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This chart shows you how underinflation can create an overload on
tires.Check your tire pressure every month to make sure it’s up to
specification, especially before long trips or carrying extra weight.
Lower pressure increases heat.Infrared photography of tires tested at
high speed. Damaging heat increases as inflation pressure drops.
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AIR PRESSURE —MONTHLY CHECK
For accuracy, check your inflation pressure with a tire gauge when tires
are cold.
Driving heats up tires and makes the reading incorrect.
1. Remove tire valve cap.
2. Place the end of the tire gauge over valve.
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3. Press the tire gauge straight and firmly until the scale extends.
4. If needed, increase pressure and recheck with the tire gauge.
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5. Replace valve cap.
TIRE ROTATION
For maximum mileage, rotate your tires according to the vehicle
manufacturer ’s recommendations (consult your vehicle owner ’s
manual), or if not provided, rotate every 5,000 miles using a rotation
pattern such as below (see “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual).
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TIRE WEAR—VISUAL CHECK
Check for obvious signs of wear.
Place a penny in the tire tread grooves as
shown.If you can see the top of Lincoln’s
head, the tire is worn out and needs to be
replaced.
TIRE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY
INFORMATION
Any tire, no matter how well constructed,
may fail in use as a result of punctures,
impact damage, improper inflation, over-
loading, or other conditions resulting
from use or misuse. Tire failure may create a risk of property damage,
serious personal injury or death.
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure.
Many tire failures are preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or
irregular wear. If a vibration occurs while driving your vehicle or
you notice a bump, bulge or irregular wear, have your tires and
vehicle evaluated by a qualified tire service professional.
To reduce the risk of tire failure, Bridgestone Firestone North American
Tire, LLC strongly recommends you read and follow all safety infor-
mation contained in this manual. In addition, we recommend periodic
inspection and maintenance, if necessary, by a qualified tire service
professional.
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TIRE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING
WARNING!
It is not often that a properly maintained tire will “blow out” while
you are driving. More commonly, if inflation pressure is lost, it will
be gradual. If you do experience a blowout or sudden tire failure,
the following information should be helpful:
•When the failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a
vibration, and/or the vehicle may pull toward the side of the failed
tire.
•DO NOT abruptly brake or turn.
•Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, hold the steering
wheel firmly, and steer to maintain your lane position.
•Once the vehicle has slowed, apply the brakes gently.
•Gradually pull over to the shoulder and come to a stop, as far off
the road as possible.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires need proper inflation pressure to operate effectively and perform as
intended. Tires carry the vehicle, passenger, and cargo loads and transmit
the braking, acceleration, and turning forces. The vehicle manufacturer
recommends the inflation pressures for the tires mounted on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.
•Under-inflation causes excessive tire heat build-up and internal
structural damage.
•Over-inflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut, punctured,
or broken by sudden impact.
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These situations can cause a tire failure, even at a later date, which could
lead to serious personal injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire infor-
mation placard and/or owner ’s manual for the recommended inflation
pressures. In addition to tire damage, improper inflation pressure may
also:
•Adversely affect vehicle ride and handling.
•Reduce tire tread wear.
•Affect fuel economy.
Therefore, follow these important recommendations for tire and vehicle
safety, mileage, and economy:
•Always keep the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommended inflation
pressure in all your tires, including the spare.
•Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or carrying extra
weight.
Your vehicle’s tire information placard and/or owner ’s manual will tell
you the recommended cold inflation pressure for all your tires, including
the spare. Examples of placards are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Your
placard may look differently and have different tire and loading infor-
mation than that shown in either of the figures.You must check the
driver ’s-side door edge or door jamb area for the actual placard that
applies to your vehicle.For questions about locating or understanding
the tire information placard, consult your vehicle owner ’s manual or ask
a qualified tire service professional.
Figure 1: EXAMPLE—Tire And Loading Information Placard
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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
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