DO NOT OVERLOAD - DRIVING ON ANY OVERLOADED TIRE IS
DANGEROUS
The maximum load rating of your tires is molded on the tire sidewall. Do
not exceed this rating. Follow the loading instructions of the manufac-
turer of your vehicle and this will ensure that your tires are not
overloaded. Tires which are loaded beyond their maximum allowable
loads for the particular application will build up excessive heat that may
result in sudden tire destruction.
Do not exceed the gross axle weight rating for any axle on your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
If you anticipate towing a trailer, you should visit any Michelin tire
retailer for advice concerning the correct size tire and pressures. Tire size
and pressures will depend upon the type and size of trailer and hitch
utilized, but in no case must the maximum cold inflation pressure or tire
load rating be exceeded. Check the tire decal and the owner ’s manual
supplied by the manufacturer of your vehicle for further recommenda-
tions on trailer towing.
MICHELIN® PAX® System Tires/Self-Supporting Zero Pressure (ZP)
Tires and Trailer Towing
Operation of Pax or ZP tires at low or zero air pressure with a trailer in
tow, is dangerous and is not recommended. If the low pressure warning
indicator is activated when a trailer is in tow, stop, disconnect the trailer,
and do not continue to tow the trailer until the tire has been repaired and
re-inflated to the proper air pressure. If the tire cannot be repaired, it must
be replaced with a new full size, PAX/ZP tire, and inflated to the proper
air pressure, before the trailer can be safely towed again.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING ARE IMPORTANT FOR
SAFETY AND MAXIMUM MILEAGE FROM YOUR TIRES.
CHECK HOW YOUR TIRES ARE WEARING AT LEAST ONCE EACH
MONTH
If your tires are wearing unevenly, such as the inside shoulder of the tire
wearing faster than the rest of the tread, or if you detect excessive
vibration, your vehicle may be out of alignment or balance. These
conditions not only shorten the life of your tires but adversely affect the
handling characteristics of your vehicle, which could be dangerous. If
you detect irregular wear or vibration, have your alignment and balance
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to the tire’s sidewall. Under inflation causes excessive flexing, deteriora-
tion of the tire and rapid wear of the tread edges. Over inflation results
in an uncomfortable ride, a reduced area of tire contact with the road
surface (i.e., smaller tire footprint), higher susceptibility to impact
damage and rapid wear on the tread center.
WARNING!
Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.
These situations can cause a tire failure, including tread/belt
separation, even at a later date, which could lead to an accident and
serious personal injury or death.
Inflation pressure must be checked at least once a month and should be
checked only when the tire is cold or before it has been driven. Driving
even a short distance (1 kilometer or 2 to 3 minutes) causes tires to heat
up and the air pressure to increase approximately 4 psi. In case it is
necessary to adjust the air pressure in tires that have been driven, the air
pressure should be increased to a gauge reading of 4 psi higher than the
recommended cold inflation pressure.
For Example Only:
Gauge Reading of Hot Tire: 27 PSI.
Recommended Cold Inflation Pressure: 26 PSI
Desired Gauge Reading of Hot Tire: 26 PSI+4PSI=30PSI
Therefore: Add 3 PSI
Check the cold inflation pressure on the tires, at least by the next day.
Never reduce or “bleed” pressure from hot tires since your tires will then
be underinflated when they cool down. Always use a reliable pressure
gauge.
4. UHP Summer Tires
Rubber compounds formulated for ultra high performance summer tires
can lose flexibility and may develop random surface cracks at cold
temperatures. Therefore extra care should be used in handling tires in this
condition. These compounds are optimized for maximum dry and wet
performance in warm conditions. Special tread compounds in these tires
will have decreased performance, such as lateral and braking traction, at
temperatures below 7° C or when driving on snow or ice. Therefore, it is
recommended to install winter tires in these conditions.
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TO MAINTAIN PROPER VEHICLE DYNAMICS AND LOAD CARRY-
ING CAPACITY, REPLACEMENT TIRES MUST ALWAYS HAVE A
LOAD INDEX AND SPEED SYMBOL EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN
THOSE FITTED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT.
When making plus size fitments, you should consult with the dealer
regarding any suspension or braking system modifications which may be
recommended for the vehicle.
9. Tire Inspection
As a minimum, tires (including the spare tire) should be examined and air
pressure checked monthly and always prior to long trips. They should also
be examined if you strike any unusual object on the road. Tires showing
bulges, cracks, cuts, penetrations or uneven wear must be dismounted and
examined by an authorized Pirelli tire dealer and replaced if necessary.
