2020 TOYOTA AVALON service

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
52
RFT Inflation Pressure
Like other tires, RFT tires need proper inflation pressure maintenance
for safe operation and to achieve the maximum tire life and
performance. Check inflation pressures monthly and before long
trips or carrying extra weight. Use an accurate tire gauge and check
pressures when the tires are cold. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendation for inflation pres- sure settings as indicated on the
vehicle tire information placard and/or in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Do not forget the spare, if applicable. See “Tire Inflation Pressure” in
this manual.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
A functioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) must be used
with your RFT tires. Because these tires ride so well even without
inflation pressure, the TPMS may be necessary to alert you of an
inflation pressure loss condition. When alerted, follow the instructions
in your vehicle owner’s manual and see “Run-Flat or Low Tire Pressure
Operation,” the following section in this manual.
The vehicle or TPMS manufacturer may advise checking the TPMS
regularly to confirm it is in working order. In addition, a new pressure
sensor, certain components, or reprogramming may be necessary
when a tire is serviced. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual, vehicle
manufacturer, or a Bridgestone Firestone Run-Flat Certified Retailer for
questions regarding TPMS operation and service.
Run-Flat or Low Tire Pressure Operation
SAFETY WARNING
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure or
accident due to improper run-flat or low tire pressure operation. Read
and follow the instructions below, and the other maintenance and
safety recommendations elsewhere in this manual.
General Instructions
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) required in your vehicle
may have different methods of alerting you when your tire has lost
inflation pressure. The international standard for the definition of run-

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
53
flat operation is pressure at or below 10 psi (70 kPa); however, some
vehicle manufacturers may have established a different pressure
limit. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the details of your
TPMS. Once the TPMS has indicated that a tire has reduced inflation
pressure, the run-flat mode of operation has commenced. During this
phase of operation, please follow these instructions:•
Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably possible; do
not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). The greater the speed, the less
distance the tire can travel.
•
Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or cornering
maneuvers as much as safely and reasonably possible. Pot
holes and other road hazards should be avoided. Careful driving
limits potential damage to the tire, wheel, and vehicle.
•
Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire service
as soon as possible. Take note of your mileage; your operation
distance is limited. See “Distance—How Far You Can Drive,” the
next section in this manual.
•
If an unusual vibration or vehicle handling difficulty arises,
stop driving as soon as safely and reasonably possible. The
tire may be about to suddenly fail. Release the accelerator and
gradually reduce speed. The tire will need to be replaced before
proceeding.
•
If towing a trailer, stop driving as soon as safely and
reasonably possible. In this condition, it is potentially dangerous
to operate a vehicle/trailer combination. If possible, disconnect the
trailer and proceed as noted above. Do not continue to tow any
trailer until proper tire service or replacement has been performed.
•
Do not touch a tire recently run-low or run-flat (it may be very
hot). Allow the tire to cool before handling.
Distance—How Far You Can Drive
Factors affecting run-flat or low tire pressure operating distance include
vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation pressure
loss; the extent of any tire damage; and ambient temperature.
The tire may be marked on the sidewall with run-flat or low tire
pressure operating speed and/or distance limitations, which vary by tire\

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
54
design and vehicle application (consult your vehicle owner’s manual).
By international standard, RFT tires have a baseline limitation in run-
flat mode of the following:
Maximum Speed: 50 mph (80 km/h)
Maximum Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
Note:•
Maximum distance values are determined under controlled
conditions, which may vary in actual use.
•
Your mileage capability may be less, or more, depending on your
specific operating conditions.
•
If in doubt, do not exceed the 50 mile (80 km) limitation.
•
Seek tire service as soon as possible to minimize tire damage.
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 replacement.
Call toll-free 1-877-BFS-4RFT or visit www.bridgestonetire.com to
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.

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
57
Tire Size, Load Range, Load Index, and Speed Symbol:
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:
DOT EL CB DKE 18 00
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)*
(a) DOT Symbol
(b) Plant of Manufacture Code
(c) Tire Size Code
(d) Tire Manufacturer’s Code
(e) Week of Production (01-53)
(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 19\
99,
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.

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
59
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.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing
the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds
to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and a possible
tire failure.

