•Misapplication, improper maintenance, racing, underinflation, overin-
flation or other abuse;
• Operation without a properly functioning low pressure warning
system, for Comp T/A® ZR SSS tires;
• Uneven or rapid wear which is caused by mechanical irregularity in
the vehicle such as wheel misalignment, (a measured tread difference
of 2/32 nds of an inch (1.6 mm) or more across the tread on the same
tire);
• Accident, fire, chemical corrosion, tire alteration or vandalism;
• Flat spotting caused by improper storage or brake lock;
• The adding of liquid, solid or gaseous materials other than air, nitrogen
or carbon dioxide (for example, waterbase sealers or balancing
substances);
• Ozone or weather checking.
HOW REPLACEMENT CHARGES ARE CALCULATED
Passenger And Light Truck Tires Workmanship/Materials
A tire which becomes unserviceable due to a condition covered by this
workmanship and materials limited warranty will be replaced with a
comparable new BFGoodrich brand tire, free of charge, when 2/32 nds of
an inch (1.6 mm) or less of the original tread is worn, (or 25% or less,
whichever is more beneficial to you) and within 12 months of the date of
purchase. The cost of mounting and balancing the tire is included. Yo u
pay the cost of any other service charges and applicable taxes.
When more than 2/32 nds of an inch (1.6 mm) of the original tread has
been worn (or more than 25%, whichever is more beneficial to you) or
after 12 months from the date of purchase, you must pay the cost of a
comparable new BFGoodrich brand passenger or light truck replacement
tire on a pro rated basis. The retailer shall determine the charge by
multiplying the percentage of the original usable tread worn by the
current selling price at the adjustment location or the price on the current
BFGoodrich brand Base Price List, whichever is lower. This list is based
on a predetermined price intended to fairly represent the actual selling
price of the tire.
You pay the cost of mounting, balancing, and or any other service
charges and applicable taxes.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
28
WHAT YOU MUST DO WHEN MAKING A CLAIM
When making a claim under the terms of this limited warranty you must
present your tire(s), your vehicle, and your original invoice to a partici-
pating BFGoodrich brand tire retailer. BFGoodrich brand tire retailers are
listed in the yellow pages under “Tire Dealers-Retail”. Personal identifi-
cation (i.e. Driver ’s License, Credit Card, etc.) and vehicle registration
may be required.You pay any service charges for normal vehicle and
tire maintenance.
CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
This limited warranty does not provide compensation for loss of time,
loss of use of vehicle, inconvenience or incidental or consequential
damages.
Tires presented for claim remain the property of the consumer and
BFGoodrich brand accepts no responsibility for loss of, or damage to,
tires which are in the custody or control of a BFGoodrich tire retailer for
the purpose of inspection for warranty adjustment.
In the event of a disputed claim, the consumer must make the tire
available for further inspection. Tires accepted for claim become the
property of Michelin North America Inc.
No BFGoodrich brand representative, employee or retailer has the
authority to make or imply any representation, promise or agreement,
which in any way varies from the terms of this limited warranty. This
limited warranty applies only in the United States and Canada.
SAFETY MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Read your Tire Owner ’s Manual, the information on the sidewall of your
tires, your vehicle owner ’s manual and vehicle tire information placard
for essential safety and maintenance information.
When service is required:
1. Contact a participating BFGoodrich tire retailer listed in your yellow pages.
2. If additional assistance is needed in locating a BFGoodrich retailer, please call or write to Consumer Relations as listed on page 43.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
29
FULL-SIZE SPARE
Full-size spare tires (not temporary spares) of the same size and construc-
tion should be used in a five (5) tire rotation. Always check the inflation
pressure of the full-size spare immediately before incorporating it into
rotation. Follow the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommended pattern for
rotation, or if not available, see a qualified tire technician.
REPLACEMENT OF TWO (2) TIRES
It is recommended that all four (4) tires are replaced at the same time.
However, whenever only two tires are replaced, the new ones should be
put on the rear. The new tires, with deeper tread, may provide better grip
and water evacuation in wet driving conditions.
