Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 1829

BR
TIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION {Continued)
Refer to the Tire Inflation Pressure brochure for
information regarding proper tire inflation. This
information is provided with the Owner's Manual.
This pressure has been carefully selected to pro­
vide for safe vehicle operation. Tire pressure should
be checked cold once a month. Tire pressure
decreases when the outside temperature drops.
Inflation pressures specified on the placards are
always cold inflation pressure. Cold Inflation pres­
sure is obtained after the vehicle has not been oper­
ated for at least 3 hours. Tire inflation pressures
may increase from 2 to 6 pounds per square inch
(psi) during operation. Do not reduce this normal
pressure build-up.
Vehicles loaded to the maximum capacity should
not be driven at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES
CAN
AFFECT
VEHICLE
HANDLING AND MAY
RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH—SPEEi OPERATION
Chrysler Corporation advocates driving at safe
speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed lim­
its allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds, cor­
rect tire inflation pressure is very important. For
speeds up to and including 75 mph (120 km/h), tires
must be inflated to the pressures shown on the tire
placard. For speeds in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h),
tires must be inflated to the maximum pressure spec­
ified on the tire sidewall.
Vehicles loaded to the maximum capacity should
not be driven at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES
CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. THE TIRE CAN
FAIL SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE
CONTROL
For emergency vehicles that are driven at speeds
over 90 mph (144 km/h), special high-speed tires
must be used. Consult tire manufacturer for correct
inflation pressure recommendations.
REPLACEMENT TIRES
The original equipment tires provide a proper bal­
ance of many characteristics such as:
• Ride
• Noise
• Handling
• Durability
• Tread life
• Traction
• Rolling resistance
• Speed capability
It is recommend that tires equivalent to the origi­
nal equipment tires be used when replacement is
needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehi­
cle.
The use of oversize tires not listed in the specifica­
tion charts may cause interference with vehicle com­
ponents. Under extremes of suspension and steering
travel, interference with vehicle components may
cause tire damage.
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
D I A G N O S I S A N D T E S T I N G
PRESSURE GAUGES
A high-quality air-pressure gauge is recommended
to check tire pressure. After checking with the gauge,
replace valve caps and finger tighten.
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band.
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or i f localized balding
occurs (Fig. 4).
TREAD TREAD
ACCEPTABLE UNACCEPTABLE
WEAR
INDICATOR
J8922-5
Fig. 4 Tread Wear Indicators