BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
50
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
BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
51
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).
BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
52
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-
BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE
60
Limited Warranty
Original Equipment Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Including Tires with Run-Flat Technology
Eligibility
This Limited Warranty covers BRIDGESTONE and FIRESTONE brand
passenger and light truck tires, including RFT and temporary spare
tires, originally installed by the vehicle manufacturer on a new vehicle\
.
You are covered under the terms of this Limited Warranty if the tire was
produced after July 4, 2004 (DOT serial 2704 or later) and has been
used only on the vehicle on which it was originally installed in non-
commercial service. Warranty conditions may be subject to change.
See https://www.bridgestonetire.com/customer-care/tire-warranties/full-
warranty for the most current warranty information.
What Is Warranted and for How Long
Before wearing down to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) remaining original tread
depth (i.e. worn down to the top of the built-in indicators in the tread
grooves) and within 6 years from the date of purchase (proof of
purchase date required; without proof of purchase date, then within
6 years from the date of tire manufacture), for any reason other than
those excluded in the section entitled “What This Limited Warranty
Does Not Cover,” any eligible tire that becomes unusable for any
reason within the manufacturer’s control will be replaced with an
equivalent new tire on the basis set forth in this Limited Warranty.
What This Limited Warranty Does Not Cover
This Limited Warranty does not cover the following: 1.
Tire damage or irregular wear due to:a.
Road hazards, including, without limitation: Puncture, cut,
impact break, stone drill, bruise, bulge, snag, etc.
CONTINENTAL TIRE
65
Limited Warranty and Adjustment Policy for
Original Equipment Passenger Car & Light Truck
Tires (Including Temporary Spare Tires)
Eligibility
This Limited Warranty and Adjustment Policy (“Warranty”) applies to
the original owner of new Continental brand Passenger (PASS), Light
Truck (LT) and Temporary Spare (TS) tires that are the new vehicle
original equipment tires bearing the Continental brand name and
D.O.T.Tire Identification Number, operated in normal service, and used
on the same vehicle on which they were originally installed according
to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tire(s) on any vehicle registered and normally operated outside the
United States and Canada are excluded from eligibility under this
Limited Warranty and Adjustment Policy.
What Is the Adjustment Policy and How Long Is It
Applicable?
Basic Coverage
Eligible tires are covered by this Warranty for a maximum of 72 months
from the date of purchase, determined by the new vehicle registration
date or new vehicle sales invoice showing date of purchase.
Where to Go for Warranty Replacement
Contact the dealer where you purchased your vehicle or an
alternate authorized Continental brand tire dealer (Authorized Dealer)
to determine the eligible warranty coverage for your tires and how
to proceed.
Free Replacement Period
PASS & LT
If an eligible Continental brand PASS or LT tire becomes unserviceable
from a warrantable condition, other than those listed under Section
3, during the first 12 months or first 2/32nd of an inch (1.6 mm)
of treadwear (whichever comes first), it will be replaced with a
CONTINENTAL TIRE
66
**comparable new Continental brand tire FREE OF CHARGE,
including mounting and balancing (excluding on line orders). Owner
pays all applicable taxes.
Temporary Spare
If a TS Tire becomes unserviceable from a condition other than those
listed in Section 3, during the first 1/32nd (0.8 mm) of treadwear, then it
will be replaced with a **comparable new Continental brand TS tire
FREE OF CHARGE, including mounting and balancing.The owner
pays all applicable taxes. After this “Free Replacement Period” for your
TS tire expires, no warranty claim will be accepted.
After the Free Replacement Period
The tire (except TS tire) may still be eligible for a pro rata replacement
up to 72 months from date of original purchase until the tread is worn
down to the tread wear indicators (2/32nd of an inch or 1.6 mm of
tread remaining). If an eligible tire becomes unserviceable under the
stipulations of this Limited Warranty and Adjustment policy it will be
replaced with a **comparable new Continental brand tire, charging the
owner a pro-rated amount. Owner pays all applicable taxes (including
F.E.T.), mounting and balancing charges.
The replacement tire price will be determined by multiplying the
percentage of the useable tread worn by the Dealers Selling Price
(excluding all applicable taxes) at the time of the adjustment. The
useable tread is the original tread down to the tread wear indicators
(2/32nd of an inch or 1.6 mm of tread remaining.)
**A “comparable” new Continental brand tire may be of either the same
tire line or the same basic construction but with a different sidewall or
tread configuration. If a higher priced tire is selected, the consumer will
pay the difference in price.
What Is Not Covered by This Warranty the Following
Are Not Covered
• Road Hazard: Any tire with road hazard damage, that includes,
but is not limited to: cuts, snags, punctures, bruises, and
impact breaks.
CONTINENTAL TIRE
71
liner or sidewall making it impossible to determine the tire suitability\
for repair or reuse. CTA does not recommend any repair to or reuse
of Continental SSR tires. You may visit www.continentaltire.com and
select Customer Care FAQ’s to obtain additional SSR information.
Temporary Sparetire Owners
CTA does not recommend any repair to or reuse of punctured
Temporary Spare Tires.
ContiSeal™Tire Owners
A ContiSeal™ tire differs from a non-ContiSeal™ tire in that it has a
sticky, viscous layer from shoulder to shoulder along the inner liner.
This layer is an integral part of the ContiSeal™ tires. It is not des\
igned
or intended to act as a permanent puncture repair (See information
below). If an object up to 3/16ths (5 mm) diameter penetrates the
tread of the ContiSeal™ tire, this sticky, viscous layer is designed to
surround and adhere to the puncturing object and prevent air loss from
the tire by providing a near instantaneous seal. If the puncturing object
becomes dislodged from the tire, the material is designed to seal most
holes made by objects up to 3/16” (5 mm) diameter. While ContiSeal™
tires significantly reduce the incidence of flats, they are not designed
to be driven under inflated or in a flat condition. In all other aspects,
ContiSeal™ tires perform exactly like non-ContiSeal™ tires. As with
any tire, regularly inspect ContiSeal™ tires for evidence of cuts,
punctures, and loss of inflation pressure. At a minimum, ContiSeal™
tires should be inspected once or twice a month and always before
a long trip. Punctures or damage not attended to promptly can result
in loss of inflation pressure and/or damage to the tire. ContiSeal™
as soon as possible. The trained specialist, must inspect the tire
carefully and, according to industry standards, to determine whether
a permanent repair can be made or whether the tire must be removed
from service and scrapped. A permanent repair will require removal
of the tire from the rim and application of a repair method specifically
approved for the ContiSeal™ tires. ContiSeal™ tires are identified by a
symbol on the tire sidewall.
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.