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REFERENCE INFORMATION
TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
A lot can be learned by reading the tire’s sidewall. The following figures
show typical information on the sidewall of passenger (Figure 3) and
light truck tires (Figure 4):
Tire Size, Load Range, Load Index, and Speed Symbol:
Example Tire Size Load Index SpeedSymbolLoad Range
Figure 3 P215/65R15 95 H -
Figure 4 LT235/85R16 114/111 Q D
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DOT Symbol and Tire Identification Number:The “DOT” symbol
constitutes a certification that the tire conforms to applicable U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards (for tires).
Following the “DOT” symbol is the tire identification number, also
known as the DOT serial number or code. For example:
(a) DOT Symbol (d) Tire Manufacturer ’s Code
(b) Manufacture Plant Code (e) Week of Production (01-52)
(c) Tire Size Code (f) Year of Production (last two digits
of year)
* For tires produced from 2000-on. In the example above, the tire was
produced in the 18th week of 2000. For tires produced prior to 2000, there
is one digit in group (f) which identifies the last digit of the year of
production, i.e. “329” would likely signify the 32nd week of 1999, but
could possibly signify the 32nd week of 1989. If in doubt, consult a
qualified tire service professional.
The DOT symbol and tire identification number can be found on at least
one sidewall near the wheel. The other sidewall may have a partial serial
code that excludes (e) and (f) above.
Maximum Load and Inflation: The maximum load and maximum
inflation pressure is marked on each sidewall in metric and English units.
For example:
MAX LOAD 685 kg (1,510 lbs) AT 240 kPa (35 psi) MAX PRESS
NOTE: The load and inflation values marked on the tire sidewall are
maximum permissible values for the tire only. Never assume that these
values are the actual maximum load capacity or recommended tire
pressure values for your vehicle. See “Tire Inflation Pressure,” “Tips for
Safe Tire Inflation,” and “Tips for Safe Loading” in this manual.
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Ply Composition and Materials:The actual number of plies in the
sidewall and tread area and the generic name(s) of their cord material(s)
are marked on at least one sidewall. For example:
• TREAD 2 PLY POLYESTER + 2 STEEL
• SIDEWALL 2 PLY POLYESTER
Radial: Radial ply tires will have the word radialon at least one
sidewall. An “R” in the tire size designation also indicates radial ply
construction.
Tubeless or Tube Type: Tires are marked as either “tubeless” or “tube
type,” whichever is applicable, on at least one sidewall.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (“UTQG”) standards are intended to
assist you in making an informed choice in your purchase of passenger
car tires by providing information indicating relative performance of
these tires in the areas of tread wear, wet braking traction (straight-
ahead), and temperature resistance. All passenger car tires must conform
to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The
relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variation in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. Warning: The traction grade assigned to a tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
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FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
FALKEN
MADE BY SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle is fitted with high performance and high quality Falken
tires.
In order to guarantee that you receive the best performance and quality
from your new Falken tires, we recommend that you read and follow all
of the maintenance and safety tips provided in this document. We also
suggest that you have your Falken tires periodically inspected and
maintained by a qualified tire service professional.
A) TIRE CARE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PROPER INFLATION AND FUEL ECONOMY
Ensure maximum performance and a long life from your tires by
checking the air pressures at least once a month and set them to the
vehicle manufacturer ’s recommended pressure(s) listed on the vehicle’s
tire placard or in your owner ’s manual. Always check and adjust your air
pressure when your tires are cold, preferably first thing in the morning
before driving. Never release air pressure from tires when they are hot.
Wait until the tires cool down and recheck, adding air or releasing as
required. Falken endorses the use of nitrogen in your tires because it
helps your tires maintain optimal pressure for longer periods of time and
reduces the amount of moisture inside of the tire and wheel assembly.
*Some plus size applications may require different air pressure(s) than
what is listed on your vehicle’s placard or owner ’s manual. In this case,
please consult your tire dealer or Falken Tire for proper inflation
pressure(s).
