Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual page 2564

DR
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
1 - CENTER LINE OF SPINDLE
2 - ADD BALANCE WEIGHTS HERE
For dynamic balancing, the balancing equipment is
designed to locate the amount of weight to be applied
to both the inner and outer rim flange (Fig. 10).
TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE / TEMPORARY
The temporary spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use only. The original tire should be repaired
or replaced at the first opportunity, then reinstalled.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 M.P.H. when using the
temporary spare tire. Refer to Owner's Manual for
complete details.
DESCRIPTION - TIRES
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
• Rapid acceleration
• Severe brake applications
Fig. 10 Dynamic Unbalance & Balance
3 - CORRECTIVE WEIGHT LOCATION
4 - HEAVY SPOT WHEEL SHIMMY AND VIBRATION
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val shown in the section on Tire Rotation, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
This will help to achieve a greater tread life.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
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. 11).
the aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not
always printed on the tire sidewall. These ratings
are:
facturer for the specific speed rating)
& S or M–S (indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall.
• High speed driving
• Excessive speeds on turns
• Striking curbs and other obstacles
Radial-ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
Performance tires have a speed rating letter after
• Q up to 100 mph
• R up to 106 mph
• S up to 112 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 manu-
An All Season type tire will have either M + S, M
TIRES/WHEELS 22 - 5