FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
FA L K E N
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 INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires need to be properly inflated to effectively operate and perform as
intended. Tires carry the weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo as
well as bear the forces of braking, accelerating, and turning. The vehicle
manufacturer sets the inflation pressures for the original equipment tires
that are on your vehicle.
Driving with improperly inflated tires is dangerous. An under inflated
tire will generate excessive heat build-up that will cause damage to the
internal structure and inner liner of the tire. Besides tire damage,
improper tire inflation pressures can also affect your vehicle’s ride and
handling, tire tread wear, and fuel economy. It is recommended to always
keep all of your tires, including the spare, at the vehicle manufacturer ’s
recommended inflation pressures and be sure to check the air pressure
monthly and before going on long road trips or carrying extra weight in
your vehicle.
Your vehicle’s tire placard and/or owner ’s manual will list the cold
inflation pressure(s) for your vehicle’s original equipment tires, including
the spare. The placard can be found on the driver ’s side door or door
jamb area. If you have questions about understanding your vehicle’s tire
placard, please refer to your owner ’s manual or ask a qualified tire
service professional.
Example of what your tire placard looks like:
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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 inthe 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.
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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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