CONTROLLABILITY
Controlling a vehicle when a tire failure occurs
If a tire failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a vibration, and/or
the vehicle may pull toward the side of the failed tire. If possible, step on
the accelerator momentarily to maintain forward momentum and ensure
vehicle control. It is most important that you DO NOT BRAKE OR
ABRUPTLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. Slowly remove your foot
from the accelerator and hold the steering wheel firmly while steering to
remain in your lane. Once the vehicle has slowed and is fully under
control, apply the brakes gently; safely pull over to the shoulder and
come to a stop. Inspect the tires. If one or more looks flat or low, shows
detachment or other damage, remove tire assembly and replace it with a
properly inflated spare. Bumps or bulges may indicate detachment
within the tire body and require inspection by a qualified tire technician.
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.
SELF-SUPPORTING TIRES. ZERO PRESSURE (ZP) TIRES, AND PAX
SYSTEM TIRES, AT LOW OR ZERO AIR PRESSURE
The handling characteristics of a vehicle with a deflated PAX System tire
or Self- Supporting Zero Pressure (ZP) tire (whether front or rear) are not
the same as those of a vehicle with normally inflated tires. Avoid high
speeds and hard cornering whenever a low pressure warning is acti-
vated.
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Even a MICHELIN® PAX® System Tire or Self-Supporting Zero Pressure
(ZP) tire can build up excessive heat when run underinflated for an
extended period of time. The length of time and distance a PAX System
Tire/Self-Supporting Zero Pressure (ZP) tire will perform at low or zero
air pressure will depend upon the severity of the event causing air loss,
ambient temperature, speed at which the tire is operated, and the
conditions under which the tire is operated (i.e. hard braking, cornering
and other sharp maneuvers will greatly reduce the length of time the tire
can perform at low or zero air pressure.) Continuous use of an underin-
flated tire may lead to sudden tire destruction. If a tire at low or zero
pressure begins to vibrate or cause difficulty in vehicle handling, remove
the tire immediately and replace with the temporary spare. If Michelin®
PAX System Tire/Self-Supporting Zero Pressure (ZP) tires are supplied as
original equipment, refer to the vehicle owner ’s manual for complete
details on the low tire pressure warning system designed to alert you in
the event of a low pressure condition.
NOTE:MICHELIN® SELF-SUPPORTING ZERO PRESSURE (ZP)
TIRES ARE TO BE USED ONLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN OPERA-
TIONAL, MICHELIN® APPROVED, LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM. Otherwise, all provisions of the limited warranty are void. For
a list of approved systems, see your participating Michelin® tire retailer,
or call toll free:1-800-847-3435
NOTE:Some MICHELIN® Self-Supporting Zero Pressure (ZP) tires can
only be mounted on special SH-M (Symmetric Hump - Modified) wheels.
These tires bear the special SH-M designation, molded into the sidewall
of the tire, next to the ZP designation. DO NOT MOUNT A TIRE WITH
THE SH-M DESIGNATION ON THE SIDEWALL ON A STANDARD
WHEEL. DOING SO VOIDS THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND COULD
CAUSE THE TIRE TO BECOME UNSERVICEABLE AT LOW OR ZERO
PRESSURE, RESULTING IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
NOTE:MICHELIN® PAX® SYSTEM TIRES ARE TO BE USED ONLY
IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN OPERATIONAL, TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS), APPROVED BY THE VEHICLE
MANUFACTURER FOR USE WITH THE PAX SYSTEM. Otherwise, all
provisions of the limited warranty are void. For a list of approved
systems, see your authorized PAX System retailer, or call toll free:
1-877-PAX TIRE or 1-877-729-8473
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For all types of tires, consult your vehicle tire placard or owner ’s manual
for recommended operating pressures. If the tires are purchased as
replacement tires, operating instructions for the low pressure warning
system will be provided by the manufacturer of that system. Recom-
mended operating pressures will be provided by a participating Michelin
tire retailer for self supporting ZP tires. Recommended operating pres-
sure for PAX System Tires will be provided by a PAX System retailer.
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 Zero Pressure (ZP) 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, (2 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.
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5 PSI from the previous pressure check, have the tire inspected at once
by an authorized PAX System Retailer for PAX tires or a participating
Michelin tire retailer (or representative of your vehicle manufacturer if
your vehicle owner ’s manual so advises.) Failure to do so may cause
irreparable damage to the tire and result in sudden tire destruction and
personal injury.
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 new inflation
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.
TIRE SPINNING
Do not spin wheels in excess of 35 mph (55 km/h) as indicated on the
speedometer. Excessive speed in a free-running, unloaded tire can cause
it to “explode” from centrifugal force. The energy released by such an
explosion is sufficient to cause serious physical injury or death. Never
allow anyone to stand near or behind the spinning tire.
When in mud, sand, snow, ice or other slippery conditions, do not engage
in excessive wheel spin. Accelerating the motor excessively, particularly
with automatic transmission vehicles, may cause a drive tire that has lost
traction to spin beyond its speed capability. This is also true when
balancing a drive tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle using the vehicle
engine to spin the tire/wheel assembly.
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HIGH SPEED DRIVING CAN BE DANGEROUS
Correct inflation pressure is especially important.However, at high
speeds, even with the correct inflation pressure, a road hazard, for
example is more difficult to avoid and if contact is made, has a greater
chance of causing tire damage than at a lower speed. Moreover, driving
at high speed reduces the reaction time available to avoid accidents and
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.If you see any damage to a tire or
wheel, replace it with the spare at once and visit a participating
Michelin Tire Retailer.
