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26
BFGOODRICH TIRE
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
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 SPEED
THAT IS REASONABLE UNDER THE ROAD AND WEATHER
CONDITIONS.
•
AVOID DRIVING OVER POTHOLES, OBSTACLES, CURBS OR
EDGES OF PAVEMENT.
•
AVOID EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.
•
IF YOU SEE ANY DAMAGE TO A TIRE, REPLACE THE TIRE
WITH A PROPERLY INFLATED SPARE AND VISIT A QUALIFIED
TIRE PROFESSIONAL AT ONCE.
•
KEEP TIRES AND WHEELS PROPERLY ALIGNED, BALANCED,
AND ROTATED.
•
HAVE MOUNTING AND REPAIRS DONE BY A TIRE
PROFESSIONAL.
•
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT YOUR
BFGOODRICH TIRE RETAILER.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE RECOMMENDED
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28
Original Equipment Passenger and Light Truck
Tires Including RFT Tires with Run-Flat
Technology
Tire Care Basics
Tire Inflation Pressure
Tires can lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) per month under
normal conditions. Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi for every 10° F
temperature drop.
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BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
29
Just a look won’t do it. One of these tires is actually 10 psi under-
inflated. Your eyes can deceive you, so rely on a good tire gauge for
an accurate reading.
30 psi 20 psi
Look for the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure listed on
the sticker usually located on the driver’s-side door edge or door
jamb area. Example:
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BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
30
This chart shows you how underinflation can create an overload
on tires. Check your tire pressure every month to make sure it’s up to
specification, especially before long trips or carrying extra weight.
Lower pressure increases heat. Infrared photography of tires tested at
high speed. Damaging heat increases as inflation pressure drops.
Air Pressure—Monthly Check
For accuracy, check your inflation pressure with a tire gauge
when tires are cold.
Driving heats up tires and makes the reading incorrect.a.
Remove tire valve cap.
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BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
31
b. Place the end of the
tire gauge over valve.
c.
Press the tire gauge
straight and firmly until
the scale extends.
d.
If needed, increase
pressure and recheck
with the tire gauge.
e.
Replace valve cap.
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BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
33
Tire Maintenance and Safety Information
Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in use as a result of\
punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, overloading, or other
conditions resulting from use or misuse. Tire failure may create a risk
of property damage, serious personal injury or death.SAFETY WARNING
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure. Many tire
failures are preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or irregular wear. If a
vibration occurs while driving your vehicle or you notice a bump, bulge \
or irregular wear, have your tires and vehicle evaluated by a qualified
tire service professional.
To reduce the risk of tire failure, Bridgestone Americas Tire
Operations, LLC strongly recommends you read and follow
all safety information contained in this manual. In addition, we
recommend periodic inspection and maintenance, if necessary,
by a qualified tire service professional.
Tire Failure While Driving
SAFETY WARNING
It is not often that a properly maintained tire will “blow out” wh\
ile you
are driving. More commonly, if inflation pressure is lost, it will be
gradual. If you do experience a blowout or sudden tire
failure, the
following information should be helpful:
• When the failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a
vibration, and/or the vehicle may pull toward the side of the
failed tire.
•
DO NOT abruptly brake or turn.
•
Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, hold the steering
wheel firmly, and steer to maintain your lane position.
•
Once the vehicle has slowed, apply the brakes gently.
•
Gradually pull over to the shoulder and come to a stop, as far off
the road as possible.
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BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
34
Tire Inflation Pressure
Tires need proper inflation pressure to operate effectively and perform
as intended. Tires carry the vehicle, passenger, and cargo loads and
transmit the braking, acceleration, and turning forces. The vehicle
manufacturer recommends the inflation pressures for the tires mounted
on your vehicle.SAFETY WARNING
Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous. •
Under-inflation causes excessive tire heat build-up and internal
structural damage.
•
Over-inflation makes it more likely for tires tobe cut, punctured, or
broken by sudden impact.
These situations can cause a tire failure, even at a later date, which
could lead to serious personal injury or death. Consult the vehicle
tire information placard and/or owner’s manual for the recommended
inflation pressures.
In addition to tire damage, improper inflation pressure may also: •
Adversely affect vehicle ride and handling.
•
Reduce tire tread wear.
•
Affect fuel economy.
Therefore, follow these important recommendations for tire and vehicle
safety, mileage, and economy: •
Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
inflation pressure in all your tires, including the spare.
•
Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or
carrying extra weight.
Your vehicle’s tire information placard and/or owner’s manual will
tell you the recommended cold inflation pressure for all your tires,
including the spare. Examples of placards are shown in Figures 1
and 2. Your placard may look differently and have dif- ferent tire and
loading information than that shown in either of the figures. You must
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BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
35
check the driver’s-side door edge or door jamb area for the actual
placard that applies to your vehicle. For questions about locating
or understanding the tire information placard, consult your vehicle
owner’s manual or ask a qualified tire service professional.
Figure 1: EXAMPLE —Tire and Loading Information Placard
Figure 2: EXAMPLE—Tire Information Placard
Maximum Pressure Indicated on the Tire Sidewall : This is the
maximum permissible inflation pressure for the tire only. The vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire pressures may be lower than, or
the same as, the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
The vehicle manufacturer’s specification of tire pressure is limited to
your particular vehicle and takes into account your vehicle’s load, ride,
and handling characteristics, among other criteria. Since there may
be several possible vehicle applications for a given tire size, a vehicl\
e
manufacturer may choose a different inflation pressure specification for
that same size tire on a different vehicle. Therefore, always refer to the
inflation pressure specifications on the vehicle tire information placard
and/or in your vehicle owner’s manual.