Dodge Intrepid Service Manual page 732

LH
TIRES (Continued)
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES
The specified tire pressures have been chosen to
provide safe operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth
ride. The proper tire pressure specification can be
found on the Tire Inflation Pressure Label provided
with the vehicle (usually on the rear face of the driv-
er's door).
A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to
check tire air pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked cold once per month. Check tire pressure
more frequently when the weather temperature var-
ies widely. Tire pressure will decrease when the out-
door temperature drops. After checking the air
pressure, replace valve cap finger tight.
Inflation pressures specified on the Tire Inflation
Pressure Label are always the cold inflation pressure
of the tire. Cold inflation pressure is obtained after
the vehicle has not been operated for at least 3
hours, or the vehicle is driven less than one mile
after being inoperative for 3 hours. Tire inflation
pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds per
square inch (psi) during operation. Do not reduce this
normal pressure buildup.
Improper inflation can cause:
• Uneven wear patterns
• Reduced tread life
• Reduced fuel economy
• Unsatisfactory ride
• The vehicle to drift.
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN
AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. THE TIRE CAN FAIL
SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE
CONTROL.
Under inflation causes rapid shoulder wear, tire
flexing, and can result in tire failure (Fig. 25).
Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 26).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
FOR HIGH SPEED OPERATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation advocates driving at
safe speeds within posted speed limits. Speed capac-
ity of a tire is a function of the tire speed rating,
inflation pressure and vehicle axle weight. Where
speed limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very impor-
tant. Vehicles loaded to maximum capacity should
not be driven at continuous speeds over 120 km/h (75
mph). Never exceed the maximum speed capacity of
the tire. For information on tire identification and
Fig. 25 Under Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREAS
Fig. 26 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREA
speed ratings, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES
- DESCRIPTION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 27). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel. Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire. Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
TIRES/WHEELS 22 - 17