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
56
Run-Flat Certified Retailers will fully inspect your tire, inside and out,
to determine if the tire can be repaired. Tire damage is not always
visible from the outside and the tire must be removed from the wheel
for a complete inspection. For more information, see the section “Tire
Repairs” in this manual.
Note: Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using repaired
tires. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle
manufacturer before operating a repaired tire on your vehicle.
Reference Information
Tire Sidewall Labeling
A lot can be learned by reading the tire’s sidewall. The following figures
show typical information on the sidewall of passenger (Figure 3) and
light truck tires (Figure 4):
Figure 3: Typical
Passenger Tire Markings
Figure 4: Typical Light
Truck Tire Markings
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
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
63
purpose and any liability for incidental and consequential damages,
loss of time, loss of vehicle use, or inconvenience. Some states do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
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 distributor.
Obligations under this policy may not be enlarged or altered
by anyone.
In accordance with Federal Law, this Limited Warranty has been
designated as a “Limited 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 Americas
Tire Operations, LLC, 200 4th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201 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 information 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 limitations. 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 Americas Tire Operations, LLC Limited Warranty
adjustment form and pay appropriate replacement price, taxes,
disposal fee, and service charges, if any.
CONTINENTAL TIRE
67
• Ride/Vibration: Any ride/vibration complaint after the first 2/32nd
(1.6 mm) of an inch of treadwear or 12 months of service,
whichever comes first.
•
Repairs: If a tire is returned under complaint and the reason for
the tire’s disablement is in any way associated with a repair, or with
the situation that led to the repair, the manufacturer’s warranty is
invalidated.
•
Mileage: Mileage is not covered under this policy.
•
Improper operation or maintenance : This includes, but is not
limited to, effects caused by:
i.
Improper tire inflation and/or improper load/speed
practices : These practices can cause excessive operational
temperatures and stresses that exceed the tire’s capabilities.
ii.
Improper or insufficient tire rotation
iii.
Improper vehicle alignment
iv.
Damage due to:
- Rim irregularities or rim damage
-Snow chains
-Vehicle mechanical problems, including brake problems,
and vehicle wheel alignment
-Extreme temperature exposure
-Negligent and abusive driving such as tire spinning or
racing
-Improper tire storage
-Automotive accident
- Chemical corrosion or fire
- Use contrary to the vehicle manufacturer’s tire
recommendations.
-Misuse or misapplication
•
Improper Mounting or Demounting
•
Alteration: such as, but not limited to, adding a white inlay on
blackwall, tread regrooving, tire truing or siping, or adding sealant
materials to the tire.
•
Weather checking/cracking: Not covered after 48 months from
the date of purchase.
FALKEN
74
Original Equipment Limited Warranty and Tire
Care Guide
Tire Care and Recommendations
Proper Inflation and Fuel Economy
Ensure maximum performance and a long life from your tires by
checking the air pressures at least once a month and set them to
the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure(s) listed on the
vehicle’s tire placard or in your owner’s manual. Always check and
adjust your air pressure when your tires are cold, preferably first thing
in the morning before driving. Never release air pressure from tires
when they are hot. Wait until the tires cool down and recheck, adding
air or releasing as required. Falken endorses the use of nitrogen in
your tires because it helps your tires maintain optimal pressure for
longer periods of time and reduces the amount of moisture inside of
the tire and wheel assembly.
*Some plus size applications may require different air pressure(s)
than what is listed on your vehicle’s placard or owner’s manual. In this
case, please consult your tire dealer or Falken Tires for proper inflation
pressure(s).
Tire Inflation Pressure
Tires need to be properly inflated to effectively operate and perform
as intended. Tires carry the weight of the vehicle, passengers, and
cargo as well as bear the forces of braking, accelerating, and turning. \
The vehicle manufacturer sets the inflation pressures for the original
equipment tires that are on your vehicle.
Driving with improperly inflated tires is dangerous. An under inflated
tire will generate excessive heat build-up that will cause damage to
the internal structure and inner liner of the tire. Besides tire damage,\
improper tire inflation pressures can also affect your vehicle’s ride
and handling, tire tread wear, and fuel economy. It is recommended
to always keep all of your tires, including the spare, at the vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressures and be sure to check
the air pressure monthly and before going on long road trips or carrying
extra weight in your vehicle.