Page 143 of 260

MICHELIN
141
have safety humps or ledges. Always utilize valve caps capable of
containing the tire’s inflation, should the valve core leak. The valve
cap is the primary seal against air loss. Each tire and wheel assembly
should be balanced to ensure proper tire and vehicle performance and
to maintain tire warranty coverage. Tires and wheel assemblies that
are not balanced may cause steering difficulties, a bumpy ride, and
irregular tire wear.
Special Mounting Instructions For Self-Supporting
Zero Pressure™ (ZP) Tires
ZP tires can be more difficult to mount than conventional tires. They
should be mounted and demounted only by a properly trained tire
professional. ZP tires can generate a tremendous amount of heat
when run at low or zero pressure. ALWAYS ALLOW A ZP TIRE TO
COOL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO HANDLE IT. FAILURE TO DO
SO COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. Michelin
® ZP tires are
tubeless tires designed to operate in emergency conditions at low or
zero air inflation.
MICHELIN® Self Supporting Zero Pressure™ (Zp) Tires
and Special Sh-M (Symmetric Hump-Modified) Wheels
Some MICHELIN® ZP tires can perform with zero pressure capability
only when mounted on special SH-M wheels. These tires bear the
SH-M designation immediately following the ZP designation on the
sidewall of the tire.
Temporary Type Spare Tires
When using any temporary type spare tire, be sure to follow the vehicle \
manufacturer’s instructions.
Page 144 of 260

MICHELIN
142
Reading the Dot
DOT XXXX XXXX XXX (prior to August 2000)
DOT XXXX XXXX XXX
(1990-1999)
DOT XXXX XXXX XXXX (after July 2000)
The Dot
The “DOT” symbol certifies tire manufacturer’s compliance with U.S.
Department of Transportation tire safety standards. Next to the symbol
is the tire identification or “serial number.” The first two characters
identify the plant where the tire was manufactured. The next two
characters 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, e.g.: 1995, 1985, etc.) For the 1990-1999 decade MICHELIN
®
brand tires are marked with a triangle pointing to the last three numeri\
c
characters. 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 and are not marked with a triangle, consult a qualified tire
professional to determine the year of manufacture.
Service Life for Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires
Including Spare 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 is why, in addition to regular inspections and
inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended
Page 145 of 260

MICHELIN
143
that passenger car and light truck tires, including spare tires be
inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a Michelin
tire retailer, 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. \
It
is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their
calendar age alone. However, the older a tire, the greater the chance
that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or
other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use. While
most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is
recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date
of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as
a precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they
have not reached the legal wear limit. For tires that were on an origina\
l
equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle),
follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations,
when specified (but not to exceed 10 years). The date when a tire
was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers
should locate the Department of Transportation or “DOT” code on the
tire. The code begins with “DOT” and ends with the week and year of
manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “2214” indicates a
tire made in the 22nd week of 2014.
Remember . . . to Avoid Damage to Your Tires and a
Possible Accident
• INSPECT TIRES AT LEAST MONTHLY, AND IMMEDIATELY
AFTER STRIKING ANY ROAD HAZARD.
•
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH
WHEN TIRES ARE COLD AND BEFORE EVERY LONG TRIP.
•
NEVER UNDERINFLATE OR OVERINFLATE A TIRE.
•
NEVER OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE AND TIRES.
•
ALWAYS OBEY LEGAL SPEED LIMITS AND DRIVE AT A
Page 149 of 260

NITTO TIRE
147
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This Limited Warranty does not cover the following categories
of claims:
Rapid Treadwear: Original equipment tires are not guaranteed to last a
specified number of miles.
Damage from road hazards (not limited to cuts, snags, bruises, impact
breaks, bulges, punctures, stone drills, chips, and scales), fire, theft,
or collision.
Conditions arising from improper tire/vehicle maintenance or use, not
limited to:
•
Irregular or excessive treadwear due to: Incorrect inflation;
overloading; vehicle misalignment; failure to rotate tires; and poor
or defective mechanical condition of brakes, shocks, and wheels;
or other factors attributable to the vehicle or wheel.
•
Any tire which has been run with low air pressure or while flat.
•
Damage due to abuse; vandalism; tire alteration; tire spinning;
racing; or other competitive activities.
•
Damage, corrosion, or deterioration from using oil-based
chemicals, water-based sealers, balancing substances, or
flammable gases.
•
Damage from improper use of tire chains.
Tires with the DOT identification number removed or rendered illegible.
Improper mounting, balancing or repair, not limited to: •
Improper tire mounting, or tire/wheel assembly imbalance.
•
Damage from incorrect mounting or dismounting of the tire,
incorrect wheel size, water or other material trapped inside the tire
during mounting, or failure to keep the tires balanced.
•
Damage resulting from improper repair materials or procedures.
Page 154 of 260
NITTO TIRE
152
1. Do not move or operate the car with these tires in conditions
below 15°F (-9°C).
2.
Avoid moving these tires in conditions below 15°F (-9°C).
3.
Before mounting and dismounting, store these tires for at least
24 hours in a temperature-controlled environment of 68°F (20°C)
or warmer.
4.
Remove these tires from the vehicle and deflate to half the normal
air-pressure during prolonged periods of non-use or storage.
Always inspect tires for signs of cracking and never use tires that
have cracked.
TIRE STORAGE
When dismounted from the wheel for storage, the drag tires should
be stored indoors in a cool, dry location. The tires should be placed
away from direct sunlight, harmful ozone-producing electric generators
and motors and sources of heat, such as hot pipes. Storage surfaces
should be clean and free of grease, gasoline, or other substances,
which can deteriorate the rubber.
Page 155 of 260
NITTO TIRE
153
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
This manual is not intended to provide proper training or
service procedures for tire mounting, dismounting, balancing,
rotation, or repair. Please leave these tasks to qualified tire
service professionals.
Important factors in tire care are:•
Proper inflation pressure
•
Proper vehicle loading
•
Proper vehicle maintenance
•
Regular inspection
•
Good driving habits
Refer to your vehicle Owner’s Manual for additional tire safety and
service advice.
Page 156 of 260
NITTO TIRE
154
TIRE PRESSURE BASICS
The combined effect of losing 1 psi per month over several months
along with a 1 psi decrease for every 10°F temperature drop could
add up to a severe “run low” condition; consequently, it is important
to check your tires’ inflation pressure at least once per month. Inflation
pressure enables a tire to support its load; therefore, proper inflation
is critical.
HOW TO DETERMINE PROPER TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
It is impossible to determine whether tires are properly inflated
just by looking at them.
Page 158 of 260
NITTO TIRE
156
It is important to check your tires using an accurate tire
pressure gauge, which can be purchased at your tire dealer
or auto supply store.
Underinflation can overload tires. Check the inflation pressure every
month, including for the spare tire, to make sure it’s up to specification.
Check it again before long trips or when carrying extra weight.
Look for the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure listed
on the Tire Information Placard usually located on your vehicle’s door
edge, door post, glove box, or inside the trunk lid.