data shown
in the above illustration.

228 OperationTires and wheels
4
1Plies in side wall
2Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the side wall
and under the tread.Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether installed or
not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between the tire
section height and the section width ex-
pressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driv-
en no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.Tire ply materialiFor illustrative purposes only. The actu-
al data on tires is specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from the data shown
in the above illustration.
Tire and loading terminology

230 OperationTires and wheels
4
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or ac-
cessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (P
ounds per S
quare I
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pres-
sure. Another metric unit for air pressure is
bar or kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure list-
ed on the placard located on driver’s door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions. Pro-
vides best handling, tread life and riding
comfort.Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Side wall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
TIN (T
ire I
dentification N
umber)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers
in recall situations or other safety matters
concerning tires and gives purchases the
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN
is comprised of the “manufacturer’s identi-
fication mark”, “tire size”, “tire type code”
and “date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the maxi-
mum load a tire can support.Tire ply composition and material used
This indicates the number of plies or the
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in
the tire tread and side wall. Tire manufac-
turers also must indicate the ply materials
in the tire and side wall, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is approved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road
via the tires. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into con-
tact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called
“wear bars” that show across the tread of
a tire when only
1/16
in (1.6 mm) of tread
remains.

231 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
TWR (T
ongue W
eight R
ating)
Maximum permissible weight on the trailer
tongue.
Uniform tire quality grading standards
A tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction,
temperature and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The rat-
ings are molded into the side wall of the
tire.
Vehicle capacity weight
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle’s
designated seating capacity.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
Load 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.
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles
operate at different loads and perform dif-
ferent steering, driving and braking func-
tions. 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 designs
such as those on On/Off Road type tires.
Rotation will increase tread life, help to
maintain mud, snow, and wet traction lev-
els, and contribute to a smooth ride.
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire configu-
ration, tires can be rotated according to
the tire manufacturer’s recommended in-
tervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should
be rotated every 10,000 miles
(16,000 km), or sooner if necessary, ac-
cording to the degree of tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained when mounted, see
"Direction of rotation" (\2page 204).
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder
wear on front tires and tread center wear
on rear tires).
Rotating tiresWarning
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are
of the same dimension.
Changing the tire dimension for an axle
\4could cause the tire to come into con-
tact with the vehicle body or axle parts.
Damage to the tire or the vehicle may be
the result.
\4could result in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your Sprinter vehi-
cle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and sus-
pension components. You could lose
control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
\4could result in tire overloading and fail-
ure, if the tires' load index are not iden-
tical. You could lose control and have an
accident.

232 OperationTires and wheels
4
The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear
should be corrected prior to rotation being
performed.
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of
wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner side
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation.
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation
pressure, refer to "Recommended tire in-
flation pressure" (\2page 210).
Rotation pattern for single and dual rear
wheelsSingle rear wheels:
\1Rotate the tires by axle. Never change
the direction of rotation of your tires.
\1Make sure that on one axle just one
type of tire (same size, type construc-
tion, load and speed rating) is used.
!
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 in-
juries or vehicle damage, please follow
these safety instructions:
\4Always replace wheel bolts that are
damaged or rusted.
\4Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
\4If a wheel hub thread is damaged, you
must not drive the vehicle. Consult an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Only use genuine wheel bolts approved
by the vehicle manufacturer and speci-
fied for your vehicle’s rims. Check tight-
ness of wheel bolts or nuts regularly and
retighten with a torque wrench, if neces-
sary. Tighten wheel bolts or nuts in a
crisscross pattern. For information on
mounting bolts and tightening torques,
refer to "Installing a wheel"
(\2page 320).
\4After changing a wheel, the wheel bolts
or nuts must be retightened after the ve-
hicle has been driven for about 30 miles
(50 km).
\4If 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).

234 OperationWinter driving
4
\3 Winter drivingHave your vehicle winterproofed at the
onset of winter at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. This service includes the following:
\4Oil change, if the current engine oil
used has not been approved for winter
use
\4The antifreeze / anti-corrosion concen-
tration in the coolant is checked
\4The addition of a concentrated clean-
ing agent to the water in the windshield
washer system
\4Battery check
\4A tire change
You will find information about diesel fuel
for use at low outside temperatures in the
“Technical data” section (\2page 360).
Please also observe the information about
winter driving (\2page 235).Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Winter tires should
be of the same size and type construction
as the summer tires.
Winter tires should also be operated as
printed on the tire and loading information
placard, refer to "Tires and wheels"
(\2page 199). Not all M+S rated radial-ply
tires provide special winter performance.
Make sure the tires you use show M+S and
the mountain/snowflake marking.on
the tire side wall. These tires meet specific
snow traction performance requirements
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of Can-
ada (RAC) and have been designed specif-
ically for use in snow conditions. Use of
winter tires is the only way to achieve the
maximum effectiveness of the ABS, BAS,
ASR and ESP
® in winter operation.
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 ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
\1Reactivate the tire pressure monitor.
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.
Winter tires
Warning
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under 1/6 in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.

