Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 1613

WHEELS AND TIRES 22 - 1
T I R E S
IND
page
Cleaning of Tires 2
General Information 1
Pressure Gauges
2
Repairing Leaks 3
Replacement Tires 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tires are designed for each specific vehicle. They
provide the best overall performance for normal oper­
ation. The ride and handling characteristics match
the vehicle's requirements. With proper care they
will give excellent reliability, traction, skid resis­
tance, and tread life. Tires have specific load carrying
capacities. When correctly inflated, they will operate
properly.
Tires used in cool climates, and with light loads
will have a longer life than tires used in hot climates
with heavy loads. Abrasive road surfaces will acceler­
ate tire wear.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain much
greater mileage than careless drivers.
Driving habits that shorten the life of any tire;
• Rapid acceleration and deceleration
o Severe application of brakes
• High-speed driving
• Taking turns at excessive speeds
• Striking curbs and other obstacles
It is very important to follow the tire rotation in­
terval
IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 1).
page
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Tire Inflation Pressures 2
Tire Noise or Vibration
4
Tire Wear Patterns
4
Tread Wear Indicators 3
Performance tires will have a speed rating letter
after the aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not
always printed on the tire sidewall. The letter S in­
dicates that the tire is speed rated up to 112 mph.
• Q up to 100 mph
• T up to 118 mph
© U up to 124 mph
® H up to 130 mph
© V up to 149 mph
• Z more than 149 mph (consult the tire manufac­
turer for the specific speed rating)
An All Season type tire will have either M + S, M
& S or M - S (indicating mud and snow traction) im-
r
- -
printed on the side wall.
RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life, ride
quality and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of
four. Under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. They may be mixed with temporary
spare tires when necessary, but reduced speeds are
recommended.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac­
ity as other types of tires of the same size.
TIRE
CHAINS
Tire snow chains may be used on certain models.
Refer to Owner's Manual for more information.
WHEELS AND TIRES
C O N T E N T S
page page
TIRES . 1 VEHICLE VIBRATION 11
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS 13 WHEELS 6