Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the outside tempera-
ture = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased
by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation.
DO NOT reduce this normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will
be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and within posted
speed limits. Where speed limits or conditions are such that the vehicle
can be driven at high speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is
very important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading may
be required for high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to an authorized tire
dealer or original equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe
operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maximum load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could cause them to fail.
You could have a serious collision. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to
the maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle
will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause
a collision. Always use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
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Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it meets the following
criteria:
•The tire has not been driven on when flat.
•The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall damage
is not repairable).
•The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and additional informa-
tion.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have experienced a loss of
pressure should be replaced immediately with another Run Flat tire of
identical size and service description (Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph
(80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid loss of
inflation is referred to as the Run Flat mode. A Run Flat mode occurs
when the tire inflation pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a
Run Flat tire reaches the run flat mode it has limited driving capabilities
and needs to be replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at full capacity or to tow
a trailer while a tire is in the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for more information.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not spin your
vehicle’s wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” in your
Owner ’s Manual for further information.
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Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including, but
not limited to:
•Driving style.
•Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause uneven
wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear
patterns will reduce tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire
replacement.
•Distance driven.
•Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and
Summer tires typically have a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless
of the remaining tread. Failure to follow this warning can result in
sudden tire failure. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light
as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics.
They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The manufacturer strongly recommends that you use
tires equivalent to the originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica-
tors” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard or
the Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation of your tire. The
Load Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the original
equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety Information”
section of this manual for more information relating to the Load Index
and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If you
TIRES
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authorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid and traction
capability on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded
tires. Some states prohibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead of a spare tire,
please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of Emergency” in your
Owner ’s Manual for further information.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take your vehicle
through an automatic car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and wheel equivalent in
look and function to the original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the tire
rotation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use only. You can identify
if your vehicle is equipped with a compact spare by looking at the spare
tire description on the Tire and Loading Information Placard located on
the driver ’s side door opening or on the sidewall of the tire. Compact
spare tire descriptions begin with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conventional tire on
the compact spare wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically for the
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Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency use only. This tire may
look like the originally equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have limited tread life. When the
tread is worn to the tread wear indicators, the temporary use full size
spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not the same as your original
equipment tire, replace (or repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first opportunity.
Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use only. This tire
is identified by a label located on the limited use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this spare. This tire may look like the
original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is
not. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle handling.
Since it is not the same as your original equipment tire, replace (or repair)
the original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle at the first
opportunity.
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use only. Installation of this
limited use spare tire affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not
drive more than the speed listed on the limited use spare wheel.
Keep inflated to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on your Tire
and Loading Information Placard located on the driver ’s side B-Pillar
or the rear edge of the driver ’s side door. Replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire at the first opportunity and reinstall it on
your vehicle. Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.
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•Misapplication, improper maintenance, racing, underinflation, overin-
flation or other abuse;
•Operation without a properly functioning low pressure warning
system, for Comp T/A® ZR SSS tires;
•Uneven or rapid wear which is caused by mechanical irregularity in
the vehicle such as wheel misalignment, (a measured tread difference
of 2/32 nds of an inch (1.6 mm) or more across the tread on the same
tire);
•Accident, fire, chemical corrosion, tire alteration or vandalism;
•Flat spotting caused by improper storage or brake lock;
•The adding of liquid, solid or gaseous materials other than air, nitrogen
or carbon dioxide (for example, waterbase sealers or balancing
substances);
•Ozone or weather checking.
HOW REPLACEMENT CHARGES ARE CALCULATED
Passenger And Light Truck Tires Workmanship/Materials
A tire which becomes unserviceable due to a condition covered by this
workmanship and materials limited warranty will be replaced with a
comparable new BFGoodrich brand tire, free of charge, when 2/32 nds of
an inch (1.6 mm) or less of the original tread is worn, (or 25% or less,
whichever is more beneficial to you) and within 12 months of the date of
purchase. The cost of mounting and balancing the tire is included.Yo u
pay the cost of any other service charges and applicable taxes.
