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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
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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
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HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW ASPECT RATIO TIRES
Many new vehicles come equipped from the factory with high perfor-
mance and/or low aspect ratio tires. Generally, these tires provide
increased vehicle handling capability, but may also have numerous
engineering performance trade-offs associated with their designs.
•Low aspect ratio tires, with reduced sidewall height, may be more
susceptible to damage from potholes, road hazards, and other objects
such as curbs. This is true for the wheels as well. Therefore, as with all
other tires, it is important to drive with care and maintain proper
inflation pressure and load conditions. See “Tire Inflation Pressure”
and “Tire Damage, Inspection and Service Life” in this manual.
• Some
sports cars and other handling performance enhanced vehicles,
including sedans and light trucks/SUVs, may be originally equipped
with high performance tires that are more optimized for warmer
weather use. Colder, inter weather traction may be reduced for these
types of tires. Winter tires may be recommended by the vehicle
manufactur
er for colder weather application. See “Winter Tires,” the
next section in this manual.
• High performance tires may also wear more quickly, ride more firmly,
and produce more noise during operation.
Consult your vehicle owner ’s manual and tire information placard, or a
qualified tire service professional, for more information and specifics
regarding these types of tires.
WINTER TIRES
WARNING!
Winter driving presents special challenges for vehicle mobility. The
use of inter tires (including studs and chains)—while improving
traction performance in snow and ice—requires special care with
regard to acceleration, braking, cornering, and speed. It is important
to drive with care, not only on snow and ice, but on dry and wet
roads as well.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
In inter driving conditions, vehicle control and safe operation under
braking and cornering is especially dependent upon the rear tires. For
this reason, inter tires are best applied to all wheel positions. Some
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