Chrysler PT Cruiser Service & Repair Manual page 1718

22 - 6 TIRES/WHEELS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND WHEEL
ROTATION
NON-DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ-
ent loads and perform different functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to
develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be
reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of
rotation are especially worthwhile. Rotation will
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and
wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet
ride.
The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method (Fig. 12). This method takes
advantage of current tire industry practice which
allows rotation of radial-ply tires. Other rotation
methods may be used, but may not have all the ben-
efits of the recommended method.
NOTE: Only the 4 tire rotation method may be used
if the vehicle is equipped with a low mileage or tem-
porary spare tire.
Fig. 12 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Some vehicles are fitted with special high-perfor-
mance tires having a directional tread pattern. These
tires are designed to improve traction on wet pave-
ment. To obtain the full benefits of this design, the
tires must be installed so that they rotate in the cor-
rect direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire
sidewalls.
When wheels and tires are being installed, extra
care is needed to ensure that this direction of rota-
tion is maintained.
Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(ALUMINUM WHEEL)
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) If the wheel has a large center cap that covers
the wheel mounting nuts, remove the cap by prying
it off.
(3) Remove the wheel mounting nuts from the
studs.
(4) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
hub.
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(STEEL WHEEL)
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
CAUTION: When removing the bolt-on wheel cover,
do not attempt to pry the wheel cover off the wheel.
(2) Unthread and remove the 5 nuts attaching the
wheel and wheel cover to the vehicle (Fig. 13).
Fig. 13 Wheel And Cover Mounting
1 - WHEEL MOUNTING NUTS
2 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
(3) Remove the wheel cover using care not to let
the tire and wheel assembly fall off the vehicle.
(4) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
hub.
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