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.
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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
WARNING!
Improper storage can damage your tires in ways that may not be
visible and can lead to a failure resulting in serious personal injury
or death.
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. For more information, see
“Your Spare Tire” and “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual.
TIRE SERVICE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Normal tire maintenance and Limited Warranty services are available at
locations across the U.S.A. and Canada. For more information, visit us on
the internet at
www.bridgestonetire.com, or please call the Technical
Service Department:
U.S.A.: 800-356-4644 or Canada: 800-267-1318 .
Additional information on the care and service of automobile and light
truck tires is available from the following organizations:
Rubber Manufacturers Association 1400 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC
20005-2403
www.rma.org
Rubber Association of Canada 2000 Argentia Road, Plaza 4, Suite 250
Mississauga, Ontario L5N 1W1
www.rubberassociation.ca
TIRE REGISTRATION
Registration of your tires is an important safety precaution since it
enables the manufacturer to notify you in the event of a recall. When you
purchase replacement tires, the retailer will provide a registration card on
which the tire identification numbers have been recorded; fill in your
name and address on the card and mail it promptly. Some retailers may
submit the registration for you. You do not need to register tires which
come as original equipment on new vehicles—the vehicle and tire
manufacturers handle that for you.
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71
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.
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72
LIMITED WARRANTY
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
PASSENGER AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
Including
Tires with Run-Flat Technology
ELIGIBILITY
This Limited Warranty covers BRIDGESTONE and FIRESTONE brand
passenger and light truck tires, including RFT and temporary spare tires,
originally installed by the vehicle manufacturer on a new vehicle. You are
covered under the terms of this Limited Warranty if the tire was
produced after July 4, 2004 (DOT serial 2704 or later) and has been used
only on the vehicle on which it was originally installed in non-
commercial service.
WHAT IS WARRANTED AND FOR HOW LONG
Before wearing down to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) remaining original tread
depth (i.e. worn down to the top of the built-in indicators in the tread
grooves) and within 6 years from the date of purchase (proof of purchase
date required; without proof of purchase date, then within 6 years from
the date of tire manufacture), for any reason other than those excluded in
the section entitled “What This Limited Warranty Does Not Cover,” any
eligible tire that becomes unusable for any reason within the manufac-
turer ’s control will be replaced with an equivalent new tire on the basis
set forth in this Limited Warranty.
WHAT THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
This Limited Warranty does not cover the following:
1. Tire damage or irregular wear due to:
A.Road hazards,including, without limitation: Puncture, cut, impact
break, stone drill, bruise, bulge, snag, etc.
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81
CONTINENTAL TIRE
LIMITED WARRANTY AND ADJUSTMENT POLICY FOR ORIGI-
NAL EQUIPMENT PASSENGER CAR & LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
(Including TEMPORARY SPARE Tires)
This booklet also includes important safety warnings.
1.ELIGIBILITY
This Limited Warranty and Adjustment Policy applies to the original
owner of new Continental brand passenger and light truck (LT) tires
that are the new vehicle original equipment tires bearing the Conti-
nental brand name and D.O.T. Tire Identification Number, operated in
normal service, and used on the same vehicle on which they were
originally installed according to the vehicle manufacturer ’s recom-
mendations.
Tire(s) on any vehicle registered and normally operated outside the
United States and Canada are excluded from eligibility under this
Limited Warranty and Adjustment Policy.
2.WHAT IS THE ADJUSTMENT POLICY AND HOW LONG IS IT
APPLICABLE? BASIC COVERAGE:
Eligible Tires are covered by this Warranty for a maximum of 72
months from the date of purchase, determined by the new vehicle
registration date or new vehicle sales invoice showing date of pur-
chase.
Where to Go for Warranty Replacement:Contact the dealer from
where you purchased the vehicle or an alternate authorized Continen-
tal brand tire dealer (Authorized Dealer) to determine the eligible
warranty coverage for your tires and how to proceed from there.
Free Replacement Period: PASS & LTIf an eligible Continental brand
PASS or LT tire becomes unserviceable from a warrantable condition,
other than those listed under Section 3, during the first 12 months or
first 2/32nds of an inch (1.6 mm) of treadwear (whichever comes first),
it will be replaced with a **comparable new Continental brand tire
FREE OF CHARGE, including mounting and balancing (excluding on
line orders). Owner pays all applicable taxes.
