flat tire Ram 2500 2019 Owner's Guide

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 545
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to
help you in determining when your tires should be replaced.Tire Tread

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.

Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors
including, but not limited to:
• Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can
cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire
tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
• Distance driven.
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and Summer tires typically have a reduced tread life. Rota -
tion of these tires per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is
highly recommended.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You could
lose control and have a collision resulting in serious
injury or death.
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546 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
NOTE:
Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well when installing
new tires due to wear and tear in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little expo-
sure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil,
grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear
and correct cold tire inflation pressures. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when replacement
is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica -
tors” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa -
tion placard or the Vehicle Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index and Speed Symbol
for your tire will be found on the original equipment tire
sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety
Information” section of this manual for more information
relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire. It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear
tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect
your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the orig
-
inal wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire dealer or
original equipment dealer with any questions you may have
on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, handling,
and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combi -
nations of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance characteris -
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension compo -
nents. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.

548 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified by a “moun-
tain/snowflake” symbol on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size
and type to the original equipment tires. Use snow
tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what was
originally equipped with your vehicle and should not be
operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original equipment
or an authorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
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.Spare Tires — If Equipped
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead of a spare
tire, please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of Emer -
gency” for further information.
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in “Starting And
Operating” for restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use.

Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped

Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and wheel
equivalent in look and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your vehicle.
This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation for your
vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an authorized
tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation pattern.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with a
compact or limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 549
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use only.
You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with a compact
spare by looking at the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire. Compact spare
tire descriptions begin with the letter “T” or “S” preceding
the size designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment
tire should be repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on your
vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conven-
tional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the wheel is
designed specifically for the compact spare tire. Do not
install more than one compact spare tire and wheel on the
vehicle at any given time. Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary emergency use only.
You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with a collaps
-
ible spare by looking at the spare tire description on the Tire
and Loading Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description example: 165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment
tire should be repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on your
vehicle at the first opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is properly
installed to the vehicle. Inflate the collapsible tire using the
electric air pump before lowering the vehicle.WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these spares, do not drive
more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the tread
wear indicators, the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
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550 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conven-
tional tire on the collapsible spare wheel, since the wheel is
designed specifically for the collapsible spare tire.
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency use only. This
tire may look like the originally equipped tire on the front or
rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may
have limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the tread
wear indicators, the temporary use full size spare tire needs
to be replaced. Since it is not the same as your original equip -
ment tire, replace (or repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first opportunity. Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use
only. This tire is identified by a label located on the limited
use spare wheel. This label contains the driving limitations
for this spare. This tire may look like the original equipped
tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. Since it is not the same as your original equipment
tire, replace (or repair) the original equipment tire and rein
-
stall on the vehicle at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Compact and Collapsible spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these spares, do not drive
more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the tread
wear indicators, the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use only.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. With this tire, do not drive more than the
speed listed on the limited use spare wheel. Keep
inflated to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on your
Tire and Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver’s side
door. Replace (or repair) the original equipment tire at
the first opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle.
Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.

555
(Continued)
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Information
System (TPIS):
• The Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS) uses uniquesensors in the inner rear wheels to help identify them from
the outer rear wheels, because of this, the inner and outer
wheel locations can’t be switched.
• After a tire rotation is completed, as shown below, the system can auto learn the locations of each sensor ID. Auto
learning/localization occurs when the vehicle ignition
status is changed from Off to On and speeds of greater
than 5 mph (8km/h) are obtained and remain over 5 mph
(8km/h) for at about a 15 minute period. You may need to
drive for 20 minutes to account slower speeds and stops.
• If the tires are rotated incorrectly, The auto localization of the TPIS sensors will fail to locate correctly resulting in
incorrect locations for the pressure values displayed in the
instrument cluster.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire's manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
CAUTION!
• 3500 Dual Rear Tires may only have one approved direction of rotation. This is to accommodate the asym -
metrical design (tread pattern) of the On/Off-Road tire
and the use of Outline White Letter (OWL) tires.
• When replacing a flat, the spare tire may have to be remounted on the rim, or installed at a different loca -
tion, to maintain the correct placement of the tire on the
wheel relative to the tire/wheel position on the truck.
For example, if the spare is used to replace an outer rear
tire it will have to be remounted on the rim so that the
wheel is dished inward. That way the tread design of
asymmetrical tires and the white writing of the OWL
tires will maintain proper position. CAUTION!
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 557
STORING THE VEHICLE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to minimize
the drain on your vehicle's battery:
• Disconnect the negative cable from battery.
• Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi -
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air
and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
BODYWORK
Protection From Atmospheric Agents
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on trees
and road surfaces during other seasons are highly corrosive
to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes
your vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on
which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold weather
and other extreme conditions will have an adverse effect on
paint, metal trim, and underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resistance
built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint
and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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566 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE:
Dual wheels are flat mounted, center piloted. The lug nuts
are a two-piece assembly. When the tires are being rotated or
replaced, clean these lug nuts and add two drops of oil at the
interface between the lug nut/bolt and the washer. Do not
oil wheel studs.
Two-Piece Lug Nut
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to mounting the
tire and remove any corrosion or loose particles.
Wheel Mounting Surface
Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until each nut/
bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure that the socket is fully
engaged on the lug nut/bolt (do not insert it halfway).

MULTIMEDIA 589
Suspension — If Equipped
After pressing the “Suspension” button on the touchscreen, the following settings will be available:Setting Name
Selectable Options
Auto Entry/Exit — If Equipped OnOff
Setting Name Selectable Options
Auto Entry/Exit Suspension OnOff
NOTE:
When the “Auto Entry/Exit Suspension” feature is selected, the vehicle automatically lowers from ride height position when
vehicle shifted to park for easy entry/exit. Display Suspension Messages AllWarning Only
Tire Jack Mode OnOff
NOTE:
When this feature is selected the air suspension system is disabled to prevent auto leveling of the suspension, while the
vehicle is on a jack changing a tire. Transport Mode OnOff
NOTE:
When the “Transport Mode” feature is selected, the air suspension system is disabled to assist with flat bed towing. Wheel Alignment Mode OnOff

NOTE:
The “Wheel Alignment Mode” feature prevents auto leveling of the air suspension while performing a wheel alignment service.
Before performing a wheel alignment, this mode must be enabled. Refer to an authorized dealer for further information.

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MULTIMEDIA 615
Air Suspension — If Equipped
After pressing the “Suspension” button on the touchscreen, the following settings will be available:Setting Name Selectable Options
Display Suspension Messages All
Warnings Only
Tire Jack Mode On Off
NOTE:
When the “Tire Jack Mode” feature is selected, the air suspension system is disabled to assist with changing a spare tire. Transport Mode On Off
NOTE:
When the “Transport Mode” feature is selected, the air suspension system lowers and then disables to assist with flat bed
towing. Wheel Alignment Mode On Off
NOTE:
Before performing a wheel alignment, the “Wheel Alignment Mode” must be enabled. Refer to an authorized dealer for
further information. Four Corner Air Suspension Modes — If Equipped Tire Jack Mode
Transport Mode Wheel Alignment Mode
NOTE:
There are four air suspension modes designed to protect the system in unique situations. Tire Jack Mode is selected to assist
in changing a spare tire. Transport Mode is selected to assist when the vehicle is being flat bed towed. Wheel Alignment
Mode is selected before performing a wheel alignment, refer to an authorized dealer for information.
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