CUSTOMIZATION OF TIRES, WHEELS, OR SUSPENSION ON
SUVS AND LIGHT TRUCKS
Due to their size, weight and higher center of gravity, vehicles such as
SUVs and light trucks do not have the same handling characteristics as
automobiles. Because of these differing characteristics, failure to operate
your SUV/truck in a proper and safe manner can increase the likelihood
of vehicle rollover. Modifications to your SUV/truck tire size, tire type,
wheels or suspension can change its handling characteristics and further
increase the likelihood of vehicle rollover. Whether your SUV/truck has
the original equipment configuration for tires, wheels and suspension or
whether any of these items have been modified, always drive safely,
avoid sudden, sharp turns or lane changes and obey all traffic laws.
Failure to do so may result in loss of vehicle control leading to an accident
and serious injury or death.
TIRE ALTERATIONS
Do not make or allow to be made any alterations on your tires.
Alterations may prevent proper performance, leading to tire damage
which can result in an accident. Tires which become unserviceable due to
alterations such as trueing, whitewall inlays, addition of balancing or
sealant liquids, or the use of tire dressing containing petroleum distillates
are excluded from warranty coverage.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
39
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
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
TIRE MAINTENANCE, SAFETY and WARRANTY MANUAL ORIGI-
NAL EQUIPMENT PASSENGER and LIGHT TRUCK TIRES Includ-
ing RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle comes equipped with quality BRIDGESTONE or
FIRESTONE brand tires.
To ensure optimum tire performance and reduce the risk of a tire failure,
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC strongly recommends
you read and follow all maintenance and safety information contained in
this manual. In addition, we recommend periodic inspection and main-
tenance, if necessary, by a qualified tire service professional.
Inflate.
Check your tire pressure monthly.
Rotate.
Rotate your tires as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or every
5,000 miles.
Evaluate.
Routinely look for signs of tread wear or damage.
TIRE CARE BASICS
Quick Reference Guide to Maintenance for All Tires, Including the
Spare.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
45
TIRE WEAR—VISUAL CHECK
Check for obvious signs of wear.Place a penny in the tire tread grooves as
shown.If you can see the top of Lincoln’s
head, the tire is worn out and needs to be
replaced.
TIRE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY
INFORMATION
Any tire, no matter how well constructed,
may fail in use as a result of punctures,
impact damage, improper inflation, over-
loading, or other conditions resulting
from use or misuse. Tire failure may create a risk of property damage,
serious personal injury or death.
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure.
Many tire failures are preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or
irregular wear. If a vibration occurs while driving your vehicle or
you notice a bump, bulge or irregular wear, have your tires and
vehicle evaluated by a qualified tire service professional.
To reduce the risk of tire failure, Bridgestone Firestone North American
Tire, LLC strongly recommends you read and follow all safety infor-
mation contained in this manual. In addition, we recommend periodic
inspection and maintenance, if necessary, by a qualified tire service
professional.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
52
These situations can cause a tire failure, even at a later date, which could
lead to serious personal injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire infor-
mation placard and/or owner ’s manual for the recommended inflation
pressures. In addition to tire damage, improper inflation pressure may
also:
•Adversely affect vehicle ride and handling.
• Reduce tire tread wear.
• Affect fuel economy.
Therefore, follow these important recommendations for tire and vehicle
safety, mileage, and economy:
• Always keep the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommended inflation
pressure in all your tires, including the spare.
• Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or carrying extra
weight.
Your vehicle’s tire information placard and/or owner ’s manual will tell
you the recommended cold inflation pressure for all your tires, including
the spare. Examples of placards are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Your
placard may look differently and have different tire and loading infor-
mation than that shown in either of the figures. You must check the
driver ’s-side door edge or door jamb area for the actual placard that
applies to your vehicle. For questions about locating or understanding
the tire information placard, consult your vehicle owner ’s manual or ask
a qualified tire service professional.
Figure 1: EXAMPLE—Tire And Loading Information Placard
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
54