reflect the tire size. The following one to four digits may be used at the
tire manufacturer ’s option as a descriptive code. The last three characters
are numbers identifying the week and year of manufacture. (Example:
“O25” means second week of the year of decade, eg.: 1995, 1985, etc.)
Tires produced after July 2000 have an additional digit to identify a given
decade. For example, 2800 means the tire was produced during the 28th
week of 2000; 0201 during the 2nd week of 2001. If the last digits of your
DOT number contain three numeric characters consult a qualified tire
technician to determine the year and decade of manufacture.
STORAGE
Tires contain waxes and emollients to protect their outer surfaces from
ozone and weather checking. As the tire rolls and flexes, the waxes and
emollients continually migrate to the surface, replenishing this protection
throughout the normal use of the tire. Consequently, when tires sit
outdoors, unused for long periods of time (a month or more) their
surfaces become dry and more susceptible to ozone and weather check-
ing and the casing becomes susceptible to flat spotting.
For this reason, tires should always be stored in a cool, dry, clean,
indoor environment. If storage is for one month or more, eliminate the
weight from the tires by raising the vehicle or by removing the tires
from the vehicle. Failure to store tires in accordance with these
instructions could result in damage to your tires or premature aging of
the tires and sudden tire failure.
When tires are stored, be sure they are placed away from sources of heat
and ozone such as hot pipes and electric generators. Be sure that surfaces
on which tires are stored are clean and free from grease, gasoline or other
substances which could deteriorate the rubber.(Tires exposed to these
materials during storage or driving could be subject to sudden failure.)
FOLLOW THESE MOUNTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Tire changing can be dangerous and must be done by professionally
trained persons using proper tools and procedures as specified by the
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
Your tires should be mounted on wheels of correct size and type and
which are in good, clean condition. Wheels that are bent, chipped, rusted
(steel wheels) or corroded (alloy wheels) may cause tire damage. The
inside of the tire must be free from foreign material. Have your retailer
check the wheels before mounting new tires. Mismatched tires and rims
BFGOODRICH TIRES
41
can explode during mounting. Also, mismatched tires and rims can result
in dangerous tire failure on the road. If a tire is mounted by error on the
wrong-sized rim, do not remount it on the proper rim - scrap it. It may
have been damaged internally (which is not externally visible) by having
been dangerously stretched and could fail on the highway.
Old valves may leak. When new tubeless tires are mounted, have new
valves of the correct type installed. Tubeless tires must only be
mounted on wheels designed for tubeless tires i.e., wheels which have
safety humps or ledges.
It is recommended that you have your tires and wheels balanced. Tires
and wheels which are not balanced may cause steering difficulties, a
bumpy ride, and irregular tire wear.
Be sure that all your valves have suitable valve caps. The valve cap is
the primary seal against air loss.
SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK
TIRES INCLUDING SPARE TIRES
The following recommendation applies to passenger car and light truck
tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber
compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper
functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over
time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as
weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation
pressure, maintenance etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its
life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately
predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not
possible.
That it is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure
maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have passenger car and
light truck tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified
tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for
continued service. Tires which have been in use for 5 years or more
should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’
visual condition and inflation pressure but also of any change in dynamic
performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be
an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent
tire failure.
BFGOODRICH TIRES42
It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their
calendar age alone. However the older a tire the greater the chance that
it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other
conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is
recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of
manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple
precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not
reached the legal wear limit.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the
consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer ’s tire replace-
ment recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10 years).
The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each
tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT
code on the tire which begins with DOT and ends with the week and year
of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with2204indicates a
tire made in the 22nd week (May) of 2004.
REMEMBER... TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR TIRES AND
POSSIBLE ACCIDENT:
• CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH WHEN
TIRES ARE COLD AND BEFORE LONG TRIPS;
• DO NOT UNDERINFLATE/OVERINFLATE;
• DO NOT OVERLOAD;
• DRIVE AT MODERATE SPEEDS, OBSERVE LEGAL LIMITS;
• AVOID DRIVING OVER POTHOLES, OBSTACLES, CURBS OR
EDGES OF PAVEMENT;
• AVOID EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING;
• IF YOU SEE ANY DAMAGE TO A TIRE, REPLACE WITH THE
SPARE AND VISIT ANY BFGOODRICH® RETAILER AT ONCE;
• IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. CONTACT YOUR BFGOODRICH®
RETAILER.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE ANY OF THE RECOMMENDED PRECAU-
TIONS CONTAINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAN LEAD TO
ERRATIC VEHICLE BEHAVIOR AND/OR TIRE DAMAGE, POSSI-
BLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
43
If you see any damage to your tires or wheels, contact your local
participating BFGoodrich® tire retailer listed in the Yellow Pages, or
visit our web site listed below for dealer locations. If further assistance
is required, contact:
IN USAIN CANADA
877-788-8899 888-871-4444
or write:
Michelin North America, Inc.
Attention: Consumer Relations
Department
Post Office Box 19001
Greenville, SC 29602-9001 or write:
Michelin North America (Canada), Inc.
2500 Daniel-Johnson Blvd., Suite 500
Laval, Quebec
H7P 6G2
or visit:
www.bfgoodrichtires.com or visit:
www.bfgoodrichtires.ca
WARNING!
For safety and good performance, you must take care of your tires.
Follow the safety information and instructions contained in this
Owner ’s Manual.
