•High-speed driving should be left to trained professionals operating
under controlled conditions.
• No tire, regardless of its design or speed rating, has unlimited capacity
for speed, and a sudden tire failure can occur if its limits are exceeded.
See “Tire Speed Ratings,” the next section in this manual.
Refer to your vehicle owner ’s manual for any tire pressure recommen-
dations for high speed driving.
TIRE SPEED RATINGS
A tire bearing a letter “speed rating” designation indicates the tire’s
speed capability according to standardized laboratory tests. This speed
rating system is intended to permit comparison of the speed capabilities
of different tires. When replacing your tires, consult your vehicle owner ’s
manual and tire information placard for recommendations, if any,
concerning the use of speed rated tires.
• To avoid reducing the speed capability of the vehicle, replace a speed
rated tire only with another tire having at least the same speed rating.
It is the “top speed” of the “slowest” tire on the vehicle which limits
the vehicle’s top speed without tire failure.
• The tire’s speed rating is void if the tire is repaired, retreaded,
damaged, abused, or otherwise altered from its original condition.
Thereafter, it should be treated as a non-speed rated tire.
• Non-speed rated tires are usually for ordinary passenger car or light
truck service and not for high speed driving.
• For
tires used in cold weather conditions, it is generally
acceptable to apply a tire with a lower speed rating than your original
tires; however, speed should be reduced accordingly. All
tires should be the same speed rating. Some vehicles have specific
recom-mendations regarding tire use; consult your vehicle
owner ’s manual and
tire information placard. See “
Tires” in this manual.
These speed ratings are based on standardized laboratory tests under
specific, controlled conditions. While these tests may relate to perfor-
mance on the road, real-world driving is rarely identical to any test
conditions. Your tire’s actual speed capability may be less than its rated
speed since it is affected by factors such as inflation pressure, load, tire
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
66
SPECIAL SERVICE AND REPAIR ISSUES
Run-Flat Certified Retailers
Because of the advanced technology and design of RFT tires and the
required tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), Bridgestone Firestone
Run-Flat Certified Retailers are specially trained to sell and service RFT
tires.
Run-Flat Certified Retailers have the necessary equipment and are
specially trained to properly mount and demount RFT tires and to handle
TPMS devices.Conventional mounting equipment may irreparably
damage RFT tires and an improper repair is unsafe and will void the
Limited Warranty. Accordingly, it is important to go to a Bridgestone
Firestone Run-Flat Certified Retailer for tire maintenance and replace-
ment.
Call toll-free 1-877-BFS-4RFT or, 877-237-4738 or visit
www.bridgestonetire.comto locate the nearest Bridgestone Firestone
Run-Flat Certified Retailer.
Inspection after Run-Flat or Low Pressure Operation
Following run-flat or low tire pressure operation, or in the event of any
other tire damage or unusual condition, it is very important to obtain a
proper and complete tire evaluation as soon as possible.
Rotation
Follow the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommendations, or rotate every
5,000 miles per the recommendations in this manual (see “Radial Tire
Rotation”). In some cases, TPMS devices require reprogramming with
each tire rotation.
RFT Tire Replacement
Do not replace or mix RFT tires with conventional tires, unless on an
emergency/temporary basis. Conventional tires do not have run-flat
capability and the handling characteristics of the vehicle with these tires
may be different. If a conventional tire is used on an emergency/
temporary basis, verify that its size, load capacity, inflation pressure, and
speed rating specifications meet the requirements of the vehicle. Replace
any conventional tire with the proper RFT tire as soon as possible.
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75
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)
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
* 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.
78
This Limited Warranty applies only to consumers actually using the tire
in the United States and Canada. For warranty conditions outside the
United States and Canada, see your local Bridgestone Firestone distribu-
tor.
Obligations under this policy may not be enlarged or altered by anyone.
In accordance with Federal Law, this Limited Warranty has been desig-
nated as aLimited Warranty.” Nothing in this Limited Warranty is
intended to be a representation that tire failures cannot occur. This
Limited Warranty is given in the United States by Bridgestone Firestone
North American Tire, LLC, 535 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214 and in
Canada by Bridgestone Firestone Canada Inc., 5770 Hurontario St., Suite
400, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5R 3G5.
