can explode during mounting. Also, mismatched tires and rims can result
in dangerous tire failure on the road. If a tire is mounted by error on the
wrong-sized rim, do not remount it on the proper rim - scrap it. It may
have been damaged internally (which is not externally visible) by having
been dangerously stretched and could fail on the highway.
Old valves may leak. When new tubeless tires are mounted, have new
valves of the correct type installed. Tubeless tires must only be
mounted on wheels designed for tubeless tires i.e., wheels which have
safety humps or ledges.
It is recommended that you have your tires and wheels balanced. Tires
and wheels which are not balanced may cause steering difficulties, a
bumpy ride, and irregular tire wear.
Be sure that all your valves have suitable valve caps. The valve cap is
the primary seal against air loss.
SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK
TIRES INCLUDING SPARE TIRES
The following recommendation applies to passenger car and light truck
tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber
compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper
functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over
time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as
weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation
pressure, maintenance etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its
life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately
predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not
possible.
That it is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure
maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have passenger car and
light truck tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified
tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for
continued service. Tires which have been in use for 5 years or more
should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’
visual condition and inflation pressure but also of any change in dynamic
performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be
an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent
tire failure.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
42
If you see any damage to your tires or wheels, contact your local
participating BFGoodrich® tire retailer listed in the Yellow Pages, or
visit our web site listed below for dealer locations. If further assistance
is required, contact:
IN USA IN CANADA
877-788-8899 888-871-4444
or write:
Michelin North America, Inc.
Attention: Consumer Relations
Department
Post Office Box 19001
Greenville, SC 29602-9001or write:
Michelin North America (Canada), Inc.
2500 Daniel-Johnson Blvd., Suite 500
Laval, Quebec
H7P 6G2
or visit:
www.bfgoodrichtires.comor visit:
www.bfgoodrichtires.ca
WARNING!
For safety and good performance, you must take care of your tires.
Follow the safety information and instructions contained in this
Owner ’s Manual.
Your Vehicle:Year Make/Model
Your Tire Size:
Tire Purchase Date:
Recommended Pressures: Front
Rear
Correct tire pressure is very important. Proper inflation pressures may be
found in the vehicle owner ’s manual or on the vehicle tire information
placard. Check cold tire pressures at least once each month. For further
technical information on BFGoodrich® tires, consult a participating
BFGoodrich® tire retailer.
MNA, P.O. BOX 19026, GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA 29602-9026
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
BFGOODRICH TIRES
44
If your spare is the same size, load rating, and type of tire as your road
tires, it should be included in the tire rotation process. For vehicles with
a “full-size” spare, the following rotation patterns may be used:
NOTE:
•Never include a “temporary use” spare tire in the rotation.
•Tires with directional tread patterns must be rotated so the direction of
revolution does not change; this may require demounting/mounting
the tires.
•Special attention should be given if your vehicle is equipped with a
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Rotation of your tires may
affect the system; consult your vehicle owner ’s manual or a qualified
tire service professional.
•Some vehicles may have different size tires/wheels on front and rear
which would restrict rotation. Always check and follow the vehicle
manufacturer ’s rotation recommendation.
•To use a full-size spare in the rotation pattern on vehicles with dual
rear wheels, consult your vehicle owner ’s manual for the recom-
mended procedures or consult the vehicle manufacturer.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
69
YOUR SPARE TIRE
Consult your vehicle owner ’s manual for proper application of your
spare tire. Your car may be equipped with a “temporary use” spare tire;
this spare may differ in size and construction from the other tires on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Check inflation pressure before use. Failure to have proper inflation
pressure when using your spare tire can result in serious personal
injury or death. See Tire Inflation Pressure in this manual.
WARNING!
Mounting a “temporary use” tire on a wheel which is not
specifically designed for it, or placing another type tire on a wheel
designated for temporary use can be dangerous. Your vehicle’s
handling characteristics can be seriously affected. You could have an
accident resulting in serious personal injury or death. Consult your
vehicle owner ’s manual for proper application of your “temporary
use” spare tire.
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare when
needed. The spare tire carrier is not intended to be used for long term
storage, except for “temporary use” tires. If your spare is the same size,
load rating, and type of tire as your road tires, it should be included in the
tire rotation process; see “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual for more
information.
The spare should be included in regular tire inspections and inflation
pressure checks. In addition, it should be replaced 10 years after date of
manufacture, regardless of condition or tread depth. For more informa-
tion, see the “Tire Damage, Inspection and Service Life” in this manual.
