Compilation: Tires

1. PREAMBLE
Compilations consist of links to Threads and/or Posts contained in this Forum plus other "added value" which follows below. Since Threads can become very long and tedious to search, the “rule of thumb” is to reference their contributional Posts if the Thread is over say 200 Posts long, i.e. the Thread with Post #s.

The remaining Posts, following Post #1 herein, are basically discussions and will be referenced (linked) in Post # 1 if contributing to the content of Post #1.

Owner Manual: Owner Manual for 2004 Model year and newer are available in searchable .pdf format at Chrysler websites such as chrysler.com and chysler.ca. They are downloadable for free. Owner Manuals for previous years and Factory Maintenance Manuals are available for purchase at those sites. Your Owner Manual is a “must have” reference document for knowing your vehicle and any warnings or alerts that apply.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Located on your purchase receipt, Dealership maintenance invoices, your insurance documentation and your dash, next to your windshield, in the corner. This is important for checking recalls, service bulletins, and ordering parts at times.

Libraries: Libraries are good sources for reference material including connection to data bases that they subscribe to. With your Library card, you may be able to access Auto Repair Reference Center (ARRC) and Chilton online, for example, in the comfort of your own home, or on the side of the road. Here's how the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library accesses the Chilton library: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCwlzOrHqCM

Maintenance Manuals (and such): Maintenance manuals include Chilton, Haynes, Factory Service Manuals, Mitchell, All Data and others. They are available from various sources including online and in stores.

Manufacturers/Distributors/Sellers: There are excellent sources of information available online from those in the business. A sampling of these may be listed, from time to time, if applicable to the subject matter.

Tips: Tips can be very helpful and may be listed.

2. ADDED VALUE

Owner Manual: Your Owner Manual contains considerable information about tires including load ratings, trailer towing, air pressure, when to measure air pressure, information provided on the sidewall of the tire, and expected life.

Manufacturers/Distributors/Sellers: There is a wealth of information online from the manufacturers, distributors, sellers, Government and others (Consumer Reports for example). Tire Rack at http://www.tirerack.com/about/techcenter.jsp has a Tech Center which covers about every aspect of a tire, including rubber cracking.

Tips:
- tire pressure should be checked and adjusted cold. See the Owner Manual.
- for every 10F/5C change in temperature, tire pressure will change by about 1 psi.
- your vehicle contains a placard on the door or door pillar showing various information including the pressure to carry in your tires.
- although your pressure requirement may be only 36 psi, the maximum psi for the tire is maybe 44 psi as is stated on the tire's sidewall including the load it can carry at that pressure.
- tire pressure monitoring systems may operate in a range of 28 psi to 48 psi
- adding say 2 psi to stated pressure requirement, i.e. 38 psi versus 36 psi, can help lessen edge wear on the tire, so say the experts. If adjusting the pressures upward, or downward, keep track of the tread wear using a tread depth gauge.
- diagrams / pictures are available to show tire wear characteristics based on a variety of influencing factors
- a 12 volt electric tire pump comes in handy in an emergency as can a tire repair plug kit.
- the manufacture date for the tire is on the sidewall of the tire, following the DOT symbol. Check both sides, just in case. 3014 would mean the tire was made during the 30th week of 2014.
- temporary spare tire will have a higher psi requirement, say 60 psi, check the tire sidewall to confirm.
- tread depth is important. A tire with 50% tread depth will not perform like a new tire. A winter tire with less than 4/32" tread depth may not be any better in snow than a new all season tire.
- as tread depth decreases, tires ride harder and noisier.
- tires start out with about 10/32" to 11/32" tread depth, winter tires may be up to 13/32".
- tires contain sipes for traction. Some brands have full depth sipes (Michelin Defender for example) some don't, and start looking worn out at 50% tread depth.

3. LINKS

Notes-on-Exhaust-and-Tires: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/80745-Notes-on-Exhaust-and-Tires

Fifth Generation> New stems and senors installed: now "check tpm system" error: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/sh...nstalled-now-quot-check-tpm-system-quot-error

Uneven-tire-wear: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/72833-Uneven-tire-wear

Getting-your-van-ready-for-winter-(if-you-have-winter-in-your-location): http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/sh...r-winter-(if-you-have-winter-in-your-location)

2005-DGC-Tire-Selection-Michelin: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/74673-2005-DGC-Tire-Selection-Michelin

New-tires-Any-suggestions: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/65129-New-tires-Any-suggestions

Cooper-CS4-Tires: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/18155-Cooper-CS4-Tires

Snow: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/57881-Snow

Best-replacement-tires-for-2012-TC-Limited: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/43753-Best-replacement-tires-for-2012-TC-Limited

Tire-Blew: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/9209-Tire-Blew

When-To-Retire-Not-Work-Related: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/9192-When-To-Retire-Not-Work-Related