Your Vehicle:Year
Make/Model
Your Tire Size:
Tire Purchase Date:
Recommended Pressures: Front
Rear
Correct tire pressure is very important. Proper inflation pressures may be
found in the vehicle owner ’s manual or on the vehicle tire information
placard. Check cold tire pressures at least once each month. For further
technical information on BFGoodrich® tires, consult a participating
BFGoodrich® tire retailer.
MNA, P.O. BOX 19026, GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA 29602-9026
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
BFGOODRICH TIRES
44
TIRE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING
WARNING!
It is not often that a properly maintained tire will “blow out” while
you are driving. More commonly, if inflation pressure is lost, it will
be gradual. If you do experience a blowout or sudden tire failure,
the following information should be helpful:
•When the failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a
vibration, and/or the vehicle may pull toward the side of the failed
tire.
• DO NOT abruptly brake or turn.
• Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, hold the steering
wheel firmly, and steer to maintain your lane position.
• Once the vehicle has slowed, apply the brakes gently.
• Gradually pull over to the shoulder and come to a stop, as far off
the road as possible.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires need proper inflation pressure to operate effectively and perform as
intended. Tires carry the vehicle, passenger, and cargo loads and transmit
the braking, acceleration, and turning forces. The vehicle manufacturer
recommends the inflation pressures for the tires mounted on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.
• Under-inflation causes excessive tire heat build-up and internal
structural damage.
• Over-inflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut, punctured,
or broken by sudden impact.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
53
TIPS FOR SAFE TIRE INFLATION
WARNING!
Inflating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If it bursts, it could be
hurled into the air with explosive force resulting in serious personal
injury or death. Never inflate a tire unless it is secured to the vehicle
or a tire mounting machine.
• Check your tire pressures, including your spare tire, monthly and
before long trips or carrying extra weight. Be sure to use an accurate
pressure gauge.
• Check inflation pressure when the tires are “cold.” Tires are considered
“cold” when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if
the vehicle has been driven less than a mile at moderate speed.
• Never release pressure from a hot tire in order to reach the recom-
mended cold tire pressure. Normal driving causes tires to run hotter
and inflation pressure to increase. If you reduce inflation pressure
when your tires are hot, you may dangerously underinflate your tires.
• If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when your tires are “hot,”
set their pressure to 4 psi (28 kPa) above the recommended cold
inflation pressure. Recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are
cold.
• If your tires lose more than 2 psi (14 kPa) per month, the tire, the valve,
or wheel may be damaged. Consult a qualified tire service professional
for an inspection.
• Use valve caps to keep the valves clear of debris and to help guard
against inflation pressure loss.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
56
maintenance intervals, oil changes, and tire rotations. In particular, note
the following tips for spotting tire damage:
•After striking anything unusual in the roadway, have a qualified tire
service professional demount the tire and inspect it for damage. A tire
may not have visible signs of damage on the tire surface. Yet, the tire
may suddenly fail without warning, a day, a week, or even months
later.
• Inspect your tires for cuts, cracks, splits or bruises in the tread and
sidewall areas. Bumps or bulges may indicate a separation within the
tire body. Have your tire inspected by a qualified tire service profes-
sional. It may be necessary to have it removed from the wheel for a
complete inspection.
• Inspect your tires for adequate tread depth. When the tire is worn to
the built-in indicators at 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or less tread groove depth,
or the tire cord or fabric is exposed, the tire is dangerously worn and
must be replaced immediately.
• Inspect your tires for uneven wear. Wear on one side of the tread or flat
spots in the tread may indicate a problem with the tire or vehicle.
Consult a qualified tire service professional.
• Inspect your wheels also. If you have a bent or cracked wheel, it must
be replaced.
• Don’t forget to check the spare tire.
Make sure your tires, including the spare tire, continue to be regularly
inspected after 5 years of service to determine if they can continue in
service. Even when your tires appear to be usable from their external
appearance or the tread depth may have not reached the minimum wear
out depth, it is recommended that all tires (including spare tires and
“temporary use” spares) more than 10 years old be replaced with new
tires.
The 10 year period after the date of production is not an indicator of
actual service life for any individual tire. Some tires will need to be
replaced before 10 years due to conditions such as punctures, impact
damage, improper inflation, overloading, tread wear or other conditions
involving use or misuse of the tire. If a tire is worn out or otherwise
unserviceable from damage or conditions of use, it should be replaced
regardless of when it was produced or placed in service.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
58
The vehicle manufacturer may consider vehicle performance character-
istics when making tire replacement recommendations. Consult your
vehicle owner ’s manual for any information regarding tire service life
and replacement and follow the recommendations applicable to your
vehicle.
TIRE MANUFACTURE DATE
The tire manufacture date is determined by examining the DOT tire
identification number, also known as the DOT serial number or code,
which can be found on at least one sidewall near the wheel. It may be
necessary to look on both sides of the tire to find the entire serial code.
For more information on DOT serial codes, see “Tire Sidewall Labeling”
in this manual.
Tires Produced Since 2000:The last four (4) digits of the serial code
identify the week and year of production. In the example below, the tire
was produced in the 18th week of 2000. Another example, a tire with a
serial code ending in “2406” would have been produced in the 24th week
of 2006.
Tires Produced Prior to 2000: The last three (3) digits of the serial code
identify the week and year of production. For example, a tire with a code
ending in “329” would likely have been produced in the 32nd week of
1999, but possibly produced in 1989. If in doubt, consult a qualified tire
service professional.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
59