2018 DODGE DURANGO SRT Vehicle Warranty

RFT TIRES WITH RUN-FLAT TECHNOLOGY
If your vehicle is equipped with
Bridgestone or Firestone brand RFT
tires, this chapter presents specific
maintenance and safety issues asso-
ciated with these tires that are in addition to those covered elsewhere in
this manual.
What is RFT? Run-Flat Technology tires are extraordinary tires that
utilize specially designed components to temporarily support your
vehicle in the event of inflation pressure loss, such as from a puncture.
This gives you the ability to drive to a convenient and safe location to
change your tire (if equipped with a spare) or have it inspected for
possible repair or replacement.
Naturally, certain run-flat and low pressure operating limitations apply,
which varies according to the specific self-supporting tire design. Like all
tires, during normal operation, they must be properly inflated and
maintained. Regardless of the design or quality, no tire is indestructible.
RFT—How to Identify:Bridgestone and Firestone brand tires are
marked on the sidewalls, near the wheel, with the RFT logo (shown
above).
RFT INFLATION PRESSURE
Like other tires, RFT tires need proper inflation pressure maintenance for
safe operation and to achieve the maximum tire life and performance.
Check inflation pressures monthly and before long trips or carrying extra
weight. Use an accurate tire gauge and check pressures when the tires are
cold. Follow the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommendation for inflation
pressure settings as indicated on the vehicle tire information placard
and/or in the vehicle owner ’s manual. Do not forget the spare, if
applicable. See “Tire Inflation Pressure” in this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
A functioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) must be used with
your RFT tires. Because these tires ride so well even without inflation
pressure, the TPMS may be necessary to alert you of an inflation pressure
loss condition. When alerted, follow the instructions in your vehicle
owner ’s manual and see “Run-Flat or Low Tire Pressure Operation,” the
following section in this manual.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
72

The vehicle or TPMS manufacturer may advise checking the TPMS
regularly to confirm it is in working order. In addition, a new pressure
sensor, certain components, or reprogramming may be necessary when a
tire is serviced. Consult your vehicle owner ’s manual, vehicle manufac-
turer, or a Bridgestone Firestone Run-Flat Certified Retailer for questions
regarding TPMS operation and service.
RUN-FLAT OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE OPERATION
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure or
accident due to improper run-flat or low tire pressure operation.
Read and follow the instructions below, and the other maintenance
and safety recommendations elsewhere in this manual.
General Instructions
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) required in your vehicle
may have different methods of alerting you when your tire has lost
inflation pressure. The international standard for the definition of run-flat
operation is pressure at or below 10 psi (70 kPa); however, some vehicle
manufacturers may have established a different pressure limit. Consult
your vehicle owner ’s manual for the details of your TPMS. Once the
TPMS has indicated that a tire has reduced inflation pressure, the run-flat
mode of operation has commenced. During this phase of operation,
please follow these instructions:
•Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably possible; do not
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).The greater the speed, the less distance the
tire can travel.
•Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or cornering ma-
neuvers as much as safely and reasonably possible.Pot holes and
other road hazards should be avoided. Careful driving limits potential
damage to the tire, wheel, and vehicle.
•Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire service as soon as
possible.Take note of your mileage; your operation distance is limited.
SeeDistance—How Far You Can Drive,” the next section in this
manual.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
73

•If an unusual vibration or vehicle handling difficulty arises, stop
driving as soon as safely and reasonably possible.The tire may be
about to suddenly fail. Release the accelerator and gradually reduce
speed. The tire will need to be replaced before proceeding.
•If towing a trailer, stop driving as soon as safely and reasonably
possible. In this condition, it is potentially dangerous to operate a
vehicle/trailer combination.If possible, disconnect the trailer and
proceed as noted above. Do not continue to tow any trailer until proper
tire service or replacement has been performed.
•Do not touch a tire recently run-low or run-flat (it may be very hot).
Allow the tire to cool before handling.
DISTANCE—HOW FAR YOU CAN DRIVE
Factors affecting run-flat or low tire pressure operating distance include
vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation pressure
loss; the extent of any tire damage; and ambient temperature.
The tire may be marked on the sidewall with run-flat or low tire pressure
operating speed and/or distance limitations, which vary by tire design
and vehicle application (consult your vehicle owner ’s manual). By
international standard, RFT tires have a baseline limitation in run-flat
mode of the following:
Maximum Speed: 50 mph (80 km/h)
Maximum Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
NOTE:
•Maximum distance values are determined under controlled condi-
tions, which may vary in actual use.
•Your mileage capability may be less, or more, depending on your
specific operating conditions.
•If in doubt, do not exceed the 50 mile (80 km) limitation.
•Seek tire service as soon as possible to minimize tire damage.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
74

