AboutBarry Smith Expertise I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and
testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800"
number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually
without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but
please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of
my work experience.
Experience Member SAE (Society of Automotive
Engineers)
Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization)
SCCA Regional Competiton License holder
Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.
Expert: Barry Smith Date: 6/25/2008 Subject: 2006 Dodge Durango
Question I have a 2006 Dodge Durango SUV (non pickup truck) and the required tires are 225/45/R17 however I just had the tire shop put on 225/40/R17 is it a safety issue that the tire is a bit narrower? from a 45 to a 40?
Answer Heather,
On every vehicle sold in the US, there is a sticker - commonly called the placard - that will list the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size. The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box, but sometimes it is located in the trunk or on the fuel filler door.
According to my book, a 2006 Dodge Durango originally came with one of the following:
1) P245/70R17's inflated to 33 psi front and rear
2) P265/65R17's inflated to 33 psi front and rear
3) P265/60R18's inflated to 33 psi front and rear
Please check your vehicle for the placard, because what follows depends on the above information being correct.
A 225/45R17 is too small for this vehicle by 7 sizes!!!!
A 225/40R17 is too small for this vehicle by 8 sizes!!!!
I am hoping that some of this information is incorrect.
If not, this is an extreme safety issue. The tire is likely to encounter situations where it will be overloaded - and when overloaded tires fail, they sometimes have tragic results.
Once you've verified the placard information to be the same as above, go back to where you purchased the tires - point out to them the placard information and insist they get correctly sized tires for this vehicle.