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TIRE REPAIRS
In the event that you get a flat tire while driving, it is best to find a nearby,
safe place to stop and install your spare tire or call a tow truck. The less
distance that you drive on your low or flat tire, the better chances your
tire has of being repairable. Once you are able to get to your local
servicing tire dealer, have them dismount the tire from the rim and
thoroughly inspect the inside of the tire. It is important to know the
difference between a proper tire repair and an improper one because it
can be critical to you and your vehicle’s safety. An improper repair could
pose a safety threat to you and your family and could also affect your
tire’s manufacturer warranty. Here are some tips in determining if your
damaged tire can be properly repaired or not:
•Always have the tire removed from the wheel and inspected before
any repair is performed.
• Tires with less than 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch) of tread should NOT be
repaired.
• Never repair a tire with a puncture larger than 6 mm (1/4 of an inch).
• Repairs should be limited to the tread area only.
• Repairs cannot overlap one another.
• A plug and patch or plug/patch combo should be used to effectively
repair a tire puncture.
• If anything seems questionable at any time during the repair process,
ask your service advisor for more details and/or call the tire manu-
facturer to make sure the tire’s warranty isn’t being voided.
TIRE MIX USAGE
WARNING!
Never mix tires of different size or construction and/or type on any
axle. (Except for temporary use as a spare tire.) Always refer to the
vehicle’s owner manual for proper tire fitments.
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3.OWNER’S OBLIGATIONS
At least monthly, the vehicle owner(s) should check the tires’ air
pressure with a gauge and inflate to the recommended cold air
pressure level listed on the driver ’s door placard. Do not rely on car
servicers to perform the checks. The tires should be rotated at least
every 8,000km (5,000 miles) or earlier if uneven wear is occurring, and
proof of maintenance records should be kept. The owner(s) should
have the tires rebalanced if vibration is experienced, and the vehicle’s
alignment should be checked if uneven or rapid wear is occurring, or
when suggested by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
All warranty claims must be presented to an authorized Falken dealer
or participating car dealership. The owner(s) must present any sup-
porting maintenance records and documentation necessary to help
determine if the tire(s) in question are deemed covered by the limited
warranty or not.
4. LEGAL RIGHTS
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose shall be limited in duration to the above
period. To the extent permitted by law, Falken Tire Corporation shall not
be responsible for incidental or consequential damages, such as loss of
use of the tire or the vehicle on which it is used, inconvenience, or
commercial loss, some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may
also have other rights, which vary from state to state. This is the only
express warranty applicable to Falken brand tires and supersedes the
terms of any previous warranty. Falken neither assumes nor authorizes
anyone to make or assume for it any other warranty.
C) UNDERSTANDING YOUR TIRES
TIRE SPEED SYMBOLS
Tires that are speed-rated are identified by the following letter symbols:
Q, S, T, U, H, V, W, Y, (Y), or (ZR). The Speed Rating’s Symbol can be
found as a part of the tire size designation (ex: 215/65HR16) or after the
load index immediately following the tire size designation (ex: 215/
65R16 97H). The Speed Rating’s Symbol indicates the maximum speed
that a tire can handle when properly inflated and loaded.
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Speed Symbol Maximum Speed (KMH) Maximum Speed (MPH)Q 160 99S 180 112T 190 118
U 200 124
H 210 130 V 240 149
W 270 168 Y 300 186
(Y) Above 300 Above 186
ZR** Above 240 Above 149
NOTE:**For tires with speed symbols W and Y, ZR may or may not also
appear within the size designation. For tires with a maximum speed
above 186 MPH a ZR must appear in the size designation.
DATE OF TIRE MANUFACTURE
The date that a tire was manufactured can be determined by examining
the last 4 digits of the 12 digit DOT serial code, which is found on at least
one sidewall of a tire. For tires that were produced after the year 2000, the
last 4 digits of the serial code will identify the week and the year that the
tire was manufactured. If the last 4 digits in the DOT serial code were to
read “3013” it would mean that the tire was manufactured the 30th week
of 2013. If you are uncertain, check with a qualified tire service profes-
sional to be sure.
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DOT Symbol And DOT Serial Code
The “DOT” symbol claims that the tire conforms to all applicable US
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards for tires.
The identification/serial number follows the “DOT” symbol. Here is an
example of a DOT serial code:
(a) DOT Symbol(d) Tire Manufacturer ’s Code
(b) Manufacture Plant Code (e) Week of Production (01-52)
(c) Tire Size Code (f) Year of Production (last two digits
of year)
TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
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