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TIRE HANDLING AND STORAGE IN COLDER CLIMATES
The rubber compounds used in the drag tires have unique properties
that, when compared to other tires, can cause them to lose some of their
flexibility when used or handled in conditions below 15°F (-9°C). This
loss in flexibility can lead to potential cracking and other damage to the
tire. To minimize the chances of this happening, you are advised to follow
these instructions:
1. Do not move or operate the car with these tires in conditions below
15°F (-9°C).
2. Avoid moving these tires in conditions below 15°F (-9°C).
3.
Before mounting and dismounting, store these tires for at least 24 hours
in a temperature-controlled environment of 68°F (20°C) or warmer.
4. Remove these tires from the vehicle and deflate to half the normal
air-pressure during prolonged periods of non-use or storage.
Always inspect tires for signs of cracking and never use tires that have
cracked.
WARNING!
DO NOT DRIVE ON THESE TIRES IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER
CONDITIONS. Driving or moving a vehicle with drag radial tires
installed in conditions below 15°F (-9°C) may cause cracking or other
damage to the tire. This can lead to tire failure, which may result in
loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury or death.
TIRE STORAGE
When dismounted from the wheel for storage, the drag tires should be
stored indoors in a cool, dry location. The tires should be placed away
from direct sunlight, harmful ozone-producing electric generators and
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.
WARNING!
Improper storage can damage your tires in ways that may not be
visible and result in tire failure, which may result in loss of vehicle
control, and lead to serious personal injury or death.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
This manual is not intended to provide proper training or service
procedures for tire mounting, dismounting, balancing, rotation, or
repair. Please leave these tasks to qualified tire service professionals.
mNOTICE!
Nitto brand tires are designed and built with great care. Any tire, no matter
how well constructed, can fail as a result of punctures, impact damage,
underinflation/overloading or other conditions resulting from use. Tire
failures may create a risk of property damage or personal injury. To obtain the
highest possible performance, tires must be maintained properly.
Remember, you are ultimately responsible for the tires installed on your
vehicle.
Important factors in tire care are:
•Proper inflation pressure
•Proper vehicle loading
•Proper vehicle maintenance
•Regular inspection
•Good driving habits
Refer to your vehicle Owner ’s Manual for additional tire safety and
service advice.
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TIRE PRESSURE BASICS
The combined effect of losing 1 psi per month over several months along
with a 1 psi decrease for every 10°F temperature drop could add up to a
severe “run low” condition; consequently, it is important to check your
tires’ inflation pressure at least once per month.
Inflation pressure enables a tire to support its load; therefore, proper
inflation is critical.
HOW TO DETERMINE PROPER TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
It is impossible to determine whether tires are properly inflated just by
looking at them.
25 PSI
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It is important to check your tires using an accurate tire pressure gauge,
which can be purchased at your tire dealer or auto supply store.
Underinflation can overload tires. Check the inflation pressure every
month, including for the spare tire, to make sure it’s up to specification.
Check it again before long trips or when carrying extra weight.
Look for the manufacturer ’s recommended inflation pressure listed on
the Tire Information Placard usually located on your vehicle’s door edge,
door post, glove box, or inside the trunk lid.
mNOTICE!
The inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire is not the intended
inflation pressure for the vehicle! Always refer to the vehicle’s Tire
Information Placard.
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WARNING!
Driving on tires with insufficient inflation pressure is dangerous
because it will cause your tires to overheat. This can cause sudden
tire failure, which may result in loss of vehicle control and lead to
serious personal injury or death.
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USING A TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE
For accuracy, check your inflation pressure with a tire pressure gauge
when tires are cold (for example, after being parked overnight). Driving
heats up tires and causes an inaccurate pressure reading.
To check inflation pressure with a tire pressure gauge:
1. Remove the tire valve cap.
2. Place the end of the tire pressure gauge over the valve.
3. Press the tire pressure gauge straight and firmly and take a reading.
4. If needed, inflate and recheck the pressure with the tire pressure
gauge.
5. Replace the valve cap.
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFE TIRE INFLATION
•If you must inflate your tires when they are hot, add 4 pounds per
square inch (4 psi) (28 kPa) above the recommended inflation pressure
specification. Recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are cold
and adjust to the recommended inflation pressure shown on the
vehicle’s Tire Information Placard.
•Never release air or nitrogen from a hot tire in order to reach the
recommended cold tire pressure. Normal driving causes tires to run
hotter and inflation pressure to increase. If you release pressure when
your tires are hot, you may dangerously underinflate your tires. If your
tires lose more than 1 pound per square inch (1 psi) per month, the tire,
the valve, or the wheel may be damaged. Consult your authorized
Nitto dealer for an inspection.
•Over-inflation can cause the tire to be more susceptible to impact
damage.
•Over-inflation or underinflation may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
•Remember to check your spare tire. Consult your vehicle Owner ’s
Manual for the correct inflation pressure and use of a “temporary use”
spare tire. The inflation pressure specified for a spare tire is typically
different from that specified for your regular tires.
•Use valve caps to keep valve cores clean and clear of debris and to help
guard against air leakage.
WARNING!
Never inflate a tire unless it is secured to the vehicle or a tire
mounting machine. Inflating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If the
tire bursts, it could be propelled into the air with explosive force
and cause serious personal injury or death.
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VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEMS (TPMS)
Even if your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system, you should check your tire pres-
sure at least once per month when the tires are cold
(for example, after being parked overnight). Tire pres-
sure warning systems are not a substitute for regular
tire pressure maintenance.
WARNING!
If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, read the vehicle Owner ’s
Manual regarding its operation. Some TPMS systems do not alert you
until the tires are significantly underinflated, which could result in
permanent tire damage and possible sudden tire failure. In the event
that your TPMS malfunction indicator lamp is displayed, you should
immediately pull over to a safe parking area and check your tires.
IDENTIFYING DAMAGED TIRES
•If your tire strikes a road hazard at any speed, internal tire damage
could result, which may lead to sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle
control. Tire failure may even occur miles after the initial impact.
Impact damage from such hazards may not be visible on the outside of
the tire. Have your Nitto dealer dismount the tire and inspect it for
damage. A tire may not have visible signs of damage on the tire surface
or the interior.
•If the impact was sufficient to bend the wheel flange, internal tire
damage may have occurred, compromising the safety and integrity of
the tire. Such impact damage may result in a sudden tire failure many
weeks or months later. Tire replacement is highly recommended as a
safety precaution.
•Indications of impact damage include, but are not limited to, a bubble
or a blister on the outside of the tire.
•Have your dealer inspect your tires if you see anything unusual or if
cuts, cracks, splitting, or bruises in the tread and sidewall areas are
visible. Bumps or bulges may indicate a serious and dangerous
separation within the tire body. Have your tire inspected by a qualified
tire service person. It may be necessary to have the tire removed from
the wheel for a complete inspection.
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