Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver ’s
side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver’s side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire (if
equipped), at least monthly and inflate to the recommended pressure for
your vehicle.
Example Tire Placard Location (Door)
Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)
TIRES
8
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.
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 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, (1.6 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.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
31
BFGOODRICH® DOES NOT RECOMMEND MIXING SELF SUPPORT-
ING STRUCTURE (SSS) TIRES WITH NON-SSS TIRES OTHER THAN
THE TEMPORARY USE OF THE SPARE TIRE.
WINTER DRIVING
Tires which meet the Rubber manufactures Association (RMA) definition
of snow tires are marked M/S, M&S. On such tires, this designation is
molded into the sidewall. Tires without this notation are not recom-
mended for 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 optimum perfor-
mance. Tires designated for use in severe winter condi-
tions are marked on at least one sidewall with the letter
“M” and “S” plus a pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake on it.
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, BFGoodrich® recommends
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.
When rotating tires with a directional tread pattern, observe the arrows
molded on the sidewall which show the direction the tire should turn.
Care must be taken to maintain the proper turning direction.
Some Tire Pressure Monitoring systems (TPMS) may not recognize that a
tire has been moved to a different position on your vehicle. Make certain
that your TPMS system is reset, if necessary, so as to correctly identify the
location of each tire on your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner ’s
manual or your vehicle dealer.
Determine whether rotated tires require tire inflation adjustment as front and
rear position tire pressure may vary according to the vehicle manufacturer ’s
specification due to the actual load on that wheel position. Some vehicles may
have different sized tires mounted on the front and rear axles, and these
different sized tires have rotation restrictions. Always check the vehicle
owner ’s manual for the proper rotation recommendations.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
38
TIRE SPINNING
WARNING!
Spinning a tire to remove a vehicle stuck in mud, ice, snow, or wet
grass can be dangerous. A tire spinning at a speedometer reading
above 35 mph (55 km/h) can in a matter of seconds reach a speed
capable of disintegrating a tire with explosive force. Under some
conditions, a tire may be spinning at a speed twice that shown on
the speedometer. This could cause serious personal injury or death
to a bystander or passenger. Never spin a tire above a speedometer
reading of 35 mph (55 km/h).
RADIAL TIRE ROTATION
The purpose of tire rotation is to minimize irregular or uneven wear
caused by maintaining a tire in one rotation direction and one position
over an extended period. Rotate tires as recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer or every 5,000 miles. Individual tire pressures must be
checked after rotation and adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer ’s recom-
mendation for the tire’s new location on the vehicle. Vehicle alignment
should be checked if irregular wear is evident.
For vehicles with a “temporary use” spare tire, follow the vehicle
manufacturer ’s recommended pattern for rotation, or, if not provided, the
following may be used:
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
68
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.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
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.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
72
ROTATION AND WEAR
Falken recommends rotating your tires at least every 8,000 km (5,000
miles) and periodically inspecting your tires to make sure they are free of
road hazards (such as nails, screws, large wood splinters, etc.) that might
penetrate your tires causing them to lose air pressure and to ensure they
are wearing evenly. Common irregular wear patterns are: misalignment
wear, where the tire shows excessive outer or inner tread wear. Tire
sidewalls should also be inspected for cuts, snags, bruises, and weather
cracking. If any of these noted conditions are present during inspection,
we recommend returning to your servicing tire dealer to be corrected to
ensure long tire life.***Never include a temporary spare tire in your
rotation pattern***
TIRE REPLACEMENT
Falken recommends replacing your tires when the tread wears down to
the wear bars at 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch), which are located across the
tread in several locations around the tire. If only two tires are being
replaced, the two new tires should always be installed on the rear of the
vehicle to aid in preventing your vehicle from hydroplaning, even if your
car is front wheel drive. It’s always recommended to have your new tires
balanced during installation, and alignment checked if the previous tires
show and irregular wear. Tires that have been in use for 5 (five) years or
more should continue to be inspected by a qualified tire specialist, at least
annually. It is recommended that any tires 10 (ten) years old or older from
the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires
as a precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have
not reached the legal worn out limit at 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch).
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
98
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.
MICHELIN
167