Exceeding the maximum speeds shown on the following page for each
type of MICHELIN® tire will cause the tire to build up excessive heat
which can cause tire damage that could result in sudden tire destruction
and rapid air loss. Failure to control a vehicle when one or more tires
experience a sudden air loss can lead to an accident.
In any case, you should not exceed reasonable speeds as indicated by
the legal limits and driving conditions.
SPEED RATINGS
Speed Symbols are shown on the sidewall of some MICHELIN® tires.
The following table shows the maximum speed corresponding to the
symbol.
*Some V (or VR) rated tires may have a speed capacity greater than
149 mph (240 km/h). Consult your participating Michelin® tire retailer
for maximum speed rating if your vehicle capability exceeds this speed.
**Z (or ZR) rated tires are designed to use on cars with maximum speed
capabilities in excess of 149 mph (240 km/h).
(W and Y speed ratings are subcategories of Z).
Consult your Michelin tire retailer for maximum speed capabilities. For
PAX® System Tires consult an authorized PAX System Tire Retailer.
Although a tire may be speed-rated, we do not endorse the operation of
any vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner. Speed ratings are based on
laboratory tests which relate to performance on the road, but are not
applicable if tires are underinflated, overloaded, worn out, damaged,
altered, improperly repaired or retreaded.
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INSPECT YOUR TIRES, DO NOT DRIVE ON A DAMAGED TIRE
OR WHEEL
HAZARDS
Objects in the road, such as potholes, glass, metal, rocks, wood, debris
and the like, can damage a tire and should be safely avoided. Unavoid-
able contact with such objects should prompt a thorough tire inspection.
Anytime you see any damage to your tires or wheels, replace with the
spare at once and immediately visit any Michelin tire retailer. For PAX®
System Tires see an authorized PAX System tire retailer.
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IMPACT DAMAGE
A tire impacted by a road hazard (curb, pothole, debris) may be damaged
but not have visible signs of damage on its surface. A tire damaged by an
impact may sustain a sudden failure a day, week, or even months later.
You may not recall hitting an object that damaged or injured your tires.
Air loss, unusual tire wear, localized wear or vibrations can also be signs
of internal tire damage.
If you suspect any damage to your tire or wheel from an impact with a
curb, pothole, debris on the road or any other road hazard, or if you feel
or hear any unusual vibration, replace with a properly inflated spare at
once and immediately visit any qualified tire technician.
INSPECTION
When inspecting your tires, including the spare, check the air pressures.
If the pressure check indicates that one of your tires has lost pressure of
two pounds or more, look for signs of penetration, valve leakage or wheel
damage that may account for the air loss.
Always look for bulges, cracks, cuts, penetrations, and abnormal tire
wear, particularly on the edges of the tire tread, which may be caused
by misalignment or underinflation. If any such damage is found, the
tire must be inspected by any Michelin tire retailer at once. Use of a
damaged tire could result in tire destruction.
All tires will wear out faster when subjected to high speeds as well as
hard cornering, rapid starts, sudden stops, frequent driving on roads
which are in poor condition, and off road use. Roads with holes and rocks
or other objects can damage tires and cause misalignment of your vehicle.
When driving on such roads, drive carefully and slowly, and before
driving again at normal or highway speeds, examine your tires for any
damage, such as cuts, bulges, penetrations, unusual wear patterns, etc.
WEAR BARS
MICHELIN® tires contain “Wear-Bars” in the grooves of the tire tread
which show up when only 2/32 nds of an inch (1.6 mm) of tread is
remaining. At this stage, your tires must be replaced. Tires worn beyond
this stage are extremely dangerous.
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checked immediately. Tires which have been run underinflated will show
more wear on the shoulders than in the center of the tread.
TIRE MIXING
MICHELIN® tires are radial tires and for best performance it is recom-
mended that the same size and type of tire be used on all four wheel
positions. Before mixing tires of different types in any configuration on
any vehicle, be sure to check the vehicle manufacturer ’s owner‘s manual
for its recommendations.
It is especially important to check the vehicle manufacturer ’s owner ’s
manual when mixing, matching, or replacing tires on 4-wheel drive
vehicles, as this may require special precautions.
MICHELIN DOES NOT RECOMMEND MIXING PAX® SYSTEM TIRES
WITH NON-PAX TIRES / SELF-SUPPORTING ZERO PRESSURE (ZP)
TIRES WITH NON-ZP TIRES OTHER THAN THE TEMPORARY USE
OF THE SPARE IF THE VEHICLE IS SO EQUIPPED.
WINTER DRIVING
Tires which meet the Rubber Manufactures Association (RMA) definition
of snow tires are marked M/S, or M&S. On such tires, this designation is
molded into the sidewall. Tires without this notation are not recom-
mended or winter driving.
While All-Season tires are designed to provide reliable
performance in some winter conditions, the use of four
(4) winter tires is recommended for optimal performance.
Tires designate for use in severe winter conditions are
marked on at leas one sidewall with the letter “M”
TIRE ROTATION AND REPLACEMENT
To obtain maximum tire wear, it may be necessary to rotate your tires.
Refer to your vehicle owner ’s manual for instructions on tire rotation. If
you do not have an owner‘s manual for your vehicle, Michelin recom-
mends rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10,000 to 12,000 km).
Monthly inspection for tire wear is recommended. Your tires should be
rotated at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 6,000
miles (10,000 km). This is true for all vehicles.
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