wheel size DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2005 2.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
Driving on worn brake pads can reduce your ability
to stop, and can result in an accident.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING (ABS) SYSTEM (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce optimal signals
for the computer. However, the system will compensate
when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
NOTE:Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the
effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to anaccident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
General driving hints (standard/anti-lock brakes)
1. During anti-lock braking, steering differs slightly from
normal driving conditions. Be sure to operate steering
wheel carefully.
2. The anti-lock braking system is not restricted to situ-
ations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also operate to prevent wheel lock when driving
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.
3. Always maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front
of you. If your vehicle is equipped with Anti-lock braking
system, allow for a greater braking distance when:
·Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
·Driving with tire chains installed.
·Driving on uneven road surfaces.
STARTING AND DRIVING 175
5

CAUTION!
²Anti-lock braking system can not prevent acci-
dents. It remains the driver's task to exercise
safety precautions and to drive prudently.
²To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,
be sure all 4-wheels and tires are the same size
and type (space saver spare excluded).
²If the anti-lock brake system warning light illu-
minates after starting the engine or while driving,
it indicates that the anti-lock braking system is
not functioning and that only the normal brake
system is in operation. (The normal brake system
will still function properly.)
NOTE
1. After the vehicle is driven for a while a whining sound
and the sound of a motor operating will be heard from
the engine compartment. These are normal sounds of the
anti-lock braking system performing a self check and do
not indicate a malfunction.
2. The anti-lock braking system becomes operative after
the vehicle has accelerated to a speed over approximately
I24A1590
176 STARTING AND DRIVING

procedure:
(1) The ignition key is turned OFF.
(2) The main switch is turned OFF.
TRACTION CONTROL (IF SO EQUIPPED)
On slippery surfaces, traction control system prevents the
drive wheels (front wheels) from excessive spinning,
during starting or while accelerating in turns on slippery
roads.
NOTE
²
The traction control system functions at speeds
below about 25mph (40km/h).
²Some vibration will be felt in the vehicle body and a
whining sound of a motor will be heard from the
engine compartment when the traction control sys-
tem functions. This is a normal result of the traction
control system operation, and does not indicate a
malfunction.
Driving hints
1. Traction control system does not actively apply brakes.
Always decelerate the vehicle sufficiently before entering
corners or bends.
2. On snowy or icy roads, drive slowly using tire chains
or snow tires.
3. Never mix or use tires of different size since the
traction control system could function incorrectly and
make safe driving difficult.
198 STARTING AND DRIVING

CAUTION!
²Avoid rapid starting and braking with a compact
spare tire.
²Avoid driving through automatic vehicle washes
and over obstacles that could possibly damage the
vehicle's under-carriage. Because the tire is
smaller than the original tire, vehicle ground
clearance is slightly reduced.
²As the compact spare tire is specifically designed
for your vehicle, it should not be used on any
other vehicle.
²The compact spare tire should not be used on any
other wheels, nor should standard tires, snow tires,
wheel covers or trim rings be used with the compact
spare wheel. If such use is attempted, damage to
these items or other vehicle components may occur.
²Do not use snow chains with your compact spare
tire. Because of the smaller tire size, a snow chain
will not fit properly. This could cause damage to
the vehicle and could result in loss of the chains.
²The compact spare tire pressure should be
checked once a month while the tire is stowed.
WHEEL COVERS (IF SO EQUIPPED)
To remove
Wrap the tip of the bar with a cloth, insert it deeply into
the notch provided in the wheel cover, and pry the cover
away from the wheel.
Using the same procedure on the other side, work the
wheel cover away from the wheel to remove it com-
pletely.
N23B0630
268 EMERGENCIES

14. Check tire inflation pressure. Tire inflation pressure
specifications are shown on a placard located on the
driver 's side ``B''-Pillar.
CAUTION!
²The emergency tire is to be used only temporarily
when the standard tire is damaged. Repair the
damaged tire as soon as possible. Replace the
emergency tire with the standard tire.
²After changing the tire and driving the vehicle
approximately 621 miles (1000 km), retighten the
wheel nuts to make sure that they are not loose.
²If the steering wheel vibrates after changing the
tire, have the tire checked for balance at an autho-
rized dealer.
²Avoid mixing one type of tire with another type or
using tires of a size other than the specified size.
Premature mechanical wear and reduced handling
may result.N24A1420
278 EMERGENCIES

EXAMPLE : DOT MA L9 ABCD 1504
DOT Department of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compli-
ance with U.S. Department of Transportation tire
safety standards, and is approved for highway
use.
MA Code representing the tire manufacturing loca-
tion. (2 digits)
L9
ABCDCode representing the tire size. (2 digits)
Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 digits)
15 Number representing the week in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
04 Number representing the year in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Traction
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
MAINTENANCE 339
9

Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
Tire inflation pressures
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
1. Safety
Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can result in tire
failure. Over-inflation results in a tire losing its ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and potholes could
cause tire damage that may result in tire failure.
2. Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life, resulting in a need
for earlier tire replacement.
Under-inflation also increases tire rolling resistance and
results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride comfort and vehicle stability
Proper tire inflation pressures contribute to the excellentride quality built into your vehicle. Over-inflation pro-
duces an uncomfortable and jarring ride.
Under-inflation can produce a feeling of sluggish response.
Unequal inflation pressures can produce erratic and
unpredictable vehicle response to steering maneuvers.
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on a
placard attached near the door sill striker on the driver's
side ``B''-Pillar.
The recommended inflation pressures should be followed
when the specified tires are installed.
Item Tire size Front Rear
Normal tire P205/60R16 91H 32 psi (220 kpa)
P215/50R17 90H 32 psi (220 kpa)
Compact spare tire T125/70D16 60 psi (420 kpa)
The pressures should be checked and adjusted, if neces-
sary, at least once a month.
Tire pressures should be checked more often when weather
temperatures vary widely, because tire pressures vary with
outdoor temperatures. Inflation pressures specified on the
placard are always ªcold inflation pressureº.
Cold inflation pressure can be measured after the vehicle has
been stationary for at least three hours or driven less than
340 MAINTENANCE

Tire pressure for sustained high-speed driving
For sustained high-speed driving, increase inflation pres-
sure 4 psi (28 kPa) above the recommended pressure but
do not exceed the maximum cold inflation pressure
molded into the tire sidewall.
Replacing tire and wheels
CAUTION!
²Avoid using different size tires from the one listed
and the combined use of different types of tires,
as this can affect driving safety.
Refer to the(TIRES AND WHEELS(on page 377.
²Even if a wheel has the same rim size and offset as
the specified type of wheel, its shape may prevent
it from being fitted correctly. Consult an autho-
rized dealer before using wheels that you have.
Tire maintenance
The following maintenance steps are recommended:
1. Check pressure regularly.
2. Maintain wheel balance and front suspension align-
ment.3. Rotate tires regularly in accordance with the recom-
mendation in the section ªTire rotationº on page 347.
Loading information
WARNING!
Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overloading can
cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase
your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended
load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following
terms before loading your vehicle:
²Vehicle maximum load on the tire : load on an indi-
vidual tire that is determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight
and dividing by two.
342 MAINTENANCE

CAUTION!
Do not use the compact spare tire for tire rotation.
Tire chains
CAUTION!
Tire chains are not recommended for your vehicle.
The clearance between the chains and the body is
small, and the body might be damaged.
Snow tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.Snow tires should be inflated 4 psi (28 kPa) higher than
the inflation pressure shown on the vehicle's tire placard.
Never inflate over the maximum pressure shown on the
tire sidewall.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).
NOTE: As flange nuts are used on your vehicle, change
to tapered nuts when snow tires (steel wheels) are used.
348 MAINTENANCE

GENERAL VEHICLE DATA
Overall length 190.9in (4,850mm)
Overall width 70.3in (1,785mm)
Overall height 53.9in (1,370mm)
Wheel base 103.7in (2,635mm)
TIRES AND WHEELS
Item 2.4 liter3.0 liter
SE R/T
Ti reType Radial, tubeless
Size P205/60R16 91HP215/50R17
90H
Spare tire T125/70D16
WheelType Steel/Aluminum* Aluminum
Size 16x6JJ 17x6 1/2JJ
PCD 4.5 in. (114.3 mm)
Offset 1.81 in. (46 mm)
Spare wheel 16x4T
PCD: Pitch Circle Diameter (installation holes)
*: optionalNOTE:These tires satisfy vehicle loading conditions
described in the owner 's manual.
VEHICLE WEIGHTS
Item 2.4 liter 3.0 liter
Gross vehicle
weight rating4,061lb (1,842 kg) 4,227lb (1,917 kg)
Gross axle
weight
ratingFront
2,171lb (985 kg) 2,322lb (1,053 kg)
Rear
1,894lb (859 kg) 1,905lb (864 kg)
Seating capacity 5 persons
NOTE:For combined weight of occupants and cargo,
refer to the tire and loading information Placard located
on the driver 's door sill.
GVWR: maximum total weight(load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle
GAWR: maximum weight(load) limit specified for
the front or rear axle.
Seating capacity: the number of maximum occu-
pants
SPECIFICATIONS 375
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