SPECIAL SERVICE AND REPAIR ISSUES
Run-Flat Certified Retailers
Because of the advanced technology and design of RFT tires and the
required tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), Bridgestone Firestone
Run-Flat Certified Retailers are specially trained to sell and service RFT
tires.
Run-Flat Certified Retailers have the necessary equipment and are
specially trained to properly mount and demount RFT tires and to handle
TPMS devices.Conventional mounting equipment may irreparably
damage RFT tires and an improper repair is unsafe and will void the
Limited Warranty.Accordingly, it is important to go to a Bridgestone
Firestone Run-Flat Certified Retailer for tire maintenance and replace-
ment.
Call toll-free 1-877-BFS-4RFT or, 877-237-4738 or visit
www.bridgestonetire.comto locate the nearest Bridgestone Firestone
Run-Flat Certified Retailer.
Inspection after Run-Flat or Low Pressure Operation
Following run-flat or low tire pressure operation, or in the event of any
other tire damage or unusual condition, it is very important to obtain a
proper and complete tire evaluation as soon as possible.
Rotation
Follow the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommendations, or rotate every
5,000 miles per the recommendations in this manual (see “Radial Tire
Rotation”). In some cases, TPMS devices require reprogramming with
each tire rotation.
RFT Tire Replacement
Do not replace or mix RFT tires with conventional tires, unless on an
emergency/temporary basis. Conventional tires do not have run-flat
capability and the handling characteristics of the vehicle with these tires
may be different. If a conventional tire is used on an emergency/
temporary basis, verify that its size, load capacity, inflation pressure, and
speed rating specifications meet the requirements of the vehicle. Replace
any conventional tire with the proper RFT tire as soon as possible.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
75

RFT Tire Damage and Repair
No tire, regardless of its design or quality is indestructible. RFT tires can
be ultimately rendered unusable due to a puncture or other road hazard
as well as from improper run-flat or low tire pressure operation. Some
punctures may be repaired under certain restrictions and prescribed
procedures.
When driven flat or with low pressure, factors affecting reparability
include vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation
pressure loss; and ambient temperature. In any situation, the extent and
location of direct damage from a puncturing object or other road hazard
are also critical factors.
RFT tires are not repairable in any of the following situations:
•
If the tire was operated with inflation pressure less than 15 psi (100 kPa).
•Abrasion or other damage is present on the exterior tread, sidewall or
bead areas.
•Abrasion, wrinkling, or separation is present on the tire interior.
•Any condition or damage is present that disqualifies repair of a
conventional tire.
Run-Flat Certified Retailers will fully inspect your tire, inside and out, to
determine if the tire can be repaired. Tire damage is not always visible
from the outside and the tire must be removed from the wheel for a
complete inspection. For more information, see the section “Tire Repairs”
in this manual.
NOTE:Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using repaired
tires. Consult your vehicle owner ’s manual or contact the vehicle
manufacturer before operating a repaired tire on your vehicle.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
A lot can be learned by reading the tire’s sidewall. The following figures
show typical information on the sidewall of passenger (Figure 3) and
light truck tires (Figure 4):
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
76

Tire Size, Load Range, Load Index, and Speed Symbol:
Example Tire Size Load Index Speed
SymbolLoad Range
Figure 3 P215/65R15 95 H -
Figure 4 LT235/85R16 114/111 Q D
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
77

DOT Symbol and Tire Identification Number:The “DOT” symbol
constitutes a certification that the tire conforms to applicable U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards (for tires).
Following the “DOT” symbol is the tire identification number, also
known as the DOT serial number or code. For example:
(a) DOT Symbol (d) Tire Manufacturer ’s Code
(b) Manufacture Plant Code (e) Week of Production (01-52)
(c) Tire Size Code (f) Year of Production (last two digits
of year)
* For tires produced from 2000-on. In the example above, the tire was
produced in the 18th week of 2000. For tires produced prior to 2000, there
is one digit in group (f) which identifies the last digit of the year of
production, i.e. “329” would likely signify the 32nd week of 1999, but
could possibly signify the 32nd week of 1989. If in doubt, consult a
qualified tire service professional.
The DOT symbol and tire identification number can be found on at least
one sidewall near the wheel. The other sidewall may have a partial serial
code that excludes (e) and (f) above.
Maximum Load and Inflation:The maximum load and maximum
inflation pressure is marked on each sidewall in metric and English units.
For example:
MAX LOAD 685 kg (1,510 lbs) AT 240 kPa (35 psi) MAX PRESS
NOTE:The load and inflation values marked on the tire sidewall are
maximum permissible values for the tire only. Never assume that these
values are the actual maximum load capacity or recommended tire
pressure values for your vehicle. See “Tire Inflation Pressure,” “Tips for
Safe Tire Inflation,” and “Tips for Safe Loading” in this manual.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
78

Ply Composition and Materials:The actual number of plies in the
sidewall and tread area and the generic name(s) of their cord material(s)
are marked on at least one sidewall. For example:
•TREAD 2 PLY POLYESTER + 2 STEEL
•SIDEWALL 2 PLY POLYESTER
Radial:Radial ply tires will have the wordradialon at least one
sidewall. An “R” in the tire size designation also indicates radial ply
construction.
Tubeless or Tube Type:Tires are marked as either “tubeless” or “tube
type,” whichever is applicable, on at least one sidewall.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (“UTQG”) standards are intended to
assist you in making an informed choice in your purchase of passenger
car tires by providing information indicating relative performance of
these tires in the areas of tread wear, wet braking traction (straight-
ahead), and temperature resistance. All passenger car tires must conform
to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The
relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variation in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. Warning: The traction grade assigned to a tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
79