CONTINENTAL TIRE
87
TEMPORARY SPARE:If a TS Tire becomes unservicable from a
condition other than those listed in Section 3, during the first 1/32nd
(0.8 mm) of treadwear, then it will be replaced with a **comparable
new Continental brand TS tire FREE OF CHARGE, including mount-
ing and balancing. The owner pays all applicable taxes. After thisFree
Replacement Periodfor your TS tire expires, no warranty claim will
be accepted.
After the Free Replacement Period:The tire (except temporary spare
tire) may still be eligible for a pro rata replacement up to 72 months
from date of original purchase until the tread is worn down to the
tread wear indicators (2/32nds of an inch or 1.6 mm of tread
remaining.) If an eligible tire becomes unserviceable under the stipu-
lations of this Limited Warranty and Adjustment policy it will be
replaced with a **comparable new Continental brand tire, charging the
owner a pro-rated amount. Owner pays all applicable taxes (including
F.E.T.), mounting and balancing charges.
The replacement tire price will be determined by multiplying the
percentage of the useable tread worn by the Dealers Selling Price
(excluding all applicable taxes) at the time of the adjustment. The
useable tread is the original tread down to the tread wear indicators
(2/32nds of an inch or 1.6 mm of tread remaining.)
** Acomparablenew Continental brand tire may be of either the
same tire line or the same basic construction but with a different
sidewall or tread configuration. If a higher priced tire is selected, the
consumer will pay the difference in price.
3.WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT COVERED:
•Road Hazard: Any tire with road hazard damage, which includes,
but is not limited to: cuts, snags, punctures, bruises, and impact
breaks.
•Ride/Vibration: Any ride/vibration complaint after the first 2/32nds
(1.6 mm) of an inch of treadwear or 12 months of service, whichever
comes first.
•Repairs: If a tire is returned under complaint and the reason for the
tire’s disablement is in any way associated with a repair, or with the
situation that led to the repair, the manufacturer ’s warranty is
invalidated.
•Mileage: Mileage is not covered under this policy.
CONTINENTAL TIRE
88
mud, or sand and your tire(s) is/ are spinning. Use a gentle
backward and forward rocking motion to free your vehicle for
continued driving. Never stand or permit anyone else to stand near
or behind a tire spinning while attempting to push a vehicle that is
stuck.
SELF SUPPORTING RUNFLAT (SSR) TIRE OWNERS:
CTA does not recommend any repair to or reuse of punctured Continen-
tal SSR tires.
Even a trained tire specialist may be unable to recognize internal
structural damage to a Self Supporting Runflat (SSR) tire resulting from
having been driven in an under inflated or zero inflation pressure
condition. Such damage may not be visible on the surface of the inner
liner or sidewall making it impossible to determine the tire suitability for
repair or reuse. CTA does not recommend any repair to or reuse of
Continental SSR tires. You may visit
www.continentaltire.comand
select Customer Care FAQ’s to obtain additional SSR information.
TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE OWNERS:
CTA does not recommend any repair to or reuse of punctured Temporary
Spare Tires.
CONTISEAL™ TIRE OWNERS:
A ContiSeal™ tire differs from a
non-ContiSeal™ tire in that it has
a sticky, viscous layer from
shoulder to shoulder along the
inner liner. This layer is an integral part of the ContiSeal™ tires. It is not
designed or intended to act as a permanent puncture repair (See
information below). If an object up to 3/16ths (5 mm) diameter pen-
etrates the tread of the ContiSeal™ tire, this sticky, viscous layer is
designed to surround and adhere to the puncturing object and prevent air
loss from the tire by providing a near instantaneous seal. If the punctur-
ing object becomes dislodged from the tire, the material is designed to
seal most holes made by objects up to 3/16” (5 mm) diameter. While
ContiSeal™ tires significanty reduce the incidence of flats they are not
designed to be driven under inflated or in a flat condition. In all other
aspects, ContiSeal™ tires perform exactly like non-ContiSeal™ tires. As
with any tire, regularly inspect ContiSeal™ tires for evidence of cuts,
CONTINENTAL TIRE
92