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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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For vehicles with a “temporary use” spare tire, follow the vehicle\
manufacturer’s recommended pattern for rotation, or, if not provided,
the following may be used:
If your spare is the same size, load rating, and type of tire as your ro\
ad
tires, it should be included in the tire rotation process. For vehicles \
with
a “full-size” spare, the following rotation pat- terns may be used:
FULL SIZE SPAREFULL SIZE SPARE
Note:
•
Never include a “temporary use” spare tire in the rotation.
•
Tires with directional tread patterns must be rotated so the
direction of revolution does not change; this may require
demounting/mounting the tires.
•
Special attention should be given if your vehicle is equipped with
a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Rotation of your tires
may affect the system; consult your vehicle owner’s manual or a
qualified tire service professional.
•
Some vehicles may have different size tires/wheels on front and
rear which would restrict rotation. Always check and follow the
vehicle manufacturer’s rotation recommendation.
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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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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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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\
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design and vehicle application (consult your vehicle owner’s manual).
By international standard, RFT tires have a baseline limitation in run-
flat mode of the following:
Maximum Speed: 50 mph (80 km/h)
Maximum Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
Note:•
Maximum distance values are determined under controlled
conditions, which may vary in actual use.
•
Your mileage capability may be less, or more, depending on your
specific operating conditions.
•
If in doubt, do not exceed the 50 mile (80 km) limitation.
•
Seek tire service as soon as possible to minimize tire damage.
Special Service and Repair Issues
Run-Flat Certified Retailers
Because of the advanced technology and design of RFT tires and
the required tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), Bridgestone
Firestone Run-Flat Certified Retailers are specially trained to sell and
service RFT tires.
Run-Flat Certified Retailers have the necessary equipment and are
specially trained to properly mount and demount RFT tires and to
handle TPMS devices. Conventional mounting equipment may
irreparably damage RFT tires and an improper repair is unsafe
and will void the Limited Warranty. Accordingly, it is important to
go to a Bridgestone Firestone Run- Flat Certified Retailer for tire
maintenance and replacement.
Call toll-free 1-877-BFS-4RFT or visit www.bridgestonetire.com to
locate the nearest Bridgestone Firestone Run-Flat Certified Retailer .
Inspection after Run-Flat or Low Pressure Operation
Following run-flat or low tire pressure operation, or in the event of any
other tire damage or unusual condition, it is very important to obtain a\
proper and complete tire evaluation as soon as possible.