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- With a puncture larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm).
-With a puncture or other damage outside the repairable tread
area (as shown in the graphic).
- With a pre-existing, improper repair.
•
Any tire repair done without removing the tire from the wheel is
improper. The tire must be demounted from the wheel and the
interior inspected for damage that may not be evident on the
exterior of the tire.
•
Using only a plug/stem, or using only a patch, is not a safe or
proper repair. A patch must be applied to the interior of the tire and
the puncture hole must be filled with a suitable plug/stem filler to
prevent inflation pressure loss and contamination of the steel belts
and other plies.
•
NEVER substitute a tube for a proper repair or to remedy an
improper repair.
•
Tubes, like tires, should only be repaired by a qualified tire service
professional.
•
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.
ASK how your tire will be repaired.
ALWAYS insist on a proper tire repair.
Emergency/Temporary Sealant or Filler Repairs: An emergency/
temporary sealant or filler injected into the tire, such as by aerosol
can or injection/squeeze-tube, is not a proper repair and voids the
tire Limited Warranty. A tire injected with such sealant/filler must be
replaced by a qualified tire service professional as soon as possible.
SAFETY WARNING
Tell the tire service professional if you have used an aerosol fixer
to inflate/seal the tire. Aerosol fixers could contain a highly volatile
gas. Always remove the valve core outdoors, away from sources of
excessive heat, flame, or sparks and completely deflate the tire before
removing it from the wheel.
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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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Winter Tires
SAFETY WARNING
Winter driving presents special challenges for vehicle mobility. The use
of winter tires (including studs and chains)—while improving traction
performance in snow and ice—requires special care with regard to
acceleration, braking, cornering, and speed. It is important to drive wi\
th
care, not only on snow and ice, but on dry and wet roads as well.
In winter driving conditions, vehicle control and safe operation under
braking and cornering is especially dependent upon the rear tires. For
this reason, winter tires are best applied to all wheel positions. Some \
vehicles have specific recommendations regarding winter tire use;
consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire information placard.
•
If winter tires are to be applied to the front axle of any vehicle,
they must also be applied to the rear axle for safe operation. This
applies to all passenger cars and light trucks, including front wheel
drive, 4x4, and all-wheel-drive vehicles.
•
If winter tires are to be applied to the rear axle of any vehicle, it is\
recommended that they also be installed on the front axle.
•
It is generally acceptable to apply a tire with a lower speed rating
than your original tires for use in winter weather conditions;
however, speed should be reduced accordingly. All winter tires
should be the same speed rating. See “Tire Speed Ratings” in
this manual.
•
Winter tires used in warmer, summer weather conditions may wear
more rapidly.
•
Studded winter tires follow the same recommendations as
above; consult a qualified tire service professional for information
regarding any seasonal restrictions.
Tire Mixing
SAFETY WARNING
Driving your vehicle with an improper mix of tires is dangerous. Your
vehicle’s handling characteristics can be seriously affected. You could
BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
45
have an accident resulting in serious personal injury or death. Consult
your vehicle owner’s manual and a qualified tire service professional
for proper tire replacement.
High Speed Driving
SAFETY WARNING
Driving at high speed is dangerous and can cause a vehicle accident,
including serious personal injury or death.
•
Regardless of the speed and handling capabilities of your car and
its tires, a loss of vehicle control can result from exceeding the
maximum speed allowed by law or warranted by traffic, weather,
vehicle, or road conditions.
•
High-speed driving should be left to trained professionals operating
under controlled conditions.
•
No tire, regardless of its design or speed rating, has unlimited
capacity for speed, and a sudden tire failure can occur if its limits
are exceeded. See “Tire Speed Ratings,” the next section in
this manual.
Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for any tire pressure
recommendations for high speed driving.
Tire Speed Ratings
A tire bearing a letter “speed rating” designation indicates the
tire’s speed capability according to standardized laboratory tests.
This speed rating system is intended to permit comparison of the
speed capabilities of different tires. When replacing your tires,
consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire information placard for
recommendations, if any, concerning the use of speed rated tires. •
To avoid reducing the speed capability of the vehicle, replace a
speed rated tire only with another tire having at least the same
speed rating. It is the “top speed” of the “slowest” tire on\
the
vehicle which limits the vehicle’s top speed without tire failure.
•
The tire’s speed rating is void if the tire is repaired, retreaded,
damaged, abused, or otherwise altered from its original condition.
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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.
BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
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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 Storage
Tires should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place where water
cannot collect inside them. Tires should be placed away from electric
generators/motors and sources of heat such as hot pipes. Storage
surfaces should be clean and free of grease, gasoline or other
substances which can deteriorate the rubber.
SAFETY WARNING
Improper storage can damage your tires in ways that may not be
visible and can lead to a failure resulting in serious personal injury
or death.
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. For more information, s\
ee
“Your Spare Tire” and “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual.
Tire Service Customer Satisfaction
Normal tire maintenance and Limited Warranty services are available
at locations across the U.S.A. and Canada. For more information,
visit us on the internet at www.bridgestonetire.com, or please call the
Technical Service Department:
U.S.A.: (1-800-356-4644) or Canada: (1-800-267-1318).
Additional information on the care and service of automobile and light
truck tires is available from the following organizations:
U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association
1400 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005-2403
www.ustires.org
Tires and Rubber Association of Canada
A19–260 Holiday Inn Drive
Cambridge, ON, N3C 4E8
www.rubberassociation.ca
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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-