When more than 2/32 nds of an inch (1.6 mm) of the original tread has
been worn (or more than 25%, whichever is more beneficial to you) or
after 12 months from the date of purchase, you must pay the cost of a
comparable new BFGoodrich brand passenger or light truck replacement
tire on a pro rated basis. The retailer shall determine the charge by
multiplying the percentage of the original usable tread worn by the
current selling price at the adjustment location or the price on the current
BFGoodrich brand Base Price List, whichever is lower. This list is based
on a predetermined price intended to fairly represent the actual selling
price of the tire.
You pay the cost of mounting, balancing, and or any other service
charges and applicable taxes.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
28
DRIVING ON ANY TIRE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE CORRECT
INFLATION PRESSURE IS DANGEROUS
Any underinflated tire builds up excessive heat that may result in sudden
tire destruction. If tires are supplied as original equipment, refer to the
tire decal on the vehicle (check vehicle and/or vehicle owner ’s manual
for decal location) for the recommended operating pressures. For replace-
ment tires, the correct inflation pressure will be provided by your tire
retailer; if not, refer to the vehicle decal.
These inflation pressures must be maintained as a minimum. However,
do not exceed the maximum pressure rating indicated on the tire
sidewall.
CHECK THE COLD INFLATION PRESSURES IN ALL YOUR TIRES,
INCLUDING THE SPARE, AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH
Failure to maintain correct inflation may result in improper vehicle
handling and may cause rapid and irregular tire wear, sudden tire
destruction, loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury. Therefore,
inflation pressures should be checked at least once each month and
always prior to long distance trips. This applies to all tires, including
sealant types, and Self-Supporting tires which are as susceptible to losing
air pressure as any other type of tire if not properly maintained.
UNDERINFLATION
It is impossible to determine whether tires are properly inflated by
simply looking at them. It is almost impossible to “feel or hear” when a
tire is being run underinflated or nearly flat. Tires must be checked
monthly with a tire pressure gauge.
Pressures should be checked when tires are cold, in other words, before
they have been driven on. Driving, even for a short distance, causes tires
to heat up and air pressure to increase.
Checking pressure when tires are hot:
If pressures are checked after tires have been driven for more than three
minutes or more than one mile, (1.6 km) the tires become hot and the
pressures will increase by approximately 4 psi. Therefore when the tire
pressure is adjusted under these conditions, it should be increased to a
gauge reading of 4 psi greater than the recommended cold inflation
pressure.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
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For Example Only:
Gauge reading of hot tire:................................ 32 psi (220 kPa)
If recommended cold inflation pressure is:............. 30 psi (205 kPa)
Desired gauge reading of hot tire 30+4psi=........
34 psi (205 + 30 = 235 kPa)
Therefore: add 2 psi....................................... (15 kPa)
Check cold pressure as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.
“Bleeding” air from hot tires could result in under-inflation. Use an
accurate tire gauge to check pressures. Never allow children to inflate
or deflate tires.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS):
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that is designed to monitor the pressure of tires mounted on your
vehicle and sends a signal to the driver if a tire pressure falls below a
predetermined level. A TPMS should not replace monthly manual
pressure checks for all four (4) tires and the spare. We recommend that
you manually monitor and check tire pressure inflation with a pressure
gauge.
Your tires should have the recommended pressure listed by your
vehicle’s manufacturer. This information can be found in the vehicle
owner ’s manual and often on a placard located in the vehicle’s door
jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door. If you
have a plus size fitment that requires a higher inflation pressure, your tire
pressure monitoring system will require re-calibration to the new infla-
tion pressure. Refer to your tire dealer/installer of plus size tires for
proper inflation pressure.
We recommend checking air pressure once each month, and before a long
trip. Whether you have a full-sized or mini-spare, make sure that it is
properly inflated as well. If the TPMS generates improper monitoring or
signals we recommend that you consult your owner ’s manual provided
with your vehicle and follow-up with your vehicle’s manufacturer.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
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