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For Self-Supporting Zero Pressure (ZP) Tires, Check
Inflation Pressures as Soon as Possible Following a
Low Pressure Warning
Be certain to ensure that your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) is functioning and is correctly calibrated. Refer to your
vehicle owner’s manual or your vehicle dealer. Low pressure warning
systems are designed to alert the driver to a low inflation situation
in at least one tire on the vehicle. While your ZP tires are designed
to provide continued mobility in the event of an air loss, the sooner
you respond to a warning and take corrective action, the greater the
likelihood that the tire can be returned to service. Always visually
inspect your Self-Supporting tires and use a pressure gauge to check
the inflation in all 4 tires following any low pressure warning (unless
advised to do otherwise by the manufacturer of your low pressure
warning system). If the tire pressure is at or below 18 PSI, proceed to\
the Michelin tire retailer for ZP tires (or a representative of your vehicle
manufacturer if advised to do so in your vehicle owner’s manual) and
have the tire demounted and thoroughly inspected for possible internal
damage. If you are unable to see any damage to the tire, and the tire
pressure is more than 18 PSI, reinflate your tire to the proper inflation.
When tires have cooled, check inflation again. If any tire has lost more
than 5 PSI from the previous pressure check, have the tire inspected
at once by a Michelin tire retailer (or representative of your vehicle
manufacturer if your vehicle owner’s manual so advises.) Failure to do
so may cause irreparable damage to the tire and result in sudden tire
failure and an accident.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Your vehicle is likely equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that is designed to monitor the pressure of tires mounted on
your vehicle and sends a signal to the driver if a tire pressure falls
below a predetermined level. A TPMS should not replace monthly
manual pressure checks for all four tires and the spare. You should
manually monitor and check tire pressure inflation with a pressure
gauge. Your tires should have the recommended pressure listed by
your vehicle’s manufacturer. This information can be found in the
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Exceeding the maximum speeds shown on the following page for each
type of MICHELIN® tire will cause the tire to build up excessive heat,
which can cause tire damage that could result in sudden tire failure
and rapid air loss. Failure to control a vehicle when one or more tires \
experience a rapid air loss can lead to an accident.
In any case, you should not exceed reasonable speeds as indicated by
the legal limits and driving conditions.
Speed Rating System
The speed rating of a tire indicates the
speed category (or range of v speeds)
at which the tire can carry a load under
specified service conditions. The speed
rating system used today was developed
in Europe in response to the need to
categorize tires into standardized speeds.
A letter from A to Z symbolizes a tire’s
certified speed rating, ranging from 5 km/
hr (3 mph) to above 300 km/ hr (186
mph). This rating system (see chart on
this page) describes the top speed for
which a tire is certified.
When this speed rating system was originally developed, the
Unlimited V category of over 210 km/hr (130 mph) was the top speed
rating a tire could achieve. As manufacturers made more tires that fit
into this category, it was necessary to better regulate performance at
standardized speeds to help ensure safety. The Limited V category of
240 km/hr (149 mph) was then created, and the Z or (Y) speed rating
was added as the top speed rating that a tire could achieve. W and Y
limited speed symbols have been added as higher speed categories.
Always consult the tire manufacturer for the maximum speed of
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130
Unlimited Z or (Y) tires. Speed rating is identified as a part of the tire’s
sizing or service description. Exceeding the lawful speed limit is neith\
er
recommended nor endorsed.
In the latest attempt to standardize tire designations, all ratings exce\
pt
Unlimited Z incorporate the speed symbol and load index as the tire’ s
service description.
For Example:
“Z” Rated Tires
When “Z” appears in the size description with the service descript\
ion,
the maximum speed is indicated by the service description.
Examples:
For tires having a maximum speed capability above 240 km/hr (149
mph), a “Z” may appear in the size designation.
For tires having a maximum speed capability above 300 km/hr (186
mph), a “Z” must appear in the size designation and the service
description must include Y in parenthesis. Example: 275/40ZR18
(99Y). Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is
no service description.