Pirelli tires have treadwear indicators in the tread grooves, which show up
when the tread has worn to 2/32” remaining. At this point, your tires must
be replaced because they are illegal and dangerous.
The mere passage of time (age) does not cause tires to deteriorate, but
rather exposure to outside forces. Such outside forces can include, but are
not limited to: road hazards, punctures, improper repairs, misalignment,
under inflated operation, over inflated operation, excessive heat caused
by over deflected operation, excessive exposure to ozone, improper
storage conditions, etc. Tire companies can only have an impact on a few
of these exposures. Tire companies add antiozinants and anti-oxidants
(anti-degradation compounds) to minimize degradation. Pirelli believes
that since there is no way to accurately predict what outside forces a tire
will be exposed to there is no scientifically supportable age limit that can
be set for tires.
To avoid cosmetic damage, use a mild soap solution to clean sidewalls
and rinse off with low-pressure tap water. Never apply cleaners or
dressings to enhance sidewall appearance to avoid removal of antioxi-
dants, which are intended to prevent ozone degradation. The removal of
anti-oxidants may degrade the rubber and can lead to sidewall cracking.
Use of high-pressure sprayers may cause sidewall damage.
WARNING!
Driving on a damaged tire is dangerous, as the tire can suddenly fail,
which can lead to an accident and serious personal injury or death.
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212
10. Tire Rotation
Pirelli recommends that you follow the tire rotation procedure as defined
in your vehicle owner ’s manual. If there is no procedure, PTI recom-
mends tire rotation every 8,000 to 11,000 kilometers to optimize your tire
wear.
11. Tire Repair
Punctures, nail holes or cuts located in the tread area of Pirelli radial tires
may be repaired if the diameter does not exceed 6 mm. The repair
material used must seal the innerliner and fill the injury to be considered
a permanent repair. Tire and Rubber Association of Canada and industry
approved repair methods include a combination of plug and patch;
chemical or hot vulcanizing patches, and head type plugs, all applied
from inside the tire. A self-vulcanizing plug repair may be used only in
conjunction with a patch repair, but not by itself. Plugs may cause further
damage to the tire, they are not always airtight and the plug may fail. If
a tire puncture exceeds 6 mm or is located in the shoulder or sidewall
deflection areas, the tire must be replaced. Never resort to tubes (in
tubeless tires) or sleeves or large thick patches, which can upset the
balance and may result in a sudden failure at highway speeds and high
operating temperatures.
WARNING!
Driving on an improperly repaired tire is dangerous, as the tire can
suddenly fail, which can lead to an accident and serious personal
injury or death.
PIRELLI TIRE DOES NOT ENDORSE:
•The use of tire sealants in Pirelli tires to repair, even temporarily, a
puncture;
•The repairing of V, W, Y or Z Speed Rated tires;
•The repairing of Run Flat tires.
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213
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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226
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
Toyo Tires 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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228
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 Toyo Tires 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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229
•Inspect your tires for adequate tread depth. When the tire is worn to
the built-in indicators at 2/32” (1.6 mm) or less tread groove depth, the
tire is worn out and must be replaced. Never drive on tires to the point
that the tire cord or the fabric is exposed.
•Inspect your tires for uneven wear. Wear on one side of the tread or flat
spots in the tread may indicate alignment or other problems with the
tires or the vehicle. Consult your authorized Toyo Tires dealer.
WARNING!
Never drive on a tire if there is any evidence of damage. Driving on
a damaged tire is dangerous. A damaged tire could suddenly fail,
which may result in loss of vehicle control and lead to serious
personal injury or death. Do not attempt to dismount, mount, or
repair a tire yourself. See your Toyo Tires dealer immediately if you
detect damage.
IDENTIFYING DAMAGED WHEELS
Periodically check to see if any of the following symptoms exist, in which
case the wheel must be replaced:
•If the flange is bent.
•If welds or rivets are leaking.
•If the stud holes are elongated and not round. (Improper lug nut
tightening could cause this.)
•If there are cracks in the wheel.
WORN OUT TIRES
Tires must be replaced when tread is worn to 2/32” (1.6 mm). Treadwear
indicators on Toyo tire treads show the 2/32” depth (1.6 mm). Most states
require that tires be replaced when the tread depth is worn to 2/32”
(1.6 mm). Tires may lose sufficient wet and snow traction before reaching
2/32” (1.6 mm) of wear. Many wet weather accidents result from
skidding on worn out tires.
Excessively worn tires are more susceptible to penetrations. Consider
replacing your tires earlier if you drive in snow or wet conditions.
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