reflect the tire size. The following one to four digits may be used at the
tire manufacturer ’s option as a descriptive code. The last three characters
are numbers identifying the week and year of manufacture. (Example:
“O25” means second week of the year of decade, eg.: 1995, 1985, etc.)
Tires produced after July 2000 have an additional digit to identify a given
decade. For example, 2800 means the tire was produced during the 28th
week of 2000; 0201 during the 2nd week of 2001. If the last digits of your
DOT number contain three numeric characters consult a qualified tire
technician to determine the year and decade of manufacture.
STORAGE
Tires contain waxes and emollients to protect their outer surfaces from
ozone and weather checking. As the tire rolls and flexes, the waxes and
emollients continually migrate to the surface, replenishing this protection
throughout the normal use of the tire. Consequently, when tires sit
outdoors, unused for long periods of time (a month or more) their
surfaces become dry and more susceptible to ozone and weather check-
ing and the casing becomes susceptible to flat spotting.
For this reason, tires should always be stored in a cool, dry, clean,
indoor environment. If storage is for one month or more, eliminate the
weight from the tires by raising the vehicle or by removing the tires
from the vehicle. Failure to store tires in accordance with these
instructions could result in damage to your tires or premature aging of
the tires and sudden tire failure.
When tires are stored, be sure they are placed away from sources of heat
and ozone such as hot pipes and electric generators. Be sure that surfaces
on which tires are stored are clean and free from grease, gasoline or other
substances which could deteriorate the rubber.(Tires exposed to these
materials during storage or driving could be subject to sudden failure.)
FOLLOW THESE MOUNTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Tire changing can be dangerous and must be done by professionally
trained persons using proper tools and procedures as specified by the
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
Your tires should be mounted on wheels of correct size and type and
which are in good, clean condition. Wheels that are bent, chipped, rusted
(steel wheels) or corroded (alloy wheels) may cause tire damage. The
inside of the tire must be free from foreign material. Have your retailer
check the wheels before mounting new tires. Mismatched tires and rims
BFGOODRICH TIRES
41
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
Maximum Pressure Indicated on the Tire Sidewall:This is the maxi-
mum permissible inflation pressure for the tire only. The vehicle manu-
facturer ’s recommended tire pressures may be lower than, or the same as,
the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. The vehicle
manufacturer ’s specification of tire pressure is limited to your particular
vehicle and takes into account your vehicle’s load, ride, and handling
characteristics, among other criteria. Since there may be several possible
vehicle applications for a given tire size, a vehicle manufacturer may
choose a different inflation pressure specification for that same size tire
on a different vehicle. Therefore, always refer to the inflation pressure
specifications on the vehicle tire information placard and/or in your
vehicle owner ’s manual.
Different Tire Pressures for the Front and Rear Tires:For some vehicles,
the recommended front and rear inflation pressures may be different
(such as in the example shown in Figure 2). Make sure you take this into
account during inflation pressure checks and when rotating tires.
Pressure Loss:Tires can lose 1 psi (7 kPa) per month under normal
conditions and can lose 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 10° F (5.6° C) temperature
drop. A puncture, leaking valve, or other damage could also cause
inflation pressure loss. If a tire loses more than 2 psi (14 kPa) per month,
have it checked by a qualified tire service professional.
Figure 2: EXAMPLE—Tire Information Placard
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
55
condition (including damage), wear, vehicle condition (including align-
ment), driving conditions, and duration at which the speed is sustained.
Use the following chart to compare the speed ratings of tires.
Speed
SymbolSpeed Category*
mph km/h
M81130
Q99160
R 106 170
S 112 180
T 118 190
U 124 200
H 130 210
V 149 240
Z** >149 >240
W 168 270
Y 186 300
(Y)** >186
The tire’s speed rating designation appears on the tire sidewall with the
tire size. Examples:
P275/40ZR17 max > 149 mph (240 km/h)****
P275/40R17 93W max = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93W max = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93Y max = 186 mph (300 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93(Y) max > 186 mph (300 km/h) ****
* In standardized laboratory tests that relate to highway speeds. Actual
tire speed and performance capability depend on factors such as inflation
pressure, load, tire condition, wear, and driving conditions.
** Any tire having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) may, at the tire manufacturer ’s discretion, include a “Z” in
the size designation (i.e. P275/40ZR17).
*** For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186 mph
(300 km/h), a “Z” must appear in the size designation and a “Y” marked
in brackets (as shown) in the service description.
**** Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed capability.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
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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®
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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
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®
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