tires Ram 2500 2019 Service Manual

500 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it
occurs before the oil indicator system turns on. • Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis -
sion (six-speed only) and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions. If required, replace air cleaner filter.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 531
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking loca-
tions. Refer to the graphics that show jacking locations.
However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be used on
any other parts of the underbody.
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following
information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,
Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire
Loading. Tire Markings
Tire Markings
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle may
result.
1 — U.S. DOT Safety
Standards Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades7

532 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. designstandards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into
the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:
P215/65R15 95H.
• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed to this standard have the
tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the
section width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire size
designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H. • LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires
is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT”
that are molded into the sidewall preceding the size desig -
nation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emergency use only. Temporary high pressure compact spare tires have
the letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into the side -
wall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 535
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The 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 the date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the
outboard side of black sidewall 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.
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation
• This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
• 03 means the 3rd week
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
• 01 means the year 2001
• Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
7

538 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire And Loading Information PlacardTire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare tires. Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the
load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will
not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you adhere to
the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation pres
-
sures specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard
in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”
section of this manual.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle
weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not
be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and
trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting
And Operating” section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on
the Tire and Loading Information placard. The combined
weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue
weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight refer -
enced here.

540 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires 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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 541
(Continued)
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satis-
factory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas are
affected by improper tire pressure:
• Safety and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability of
the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish response or
over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause erraticand unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause damage
that result in tire failure.
• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehiclehandling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or
left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom -
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
WARNING! (Continued)
7

542 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal
wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver's
side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver's side door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good qualitypocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual judge -
ment when determining proper inflation. Tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under-inflated. • Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold
tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The cold
tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla
-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of
outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tempera -
ture changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter. CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 543
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation
pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals
1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature
condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or conditions
are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds, main-
taining correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading may be
required for high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to an autho -
rized tire dealer or original equipment vehicle dealer for
recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire
inflation pressures. Radial Ply Tires
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it meets
the following criteria:
• The tire has not been driven on when flat.
• The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (side
-
wall damage is not repairable).
• The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch (6 mm).WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maximum
load is dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious collision. Do
not drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capacity at
continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on
your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly.
The instability could cause a collision. Always use radial
ply tires in sets of four. Never combine them with other
types of tires.
7

544 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and addi-
tional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have experi -
enced a loss of pressure should be replaced immediately
with another Run Flat tire of identical size and service
description (Load Index and Speed Symbol). Replace the tire
pressure sensor as well as it is not designed to be reused.
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50 miles
(80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation
pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is referred to as the Run
Flat mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a Run Flat tire
reaches the run flat mode it has limited driving capabilities
and needs to be replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not
repairable. When a run flat tire is changed after driving with
underinflated tire condition, please replace the TPM sensor
as it is not designed to be reused when driven under run flat
mode (14 psi (96 kPa)) condition. NOTE:
TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the vehicle on a
flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at full
capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in the run flat mode.

See the tire pressure monitoring section for more information.

Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle's wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emer
-
gency” for further information.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire damage or
failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
for more than 30 seconds continuously when you are
stuck, and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.