
BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
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The tire’s speed rating designation appears on the tire sidewall with the 
tire size. Examples:
P275/40ZR17
   max > 149 mph (240 km/h)****
P275/40R17
 93W max = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17
 93W max = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17
 93Y max = 186 mph (300 km/h)
P275/40ZR17
 93(Y) max > 186 mph (300 km/h) ****
*In standardized laboratory tests that relate to highway speeds.  Actual tire speed and 
performance capability depend on factors such as inflation pressure, load, tire condition, 
wear, and driving conditions.
** Any tire having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) may, at the 
tire manufacturer’s discretion, include a “Z” in the size designation (i.e. P275/40ZR17).
*** For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186 mph (300 km/h), a “Z”   
must appear in the size designation and a “Y” marked in brackets (as shown) in the 
service description.
**** Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed capability.
Tire Spinning
 SAFETY WARNING
Spinning a tire to remove a vehicle stuck in mud, ice, snow, or wet 
grass can be dangerous. A tire spinning at a speedometer reading 
above 35 mph (55 km/h) can in a matter of seconds reach a speed 
capable of disintegrating a tire with explosive force. Under some 
conditions, a tire may be spinning at a speed twice that shown on 
the speedometer. This could cause serious personal injury or death 
to a bystander or passenger. Never spin a tire above a speedometer 
reading of 35 mph (55 km/h).
Radial Tire Rotation
 
The purpose of tire rotation is to minimize irregular or uneven wear 
caused by maintaining a tire in one rotation direction and one position \
over an extended period. Rotate tires as recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer or every 5,000 miles. Individual tire pressures must 
be checked after rotation and adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer ’s 
recommendation for the tire’s new location on the vehicle. Vehicle 
alignment should be checked if irregular wear is evident. 

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
48
For vehicles with a “temporary use” spare tire, follow the vehicle\
 
manufacturer’s recommended pattern for rotation, or, if not provided, 
the following may be used:
If your spare is the same size, load rating, and type of tire as your ro\
ad 
tires, it should be included in the tire rotation process. For vehicles \
with 
a “full-size” spare, the following rotation pat- terns may be used:
FULL SIZE SPAREFULL SIZE SPARE
Note:
•
 Never include a “temporary use” spare tire in the rotation.
•
 Tires with directional tread patterns must be rotated so the 
direction of revolution does not change; this may require 
demounting/mounting the tires.
•
 Special attention should be given if your vehicle is equipped with 
a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Rotation of your tires 
may affect the system; consult your vehicle owner’s manual or a 
qualified tire service professional.
•
 Some vehicles may have different size tires/wheels on front and 
rear which would restrict rotation. Always check and follow the 
vehicle manufacturer’s rotation recommendation. 

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
49
• To use a full-size spare in the rotation pattern on vehicles with 
dual rear wheels, consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the 
recommended procedures or consult the vehicle manufacturer.
Your Spare Tire
 
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for proper application of your 
spare tire. Your car may be equipped with a “temporary use” spare tire; 
this spare may differ in size and construction from the other tires on 
your vehicle.
 SAFETY WARNING
Check inflation pressure before use. Failure to have proper inflation 
pressure when using your spare tire can result in serious personal 
injury or death. See “Tire Inflation Pressure” in this manual.
 SAFETY WARNING
Mounting a “temporary use” tire on a wheel which is not specifically 
designed for it, or placing another type tire on a wheel designated 
for temporary use can be dangerous. Your vehicle’s handling 
characteristics can be seriously affected. You could have an accident 
resulting in serious personal injury or death. Consult your vehicle 
owner’s manual for proper application of your “temporary use”   
spare tire.
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare when 
needed. The spare tire carrier is not intended to be used for long 
term storage, except for “temporary use” tires. If your spare is t\
he 
same size, load rating, and type of tire as your road tires, it should b\
e 
included in the tire rotation process; see “Radial Tire Rotation” in this 
manual for more information.
The spare should be included in regular tire inspections and inflation 
pressure checks. In addition, it should be replaced 10 years after 
date of manufacture, regardless of condition or tread depth. For more 
information, see the “Tire Damage, Inspection and Service Life” in  
this manual. 

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Tire Registration 
Registration of your tires is an important safety precaution since it 
enables the manufacturer to notify you in the event of a recall. When 
you purchase replacement tires, the retailer will provide a registration\
 
card on which the tire identification numbers have been recorded; 
fill in your name and address on the card and mail it promptly. Some 
retailers may submit the registration for you. You do not need to 
register tires which come as original equipment on new vehicles—the 
vehicle and tire manufacturers handle that for you.
RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology 
If your vehicle is equipped with Bridgestone or Firestone brand RFT 
tires, this chapter presents specific maintenance and safety issues 
associated with these tires that are in addition to those covered 
elsewhere in this manual.
What is RFT? Run-Flat Technology tires are extraordinary tires that 
utilize specially designed components to temporarily support your 
vehicle in the event of inflation pressure loss, such as from a puncture. 
This gives you the ability to drive to a convenient and safe location 
to change your tire (if equipped with a spare) or have it inspected for 
possible repair or replacement.
Naturally, certain run-flat and low pressure operating limitations   
apply, which varies according to the specific self-supporting tire design. 
Like all tires, during normal operation, they must be properly inflated 
and maintained. Regardless of the design or quality, no tire  
is indestructible.
RFT—How to Identify : Bridgestone and Firestone brand tires  
are marked on the sidewalls, near the wheel, with the RFT logo  
(shown above). 

BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
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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
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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
55
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.
RFT Tire Damage and Repair
No tire, regardless of its design or quality is indestructible. RFT tires 
can be ultimately rendered unusable due to a puncture or other road 
hazard as well as from improper run-flat or low tire pressure operation. 
Some punctures may be repaired under certain restrictions and 
prescribed procedures.
When driven flat or with low pressure, factors affecting reparability 
include vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation 
pressure loss; and ambient temperature. In any situation, the extent 
and location of direct damage from a puncturing object or other road 
hazard are also critical factors.
RFT tires are not repairable in any of the following situations:
•
 If the tire was operated with inflation pressure less than 15 psi   
(100 kPa).
•
 Abrasion or other damage is present on the exterior tread, sidewall 
or bead areas.
•
 Abrasion, wrinkling, or separation is present on the tire interior.
•
 Any condition or damage is present that disqualifies repair of a 
conventional tire.