For Example Only:
Gauge reading of hot tire:................................ 32 psi (220 kPa)
If recommended cold inflation pressure is:............. 30 psi (205 kPa)
Desired gauge reading of hot tire 30+4psi=........
34 psi (205 + 30 = 235 kPa)
Therefore: add 2 psi....................................... (15 kPa)
Check cold pressure as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.
“Bleeding” air from hot tires could result in under-inflation. Use an
accurate tire gauge to check pressures. Never allow children to inflate
or deflate tires.
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 the new infla-
tion 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.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
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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
If your spare is the same size, load rating, and type of tire as your road
tires, it should be included in the tire rotation process. For vehicles with
a “full-size” spare, the following rotation patterns may be used:
NOTE:
•Never include a “temporary use” spare tire in the rotation.
•Tires with directional tread patterns must be rotated so the direction of
revolution does not change; this may require demounting/mounting
the tires.
•Special attention should be given if your vehicle is equipped with a
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Rotation of your tires may
affect the system; consult your vehicle owner ’s manual or a qualified
tire service professional.
•Some vehicles may have different size tires/wheels on front and rear
which would restrict rotation. Always check and follow the vehicle
manufacturer ’s rotation recommendation.
•To use a full-size spare in the rotation pattern on vehicles with dual
rear wheels, consult your vehicle owner ’s manual for the recom-
mended procedures or consult the vehicle manufacturer.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
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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
The vehicle or TPMS manufacturer may advise checking the TPMS
regularly to confirm it is in working order. In addition, a new pressure
sensor, certain components, or reprogramming may be necessary when a
tire is serviced. Consult your vehicle owner ’s manual, vehicle manufac-
turer, or a Bridgestone Firestone Run-Flat Certified Retailer for questions
regarding TPMS operation and service.
RUN-FLAT OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE OPERATION
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure or
accident due to improper run-flat or low tire pressure operation.
Read and follow the instructions below, and the other maintenance
and safety recommendations elsewhere in this manual.
General Instructions
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) required in your vehicle
may have different methods of alerting you when your tire has lost
inflation pressure. The international standard for the definition of run-flat
operation is pressure at or below 10 psi (70 kPa); however, some vehicle
manufacturers may have established a different pressure limit. Consult
your vehicle owner ’s manual for the details of your TPMS. Once the
TPMS has indicated that a tire has reduced inflation pressure, the run-flat
mode of operation has commenced. During this phase of operation,
please follow these instructions:
•Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably possible; do not
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).The greater the speed, the less distance the
tire can travel.
•Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or cornering ma-
neuvers as much as safely and reasonably possible.Pot holes and
other road hazards should be avoided. Careful driving limits potential
damage to the tire, wheel, and vehicle.
•Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire service as soon as
possible.Take note of your mileage; your operation distance is limited.
SeeDistance—How Far You Can Drive,” the next section in this
manual.
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73
SPECIAL SERVICE AND REPAIR ISSUES
Run-Flat Certified Retailers
Because of the advanced technology and design of RFT tires and the
required tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), Bridgestone Firestone
Run-Flat Certified Retailers are specially trained to sell and service RFT
tires.
Run-Flat Certified Retailers have the necessary equipment and are
specially trained to properly mount and demount RFT tires and to handle
TPMS devices.Conventional mounting equipment may irreparably
damage RFT tires and an improper repair is unsafe and will void the
Limited Warranty.Accordingly, it is important to go to a Bridgestone
Firestone Run-Flat Certified Retailer for tire maintenance and replace-
ment.
Call toll-free 1-877-BFS-4RFT or, 877-237-4738 or visit
www.bridgestonetire.comto locate the nearest Bridgestone Firestone
Run-Flat Certified Retailer.
Inspection after Run-Flat or Low Pressure Operation
Following run-flat or low tire pressure operation, or in the event of any
other tire damage or unusual condition, it is very important to obtain a
proper and complete tire evaluation as soon as possible.
Rotation
Follow the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommendations, or rotate every
5,000 miles per the recommendations in this manual (see “Radial Tire
Rotation”). In some cases, TPMS devices require reprogramming with
each tire rotation.
RFT Tire Replacement
Do not replace or mix RFT tires with conventional tires, unless on an
emergency/temporary basis. Conventional tires do not have run-flat
capability and the handling characteristics of the vehicle with these tires
may be different. If a conventional tire is used on an emergency/
temporary basis, verify that its size, load capacity, inflation pressure, and
speed rating specifications meet the requirements of the vehicle. Replace
any conventional tire with the proper RFT tire as soon as possible.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
75
CHECKING YOUR TIRE’S AIR PRESSURE
Checking your air pressure at least once a month is vital to help your tires
perform properly and help you get the best gas mileage possible. Tires
can lose up to 7 kPa (1 psi) per month under normal conditions and lose
up to 7 kPa (1 PSI) per every 9°C (16°F) drop in temperature. Here are
some simple steps on how to check the air pressures in your tires:
1. Remove the valve stem cap.
2. Place the end of the tire gauge firmly against the tire’s valve stem.
3. Read the current pressure displayed on the gauge that is currently in
the tire.
4. Increase pressure at this time (if needed) and recheck with your tire
gauge.
5. Replace the valve stem cap.
6. Repeat until all of your tires have been checked and adjusted
accordingly.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a safety system
found in most vehicles manufactured after 2005. There are
pressure sensing transmitters mounted inside of each tire that
sends readings to the central computer (ECU) in your vehicle.
The TPMS system will alert you when one or more of your tires
are underinflated by 25% or more by turning on a warning light on your
vehicle’s dashboard or heads up display (HUD) screen. This means that
one or more of your tires may have a low-pressure condition. Follow the
instructions in your owner ’s manual.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
97
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
MICHELIN
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