TIRE STORAGE
Tires should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place where water cannot
collect inside them. Tires should be placed away from electric
generators/motors and sources of heat such as hot pipes. Storage
surfaces should be clean and free of grease, gasoline or other substances
which can deteriorate the rubber.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
70
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
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
FALKEN
MADE BY SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle is fitted with high performance and high quality Falken
tires.
In order to guarantee that you receive the best performance and quality
from your new Falken tires, we recommend that you read and follow all
of the maintenance and safety tips provided in this document. We also
suggest that you have your Falken tires periodically inspected and
maintained by a qualified tire service professional.
A) TIRE CARE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PROPER INFLATION AND FUEL ECONOMY
Ensure maximum performance and a long life from your tires by
checking the air pressures at least once a month and set them to the
vehicle manufacturer ’s recommended pressure(s) listed on the vehicle’s
tire placard or in your owner ’s manual. Always check and adjust your air
pressure when your tires are cold, preferably first thing in the morning
before driving. Never release air pressure from tires when they are hot.
Wait until the tires cool down and recheck, adding air or releasing as
required. Falken endorses the use of nitrogen in your tires because it
helps your tires maintain optimal pressure for longer periods of time and
reduces the amount of moisture inside of the tire and wheel assembly.
*Some plus size applications may require different air pressure(s) than
what is listed on your vehicle’s placard or owner ’s manual. In this case,
please consult your tire dealer or Falken Tire for proper inflation
pressure(s).
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
95
TIRE REPAIRS
In the event that you get a flat tire while driving, it is best to find a nearby,
safe place to stop and install your spare tire or call a tow truck. The less
distance that you drive on your low or flat tire, the better chances your
tire has of being repairable. Once you are able to get to your local
servicing tire dealer, have them dismount the tire from the rim and
thoroughly inspect the inside of the tire. It is important to know the
difference between a proper tire repair and an improper one because it
can be critical to you and your vehicle’s safety. An improper repair could
pose a safety threat to you and your family and could also affect your
tire’s manufacturer warranty. Here are some tips in determining if your
damaged tire can be properly repaired or not:
•Always have the tire removed from the wheel and inspected before
any repair is performed.
•Tires with less than 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch) of tread should NOT be
repaired.
•Never repair a tire with a puncture larger than 6 mm (1/4 of an inch).
•Repairs should be limited to the tread area only.
•Repairs cannot overlap one another.
•A plug and patch or plug/patch combo should be used to effectively
repair a tire puncture.
•If anything seems questionable at any time during the repair process,
ask your service advisor for more details and/or call the tire manu-
facturer to make sure the tire’s warranty isn’t being voided.
TIRE MIX USAGE
WARNING!
Never mix tires of different size or construction and/or type on any
axle. (Except for temporary use as a spare tire.) Always refer to the
vehicle’s owner manual for proper tire fitments.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
99
•EXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER
MOUNTING.Only specially trained persons should mount tires.
•FAILURE TO MOUNT RADIAL TIRES ON APPROVED RIMS.
•FAILURE TO DEFLATE SINGLE OR DUAL ASSEMBLIES COM-
PLETELY BEFORE DEMOUNTING.
•TIRE SPINNING.On slippery surfaces such as snow, mud, ice, etc.,
do not spin tires in excess of 35 mph (55 kph), as indicated on the
speedometer.
•EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.This can also result in tire disinte-
gration or axle failure.
WARNING!
Vehicle handling, traction, ride comfort and other performance
parameters may be significantly affected by a change in tire size or
type. Before replacing tires, always consult and follow the vehicle
owner ’s manual because some vehicle manufacturers prohibit
changing tire size. When selecting tires that are different from the
original equipment size make certain:
1. The tires have adequate load-carrying capacity based on the
vehicle placard,
2. The tires have sufficient inflation pressure to carry the load and
3. There is proper clearance with no interference points between the
tire and vehicle.
The consumer must be aware to always drive safely and obey all
traffic laws. Avoid sudden, sharp turns or aggressive lane changes.
Failure to follow any of these warnings may result in loss of control
of the vehicle, leading to an accident and serious injury or death.
TIRE CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
The easiest way to help ensure satisfactory mileage and performance
from your Goodyear or Dunlop tires is to give them a simple but frequent
(at least monthly) inspection for proper inflation, even tread wear and the
presence of any damage.
DO MAINTAIN PROPER INFLATION PRESSURE IN YOUR TIRES
Proper inflation pressure is necessary for optimum tire performance,
safety and fuel economy. Check inflation pressures at least once a month
and before long trips. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge. Always check
GOODYEAR DUNLOP TIRES
128