236 OperationWinter driving
4
Use "Class U" chains, or other traction aids
that meet SAE Type "U" specifications.
Snow chains must be the proper size for
the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer. They should only be driven
on snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km / h). Remove
chains as soon as possible when driving on
roads without snow.Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:
\4Snow chains should only be used on
rear wheels. In vehicles with dual rear
wheels, they should be mounted on the
exterior wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer’s mounting instructions.
\4Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by the vehicle manufacturer.
For approved snow chains, please con-
tact your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
\4Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before mounting
snow chains.
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or
chains, observe the following precautions:
\4Because of limited chain clearance be-
tween tires and other suspension com-
ponents, it is important that only
chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken chains can cause serious vehicle
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could suggest chain
breakage. Remove the damaged parts
of the chain before further use.
\4Install chains as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about 1/2
mile (0.8 km).
\4Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
\4Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a
loaded vehicle.
\4Do not install tire chains on front
wheels.
\4Do not drive for a prolonged period on
dry pavement.
\4Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s
instructions on method of installation,
operating speed, and conditions for us-
age. Always use the lower suggested
operating speed of the chain manufac-
turer if different than the speed recom-
mended by the manufacturer.Snow chains!
CAUTION
Use snow chains on rear wheels only.
Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help
avoid serious damage to your vehicle or
tires, use of snow chains is not permis-
sible with the spare wheel.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ASR
(\2page 44) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the vehi-
cle’s traction.

303 Practical hints
Where will I find...?
5
\1Raise spare wheel bracket 4 using
the pump lever and release right secur-
ing hook 1.
\1Slowly lower spare wheel bracket 4
to the ground.
\1Raise spare wheel bracket 4 slightly
and pull the pump lever out of sleeve.
\1Use the pump lever to raise the spare
wheel beyond the rear end of the spare
wheel bracket.
\1Carefully remove the spare wheel from
the bracket.The Premium tire sealant is located in the
storage compartment in the right-hand
doorway.
1Latching springs
2Electric air pump
3Premium tire sealant
\1To open: press both latching
springs1 down and remove the cov-
er.
\1To close: attach the cover at the bot-
tom and fold it closed.
\1Press both latching springs1 up until
they engage.Panel Van
The wheel chock (optional for model vehi-
cle type 2500) is on the right-hand side of
the load compartment.
Panel van1Retaining band
2Retainer
\1Pull support cable 1 slightly down-
ward and pull it out of retainer 2.
\1Pull out the wheel chock.
Warning
G
Take care not to trap your fingers when you
lift out the spare wheel.
Premium tire sealant*
Chock!
CAUTION
When storing it away, make sure that
the chock is secured in the retainer by
the retaining band.

320 Practical hintsFlat tire
5
\3 Flat tireThe vehicle is either equipped with a spare
wheel or the Premium tire sealant*.
The spare wheel is located under the rear
end of the vehicle if the vehicle is not
equipped with Premium tire sealant*
(\2page 301).
When you replace a tire, the manufacturer
also recommends that you replace the tire
valve.\1Park the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic and on a level, firm, and
non-slip surface.
\1Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
\1Apply the handbrake.
\1Engage first gear or reverse gear or
move the selector lever to positionP.
\1Any passengers should leave the vehi-
cle, ensuring that they are not endan-
gered as they do so.
\1Place the warning triangle or hazard
warning lamps at a suitable distance.
Observe legal requirements.Warning
G
Defective or worn tires, and tire pressures
that are either too high or too low, can cause
significant changes in the vehicle’s handling
and braking characteristics. There is an in-
creased risk of an accident.
Replace the tires, including the spare tire, at
least every 6 years, regardless of the degree
of treadwear. Check the tire pressure on the
spare wheel at regular intervals.
!
CAUTION
For safety reasons, the following tire
valves from the company Schrader
must be used on the vehicles:
\4TR 600 for vehicle model type 2500
\4TR 418 for vehicle model type 3500
Preparing the vehicle
Changing a wheelWarning
G
To avoid the risk of causing serious or fatal
injury, or damage to the vehicle, please bear
the following points in mind:
\4The jack is only designed to raise the ve-
hicle for a short time when changing a
wheel.
\4Position the jack under the appropriate
jacking point only (\2page 322). Check
that the jack is correctly seated under
the jacking point before raising the vehi-
cle.
\4The jack must be placed on a firm, flat
surface only.
\2\2