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size mounted on the front versus the rear axles, and these different
tires have rotation restrictions. Always check the vehicle owner’s
manual for the proper rotation recommendations.
Full-Size Spare
Full-size spare tires (not temporary spares) of the same size and
construction should be used in a five-tire rotation and should be
inspected by a tire professional during routine tire inspection. Always
have spare tires inspected before installation. Tires are composed
of various types of rubber compounds and other materials having
performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire. \
These component properties change over time. Always check the
inflation pressure of the full-size spare and look for any indication of
cracking or other damage immediately before incorporating the spare
into rotation. If you see any damage, or if the tire is underinflated, do
not resume driving with that tire unless you have no other option, in
which case you should drive only as slowly as is safely possible in the \
traffic conditions until you can both get the spare tire properly inflated
and have it checked by a tire professional to ensure that it is safe
to use. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pattern for
rotation. If such a recommendation is unavailable, see a qualified
tire professional.
Replacement of Two Tires
All four tires should be replaced at the same time. However, if only
two tires are replaced, the new ones should be put on the rear.
Deeper tread tires on the rear axle provide better handling, wet grip
and evacuate water, thereby helping to avoid oversteer and loss of
vehicle stability on wet surfaces. Deeper tread tires on the front axle \
can improve wet straight line braking and stopping distance. If only
two tires are being replaced, Michelin generally recommends they be
installed on the rear axle in the absence of a tire service professional’ s
recommendation or consumer’s preference to the contrary.
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138
Customization of Tires, Wheels, or Suspension on
SUVs and Light Trucks
Due to their size, weight and higher center of gravity, vehicles such as
SUVs and light trucks do not have the same handling characteristics
as automobiles. Because of these different characteristics, failure to
operate your SUV or truck in a proper and safe manner can increase
the likelihood of vehicle rollover. Modifications to your SUV or truck
tire size, tire type, wheels or suspension can change your vehicle’s
handling characteristics and further increase the likelihood of vehicle \
rollover. Whether your SUV or truck has the original equipment
configuration for tires, wheels and suspension or whether any of these
items have been modified, always drive safely, avoid sudden, sharp
turns or lane changes and obey all traffic laws. Failure to do so may
result in loss of vehicle control leading to an accident and serious injury
or death.
Tire Alterations
Do not make or allow to be made any alterations on your tires.
Alterations may prevent proper performance, leading to tire damage
that can result in an accident. Tires that become unserviceable due
to alterations such as truing, whitewall inlays, addition of balancing
or sealant liquids, or the use of tire dressing containing petroleum
distillates, are excluded from warranty coverage.
Tire Repairs
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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
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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
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146
Tire Warranty, Safety and Care Information for
Original Equipment Passenger & Light Truck Tires
Limited Warranty for Original Equipment Nitto Tires
(Effective July 2017)
WHAT IS COVERED AND FOR HOW LONG?
This Limited Warranty covers all Nitto brand passenger car and light
truck tires installed as original equipment on vehicles that are sold an\
d
used within the United States.
Eligible Tires
Your tires are covered under this Limited Warranty if all of the following
criteria are met:•
The tire was installed on your vehicle at the factory as an original
equipment part.
•
You are the original purchaser of the vehicle.
•
You purchased the vehicle after June 2017*.
•
You have always used the tires with this vehicle.
•
The tires have been used for normal street driving.
•
The vehicle has not been used for commercial service.
•
You properly maintained and used the tire (See “Tire Safety and
Maintenance Information” section below).
•
The tires are not subject to an exclusion (See “What is Not
Covered?” section below).
•
You fulfill the warranty claim procedure (See “How to Make a
Claim” section below).
Eligible Tires are covered under this Limited Warranty for a period of
up to 5 years from the date you purchased your new vehicle. Nitto
will replace it with a comparable new Nitto brand tire in the manner
explained in the “What Nitto Will Do” section below.
* Vehicles purchased before July 2017 may be covered by an earlier
warranty. See your Nitto retailer or contact Nitto for more information.