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on the front axle. Only if studded winter/snow tires are installed on all
wheel positions of a vehicle will optimum handling characteristics be
achieved.
WARNING!
Installing only two studded winter/snow tires on the front axle of
any vehicle (including front-wheel-drive vehicles) without studded
winter/snow tires on the rear axle can cause adverse vehicle
handling characteristics. This can result in a loss of vehicle control,
which could cause serious personal injury or death.
mNOTICE!
In some cases, the vehicle manufacturer may specifically advise against
replacing fewer than all four tires. Always check and follow the
recommendations in the vehicle Owner’s Manual. For 4WD and AWD
vehicles, even small differences in outside diameter may cause drivetrain
damage or mechanical malfunction.
REPLACING TWO TIRES
•When a pair of replacement tires is selected in the same size and
construction as those on the vehicle, the two newer tires must be
installed on the rear axle and must be of equal or higher speed rating
than the front tires. Generally, new tires with deeper tread will provide
better grip and evacuate water more effectively, which is important as
a driver approaches hydroplaning situations. Placing greater traction
on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent a possible
oversteer condition and loss of vehicle stability.
•When two new tires have been installed onto the rear axle positions,
they are to be kept on the rear but rotated from side to side. This is
recommended after installing two new tires to the rear position, or if
you discover significant tread depth differences between the front and
rear positions during rotation intervals.
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More frequent rotation or a thorough vehicle inspection may be necessary
if, upon inspection, irregular or erratic treadwear is beginning to appear.
It is important to remember the following:
•These tire rotation recommendations do not take into account different
tire and construction types mixed on the vehicle.
•Some tires cannot be rotated in the manner described. Such tires
include unidirectional tires. Unidirectional tread patterns must be
rotated front-to-rear only so that the direction of revolution does not
change.
•Some vehicles are designed with different tire sizes on the front and
rear axles. Normally, such combinations will not allow rotation. Prior
to rotating, consult the vehicle Owner ’s Manual.
•For vehicles with dual rear wheels, see the vehicle Owner ’s Manual for
the vehicle manufacturer ’s procedures. If your vehicle Owner ’s
Manual is not available, please contact the vehicle manufacturer.
•Some vehicles are equipped with wheels that limit the choice of
rotation pattern. Consult the vehicle Owner ’s Manual.
•Do not include temporary spare tires in the rotation pattern. However,
if your spare tire is the same size and type as a road tire (for LT tires
of the same size, type, and load rating), it should be included in the tire
rotation process. The proper procedure is to use the vehicle manufac-
turer ’s recommended tire rotation procedures, or if not available, to
use the appropriate rotation pattern shown, inserting the spare in the
right rear position. Place the tire that would have gone to the right rear
in the spare tire storage position as the new spare.
•Important! After rotation, adjust the pressure of the individual tires to
the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommendation or the inflation pressure
recommended by Nitto for an optional fitment according to the tire’s
new location on the vehicle.
•Do not mix speed-rated tires on the same axle. Higher speed-rated tires
must remain on the rear axle. Consult your authorized Nitto dealer.
TIRE SPEED RATING
All Nitto passenger and light truck tires have a maximum speed rating
based on size and type. Tires must never be operated in excess of their
rated speed limit! Consult your tire dealer or contact Nitto at
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•Never use chains on temporary spare tires, because it could cause
damage to your vehicle.
•When you replace the temporary tire, replace it only with the same
type of tire.
•A full-size spare tire in your vehicle is intended for use as a spare when
needed. Please see the “Tire Rotation” section for the proper proce-
dures for including the same size construction and speed-rated tire (for
LT tires of the same size, type, and load rating) in the rotation pattern.
(Do not rotate a temporary spare tire.)
WARNING!
Check inflation pressure before using your spare tire. Failure to
have proper inflation pressure when using your spare tire may
cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious personal
injury or death. Maintain spare tire inflation pressures based on the
vehicle Owner ’s Manual or the Tire Information Placard.
“T” Type high-pressure temporary spare tires should not be used
with any other wheel, nor should standard tires, snow tires, wheel
covers, or trim rings be used on the high-pressure spare tire wheel.
If you fail to follow this warning, 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 the proper use of your “temporary use” spare
tire.
Do not operate your vehicle with more than one temporary spare in
use (this does not apply to a full size spare), and only operate it at
limited speeds and distances as indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
The “T” Type temporary spare tire may lower ground clearance
when used. Avoid driving over large obstacles and other road
hazards. Check your vehicle Owner ’s Manual for other special
clearance precautions when using the “T” Type temporary spare tire
provided in your vehicle.
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