OWNER’S OBLIGATIONS
In order to keep this Limited Warranty valid, we require you to have your
tires regularly inspected and rotated per the recommendations outlined
in the sections of this manual entitled Tire Damage, Inspection and
Service Life” and “Radial Tire Rotation” and to furnish proof of same in
order to receive an adjustment. Such proof should show the date,
mileage, and servicing location. A sales receipt containing this informa-
tion will suffice. In addition, a “Maintenance Record” is included on the
back cover of this manual. It is your obligation to maintain proper tire
inflation pressures as specified by the vehicle manufacturer and to
operate the vehicle within tire/vehicle load capacity and speed limita-
tions. It is also your obligation to maintain proper wheel alignment and
tire/wheel assembly balance. To request an adjustment, you must present
the tire to an authorized Bridgestone Firestone retailer. Complete and
sign the customer section of the Bridgestone Firestone North American
Tire, LLC Limited Warranty adjustment form and pay appropriate
replacement price, taxes, disposal fee, and service charges, if any.
ARBITRATION
You and Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC agree that all
claims, disputes, and controversies between you and it, including any of
its agents, employees, successors, or assigns, arising out of or in connec-
tion with this Limited Warranty, or any other warranties, express or
implied, including a failure of warranty and the validity of this arbitra-
tion clause, but excluding claims for personal injury or property damage,
shall be resolved by binding arbitration between you and it, according to
the formal dispute resolution procedures of the National Arbitration
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
84
•EXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER
MOUNTING. Only specially trained persons should mount tires.
• FAILURE TO MOUNT RADIAL TIRES ON APPROVED RIMS.
• FAILURE TO DEFLATE SINGLE OR DUAL ASSEMBLIES COM-
PLETELY BEFORE DEMOUNTING.
• TIRE SPINNING. On slippery surfaces such as snow, mud, ice, etc.,
do not spin tires in excess of 35 mph (55 kph), as indicated on the
speedometer.
• EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING. This can also result in tire disinte-
gration or axle failure.
WARNING!
Vehicle handling, traction, ride comfort and other performance
parameters may be significantly affected by a change in tire size or
type. Before replacing tires, always consult and follow the vehicle
owner ’s manual because some vehicle manufacturers prohibit
changing tire size. When selecting tires that are different from the
original equipment size make certain:
1. The tires have adequate load-carrying capacity based on the vehicle placard,
2. The tires have sufficient inflation pressure to carry the load and
3. There is proper clearance with no interference points between the tire and vehicle.
The consumer must be aware to always drive safely and obey all
traffic laws. Avoid sudden, sharp turns or aggressive lane changes.
Failure to follow any of these warnings may result in loss of control
of the vehicle, leading to an accident and serious injury or death.
TIRE CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
The easiest way to help ensure satisfactory mileage and performance
from your Goodyear or Dunlop tires is to give them a simple but frequent
(at least monthly) inspection for proper inflation, even tread wear and the
presence of any damage.
DO MAINTAIN PROPER INFLATION PRESSURE IN YOUR TIRES
Proper inflation pressure is necessary for optimum tire performance,
safety and fuel economy. Check inflation pressures at least once a month
and before long trips. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge. Always check
GOODYEAR DUNLOP TIRES
128
pressures when the tires are cold (when the vehicle has been driven less
than one mile). If you must check inflation when the tires are hot, add
4 psi (27 kPa) to the recommended cold inflation pressure. It is difficult
to tell just by looking at radial tires whether they are underinflated.*
Furthermore, when operating a vehicle equipped with radial tires, it is
difficult to notice when a tire has gone flat or nearly flat since the “feel”
of the vehicle does not change significantly.
*Evidence of air loss or repeated underinflation always requires expert
inspection to determine the source of leakage and tire removal to
determine repairability.To avoid injury, NEVER attempt to reinflate a
tire that has been run severely underinflated. Progressive air loss may
result from punctures, cuts, curbing, impacts or partial bead unseating.
Some fitment causes for air loss are (1) incomplete bead seating, (2) bead
tearing caused by a machine tool due to insufficient lubrication or
improper adjustment. Leaking valve core or rubber valve components
should be replaced when problems are detected and whenever tires are
replaced.
Always maintain inflation pressure at the level recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer as shown on the vehicle placard, vehicle certifi-
cation label or in the vehicle owner ’s manual:
Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in
severe cracking, component separation or “blowout.” It reduces tire load
capacity, allows excessive sidewall flexing and increases rolling resis-
tance, resulting in heat and mechanical damage. Maintaining proper
inflation pressure is the single most important thing you can do to
promote tire durability and maximize tread life.
Over inflation increases stiffness, which may deteriorate ride and gener-
ate unwanted vibration. Over inflation also increases the chances of
impact damage.
DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE
Check your vehicle owner ’s manual to determine the load limits.
Overloading your vehicle places stress on your tires and other critical
vehicle components. Overloading a vehicle can cause poor handling or
increased fuel consumption and may cause tire failure. Overloading your
tires can result in severe cracking, component separation or “blowout.”
Never fit your vehicle with new tires that have less load capacity than
shown on the vehicle tire placard and remember that optimum rim width
GOODYEAR DUNLOP TIRES
129