Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 1615

B R
./HEELS AND TIRES 22 - 3
REPLACEMENT TIRES
OEM tires provide a proper balance of many fea­
tures such as;
• Ride
• Noise
® Handling
• Durability
• Tread life
• Traction
• Rolling resistance
© Speed capability
Original equipment tires should be used when re­
placement is needed. Failure to use original or equiv­
alent replacement tires may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle.
Refer to the placard on the vehicle or the
Owner's Manual for the correct replacement
tire.
The use of oversize tires is not recommended.
They may cause interference with vehicle suspension
and steering travel. This can cause tire damage or
failure.
WARNING; FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
T I R E S HAVING ADEQUATE LOAD CAPABILITY CAN
R E S U L T IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
i O I i l i O !
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ­
ent loads and perform different steering, driving, and
braking functions. For these reasons, the tires wear
at unequal rates. They may also develop irregular
wear patterns. These effects can be reduced by rotat­
ing the tires according to the maintenance schedule
in the Owners Manual. This will improve tread life,
traction and maintain a smooth quiet ride.
The recommended method of tire rotation is the
same side front to rear (Fig. 4). Other methods can
be used, but may not provide the same tire longevity
benefits.
Dual wheel vehicles require a different tire rotation
pattern. Refer to Figure 5 for the proper tire rotation
with dual wheels.
FRONT
J9222-8
•
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
L
LEF
FRONT
LEFT
1 f " 7 . ~ j
M i
J L i
00
DO
00
00
0D
00
RIGHT
rRONT
RIGHT
REAR
IL n
A
1N838
Fig. 5 Dual Wheel Tire Rotation Pattern
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread is 1.6 mm (1/16 in.),
the tread wear indicators will appear as a 13 mm
(1/2 in.) band across the tread width.
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators ap­
pear in two or more grooves (Fig. 6).
TREAD
ACCEPTABLE
TREAD
UNACCEPTABLE
WEAR
INDICATOR
J8922-5
Fig. 4 Tire Rotation Pattern
Fig. 6 Tread Wear Indicators
REPAIRING LEAKS
To properly repair a radial tire, it must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the