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
60
Limited Warranty
Original Equipment Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Including Tires with Run-Flat Technology
Eligibility

This Limited Warranty covers BRIDGESTONE and FIRESTONE brand
passenger and light truck tires, including RFT and temporary spare
tires, originally installed by the vehicle manufacturer on a new vehicle\
.
You are covered under the terms of this Limited Warranty if the tire was
produced after July 4, 2004 (DOT serial 2704 or later) and has been
used only on the vehicle on which it was originally installed in non-
commercial service. Warranty conditions may be subject to change.
See https://www.bridgestonetire.com/customer-care/tire-warranties/full-
warranty for the most current warranty information.
What Is Warranted and for How Long
Before wearing down to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) remaining original tread
depth (i.e. worn down to the top of the built-in indicators in the tread
grooves) and within 6 years from the date of purchase (proof of
purchase date required; without proof of purchase date, then within
6 years from the date of tire manufacture), for any reason other than
those excluded in the section entitled “What This Limited Warranty
Does Not Cover,” any eligible tire that becomes unusable for any
reason within the manufacturer’s control will be replaced with an
equivalent new tire on the basis set forth in this Limited Warranty.
What This Limited Warranty Does Not Cover
This Limited Warranty does not cover the following: 1.
Tire damage or irregular wear due to:a.
Road hazards, including, without limitation: Puncture, cut,
impact break, stone drill, bruise, bulge, snag, etc.

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
61
b. Improper use or operation, including, without limitation:
Improper inflation pressure, overloading, tire/wheel spinning,
use of an improper wheel, tire chain damage, misuse,
misapplication, negligence, tire alteration, or for racing or
competition purposes.
c.
Insufficient or improper maintenance , including, without
limitation: Failure to rotate tires as recommended in this
manual, wheel misalignment, worn suspension components,
improper tire mounting or demounting, tire/wheel assembly
imbalance, or other vehicle conditions, defects, or
characteristics.
d.
Contamination or degradation by petroleum products or
other chemicals, fire or other externally generated heat,
or water or other material trapped inside the tire during
mounting or inflation.
e.
Improper repair. Improper repair voids this Limited
Warranty.
f.
For RFT tires only, improper run-flat or low tire pressure
operation, including, without limitation: Exceeding speed,
distance, or other run-flat/low-pressure operation limitations.
2.
Rapid tread wear or wear-out. Original equipment tires have no
mileage warranty.
3.
Weather/ozone cracking after 4 years from date of tire
manufacture.
4.
Ride disturbance or vibration after 1/32 inch (0.8mm) of tread
wear use.
5.
Tires with sealant, balance, or other filler material that was not
originally applied or inserted by the tire manufacturer.
6.
Tires used in commercial service.
7.
Tires purchased and normally used outside the United States
and Canada.
8.
The cost of applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
9.
Failure to follow any of the safety and maintenance
recommendations or warnings contained in this manual.
This Limited Warranty is in addition to and/or may be limited by any
other applicable written warranty you may have received concerning
special tires or situations.

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
62
Replacement Price
Radial passenger and light truck tires adjusted under this Limited
Warranty will be replaced free of charge during the first 25% of tread
wear or within 12 months from the date of purchase (proof of purchase
date required; without proof of purchase date, then within 12 months
from the date of tire manufacture), whichever occurs first. During the
free replacement period, mounting and balancing are included free
of charge.
To determine the replacement price after the free tire replacement
period, the percent of used tread wear is multiplied by the current
selling price for the replacement tire(s). The appropriate taxes,
mounting, balancing, disposal fee, and other service charges may be
added to the adjustment replacement price.
In Canada, the tire will be adjusted at dealerships (subject to dealer
discretion) at a predetermined “Adjustment Price.”
Replacement Warranty
If you receive a replacement tire under this Limited Warranty, it will be
covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, if any, given on that tire at
that time.

Where To Go

Tire adjustments under this Limited Warranty will only be made at an
authorized Bridgestone Firestone retailer. Consult a phone directory
(often listed in the Yellow Pages under “Tire Dealers”) or the internet at
www.bridgestonetire.com for the location nearest you.
Consumer Rights

This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state or in Canada from \
province to province.
Conditions and Exclusions

To the extent permitted by law, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations,
LLC disclaims all other warranties, including but not limited to the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular