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.
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.
KENDA
107
Wheel Alignment and Balancing Are Important for
Safety and Maximum Mileage From Your Tires
Inspect Your Tires Regularly
At least once a month inspect your tires closely for signs of uneven
wear. Uneven wear patterns may be caused by improper inflation
pressures, misalignment, improper balance or suspension neglect.
If not corrected, further tire damage will occur. These conditions not
only shorten the life of your tires, they adversely affect the handling
characteristics of your vehicle which could be dangerous.
If any of these conditions exist, the cause may often be corrected at
your tire dealer’s or other service facility. Your tires will then last longer.
Tire Rotation
If irregular wear becomes apparent or if the rate of wear on the tires
is uneven, the tires should be rotated to alleviate the problem. Check
your vehicle for any mechanical problems and correct if necessary. The
rotation pattern or procedure indicated in your limited warranty and the\
vehicle manufacturers’ owner’s manual should be followed. For tires
on front wheel drive vehicles and/or all season tires on any vehicle, it\
is
recommended that these tires be rotated every 8,000 miles to equalize
the rate of wear.
Tire Mixing Can Be Dangerous
Most passenger tires today are radial tires and for best performance it \
is recommended that the same size and type of tire be used on all four
wheel positions unless different sizes, front and rear, were specified
as original equipment. Check the vehicle placard. If only two radials
are mounted with two non-radials, the radials should be mounted
on the rear. If tires of different types are mixed on a vehicle in any
configuration, they should not be used for long periods and speeds
should be kept to a minimum.
Mixing or matching of tires on 4-wheel drive vehicles may require
special precautions. Always check vehicle manufacturers’ Owner’s
Manual for their recommendations.
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prolonged period of time during storage or driving may be weakened
and subject to sudden failure.
Driving on Studded Passenger Tires (In States Where
Legally Permitted)
Only new passenger tires should be fitted with studs. For maximum
effectiveness all four M+S tires on a vehicle should be fitted with
studs. If only the two rear tires are studded, maximum efficiency in
handling and braking will not be realized. On vehicles with front wheel \
drive, adverse handling characteristics can be introduced by mounting
studded snow tires on front wheels only.
Tire Spinning Is Dangerous
Excessive spinning can cause a tire to “explode”.
Avoid tire spinning. The centrifugal forces created by a rapidly spinning
tire can cause an explosion by tearing the tire apart. These forces act
on the complete tire structure and can be of such magnitude as to
break beads as well as rupturing the entire carcass.
When stuck on ice, snow, mud, or wet grass, etc., the vehicle should
be rocked gently (alternately using forward and reverse gears) with
the least amount of wheel spinning. DO NOT exceed 35 m.p.h. as
indicated on the speedometer. Never allow anyone to stand near or
directly ahead of or behind the spinning tire.
Do not spin if a drive wheel is off the ground. SERIOUS PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH can result from the explosion of a spinning tire.
Speed Rated Tires
When replacement of tires is desired, consult the placard (normally
located on a door frame, door edge, or glove box door) or the owner’s
manual for correct size. If the tires shown on the vehicle placard do
not have speed ratings, the appropriate size tire with any speed rating \
may be applied. When the placard tire size nomenclature contains
a speed symbol, for example P205/60HR15 or P205/60R15 9OH,
KENDA
11 0
the replacement tire must have the same or higher speed rating
symbol if the speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained. IF
THE REPLACEMENT TIRE IS NOT SPEED RATED, THE SPEED
CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE IS LIMITED BY THE SPEED
CAPABILITY OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRE. A Kenda-produced
non-speed rated tire’s maximum speed is 85 m.p.h. (137 kmph).
Tire Mounting Can Be Dangerous
Tire mounting can be dangerous and should be done by trained
persons using proper tools and procedures. Your tires should be
mounted on wheels which are in good, clean condition. Bent, chipped
or rusted wheels may cause tire damage. Have your dealer check the
size and condition of your wheels before mounting new tires. Be sure
rim/Wheel manufacturer’s recommendations are followed. The inside
of the tire must be free of foreign material.
Old valves may leak. When new tubeless tires are mounted, have new
valves of the correct type installed. Be sure that all of your valves ha\
ve
suitable valve caps.
The sidewalls of radial tires flex more than non-radial tires. Because of
this, tube-type radial tires require special tubes. Radial tubes should be
used with radial tube-type tires. The use of other tubes, not designed
for radial tires, will result in tube failure causing sudden tire destru\
ction.
Always use a new tube when mounting a new tube type tire.
Kenda
Designed for Your Journey
7095 Americana Parkway
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
KendaTire.com
MAXXIS
11 6
of internal damage will require dismounting of the tire and
examination by trained tire personnel.
•
Improper tire mounting and inflation procedures may cause the tire
beads to break with explosive force during installation of the tire on
the rim. Tire and rim must match in size. Rim parts must match by
manufacturer’s design. Clean rim. Lubricate rim and beads. Do not
exceed the maximum recommended pressure to seat the beads.
Only trained tire personnel should mount tires.
•
Use of worn-out tires (less than 2/32nd inch (1.6 mm) of tread
depth) increases the probability of tire failure.
•
Excessive speeds create heat buildup in a tire, leading to possible
tire failure.
•
Maxxis strongly recommends tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500
miles (8,000 to 12,000 kilometers).
•
The Maxxis brand temporary spare tire weighs less than a
conventional radial tire. The temporary tire should be used only in
emergencies and returned to the trunk as soon as it is convenient
to have your standard tire repaired or replaced.
Contact Information
Any time you see damage to your Tires or wheels, immediately
contact a Vehicle Manufacturer Dealer or Maxxis Dealer. If
further assistance is required, please contact:
Maxxis International - U.S.A.
1-866-509-7067
Or write:
Maxxis Technology Center
480 Old Peachtree Road
Suwanee, GA 30024
USA
MICHELIN
128
vehicle owner’s manual and is on a placard located in the vehicle’s
door jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door. If
you have plus-size tires that require a higher inflation pressure, your
tire pressure monitoring system will require re-calibration to the new
proper inflation pressure. Refer to your tire dealer/installer of plus-size
tires for proper inflation pressure. You should check air pressure in all
your tires, including the spare, once each month and before every long
trip. Regardless whether your spare is a full-size spare or a mini-spare,
make sure that it is properly inflated. If the TPMS generates improper
monitoring or signals, you should consult your vehicle owner’s manual
and follow up with your vehicle’s manufacturer.
TIRE SPINNING
Do not spin wheels at more than 35 mph (55 km/hr) as indicated
on your vehicle’s speedometer. Excessive speed in a free-running,
unloaded tire can cause it to “explode” from centrifugal force. The
energy released by such an explosion may cause serious physical
injury or death. Never allow anyone to stand near or behind a spinning
tire. When in mud, sand, snow, ice, or another slippery condition,
do not engage in excessive wheel spin. Accelerating the motor
excessively, particularly with automatic transmission vehicles, may
cause a drive tire that has lost traction to spin beyond its speed-
enduring capability. This is also true when balancing a drive tire/wheel
assembly on the vehicle using the vehicle engine to spin the
tire/wheel assembly.
High Speed Driving Is Dangerous
Correct inflation pressure is especially important. However, at high
speeds, even with the correct inflation pressure, a road hazard is more
difficult to avoid, and if tire contact is made with it, there is a greater
chance of causing tire damage than at a lower speed. Moreover,
driving at high speed reduces the reaction time available to avoid
accidents and bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
MICHELIN
134
Tires loaded beyond their maximum allowable loads for the particular
application will build up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire \
failure and an accident. Do not exceed the gross axle weight rating for \
any axle on your vehicle.
Trailer Towing
If you anticipate towing a trailer, you should visit your Michelin tire
retailer for advice about the correct tire size and pressures. Tire size
and pressures will depend on the type and size of trailer and hitch
utilized, but in no case must the maximum cold inflation pressure
or tire load rating be exceeded. Check the tire information placard
that came on your vehicle, (located in the vehicle’s door jamb, inside
the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door) and the owner’s
manual supplied by the manufacturer of your vehicle for further
recommendations on trailer towing.
Self-Supporting Zero Pressure (ZP) Tires and Trailer Towing
Operation of ZP tires at low or zero air pressure with a trailer in tow
is dangerous and should be avoided. If the low pressure warning
indicator is activated when a trailer is in tow, stop, disconnect the
trailer, and do not continue to tow the trailer until the tire has been
properly repaired and re-inflated to the proper inflation. If the tire
cannot be properly repaired, it must be replaced with a new full-size,
matching ZP tire, and inflated to the proper inflation, before the trailer
can be safely towed again.
Wheel Alignment and Balancing Are Important for
Safety and Maximum Mileage from Your Tires.