Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying
capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire’s load
carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and
cold tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”
section of your Owner ’s Manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle weight
ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing,
refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating” section of
your Owner ’s Manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never
Tire And Loading Information Placard
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exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue
weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s
placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750
(5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there will be five 68 kg
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
•If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. The following table shows examples on
how to calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of
your vehicle with varying seating configurations and number and size
of occupants. This table is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
• For the following example, the combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).
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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 BFGoodrich® 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.
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
checked immediately. Tires which have been run underinflated will show
more wear on the shoulders than in the center of the tread.
TIRE MIXING
BFGoodrich® tires are radial tires and for best performance it is recom-
mended that the same size and type of tire be used on all four wheel
positions. Before mixing tires of different types in any configuration on
any vehicle, be sure to check the vehicle manufacturer ’s Owner‘s Manual
for its recommendations.
It is especially important to check the vehicle manufacturer ’s owner ’s
manual when mixing, matching or replacing tires on 4-wheel drive
vehicles, as this may require special precautions.
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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.
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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
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This chart shows you how underinflation can create an overload on
tires.Check your tire pressure every month to make sure it’s up to
specification, especially before long trips or carrying extra weight.
Lower pressure increases heat. Infrared photography of tires tested at
high speed. Damaging heat increases as inflation pressure drops.
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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
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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.
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