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Speed Rating: The tire’s speed rating is void if the tire is repaired,
retreaded, damaged, abused, or otherwise altered from its original
condition. Thereafter, it should be treated as a non-speed rated tire.
See “Tire Speed Ratings” in this manual.
Improper repair voids the tire Limited Warranty. See “Limited
Warranty” in this manual.
RFT (Run-Flat Technology) Tires: In addition to the above, there are
recommendations specific to the repair of RFT tires; see “RFT Tires
with Run-Flat Technology” in this manual.
Tire Mounting and Other Servicing
SAFETY WARNING
Removing and replacing tires on wheels can be dangerous. Attempting
to mount tires with improper tools or procedures may result in a tire
explosion causing serious personal injury or death. This is only a job
for a qualified tire service professional. Never perform tire service
procedures without proper training, tools, and equipment.
This manual is not intended to provide proper training or service
procedures for tire mounting, demounting, balancing, rotation,
or repair. Please leave these tasks to qualified tire service
professionals. For your safety and that of others:
•
Always stand well clear of any tire mounting operation. This is
especially important when the service operator inflates the tire. If
the tire has been improperly mounted, it may burst with explosive
force causing serious personal injury or death.
•
Tires must match the width and diameter requirements of the
wheels. For example, 16 inch diameter tires must only be mounted
to 16 inch diameter wheels. Radial tires must only be mounted to
wheels approved for radial tires.
•
Wheels must be free of cracks, dents, chips, and rust. Tires must
be free of bead damage, cuts, and punctures.
•
Never inflate a tire beyond 40 psi (275 kPa) to seat the beads. Be
absolutely certain beads are fully seated before adjusting inflation
pressure to the level recommended for vehicle operation.
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• Never put flammable substances in tire/wheel assemblies at
any time. Never put any flammable substance into a tire/wheel
assembly and attempt to ignite to seat the beads.
•
Always stand well away from the work area when tires are being
spin balanced either on or off the vehicle.
High Performance, Low Aspect Ratio Tires
Many new vehicles come equipped from the factory with high
performance and/or low aspect ratio tires. Generally, these tires
provide increased vehicle handling capability, but may also have
numerous engineering performance trade-offs associated with
their designs. •
Low aspect ratio tires, with reduced sidewall height, may be
more susceptible to damage from potholes, road hazards, and
other objects such as curbs. This is true for the wheels as well.
Therefore, as with all other tires, it is important to drive with care
and maintain proper inflation pressure and load conditions. See
“Tire Inflation Pressure” and “Tire Damage, Inspection and Service
Life” in this manual.
•
Some sports cars and other handling performance enhanced
vehicles, including sedans and light trucks/SUVs, may be originally
equipped with high performance tires that are more optimized
for warmer weather use. Colder, winter weather traction may be
reduced for these types of tires. Winter tires may be recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer for colder weather application. See
“Winter Tires,” the next section in this manual.
•
High performance tires may also wear more quickly, ride more
firmly, and produce more noise during operation.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire information placard, or
a qualified tire service professional, for more information and specifics
regarding these types of tires.
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Thereafter, it should be treated as a non-speed rated tire.
•
Non-speed rated tires are usually for ordinary passenger car or
light truck service and not for high speed driving.
•
For winter tires used in cold weather conditions, it is generally
acceptable to apply a tire with a lower speed rating than your
original tires; however, speed should be reduced accordingly. All
winter tires should be the same speed rating. Some vehicles have
specific recommendations regarding winter tire use; consult your
vehicle owner’s manual and tire information placard. See “Winter
Tires” in this manual.
These speed ratings are based on standardized laboratory tests
under specific, controlled conditions. While these tests may relate to
performance on the road, real-world driving is rarely identical to any
test conditions. Your tire’s actual speed capability may be less than its
rated speed since it is affected by factors such as inflation pressure,
load, tire condition (including damage), wear, vehicle condition
(including alignment), driving conditions, and duration at which the
speed is sustained. Use the following chart to compare the speed
ratings of tires.
Speed Speed Category*
Symbol mph km/h
M81130
Q 99160
R 106170
S 112180
T 118190
U 124200
H 130210
V 149240
Z** >149 >240
W 168270
Y 186300
(Y)*** >186 >300
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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.
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• 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).
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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-
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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\