BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
75
RFT Tire Damage and Repair
No tire, regardless of its design or quality is indestructible. RFT tires
ca
n be ultimately rendered unusable due to a puncture or other road
hazard as well as from improper run-flat or low tire pressure
operation. Some punctures may be repaired under certain restrictions
and prescribed procedures.
When driven flat or with low pressure, factors affecting reparability
in
clude vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation
pressure loss; and ambient temperature. In any situation, the extent
and location of direct damage from a puncturing object or other road
hazard are also critical factors.
RFT tires are not repairable in any of the following situations:
• If the tire was operated with inflation pressure less than 15 psi (100 kPa).
•
Abrasion or other damage is present on the exterior tread, sidewall
o
r bead areas.
• Abrasion, wrinkling, or separation is present on the tire interior.
•
Any condition or damage is present that disqualifies repair of a
c
onventional tire.
Run-Flat Certified Retailers will fully inspect your tire, inside and out,
to
determine if the tire can be repaired. Tire damage is not always
visible from the outside and the tire must be removed from the wheel
for a complete inspection. For more information, see the section “Tire
Repairs” in this manual.
NOTE:
Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using repaired tires.
Co
nsult your vehicle Owner’s Manual or contact the vehicle manufac -
turer before operating a repaired tire on your vehicle.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
77
DOT Symbol and Tire Identification Number: The “DOT” symbol
constitutes a certification that the tire conforms to applicable US
Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle safety standards
(for tires). Following the “DOT” symbol is the tire identification
number, also known as the DOT serial number or code. For example:
* For tires produced from 2000-on. In the example above, the tire was
p r
oduced in the 18th week of 2000. For tires produced prior to 2000,
there is one digit in group (f) which identifies the last digit of the year
of production, i.e. “329” would likely signify the 32nd week of 1999,
but could possibly signify the 32nd week of 1989. If in doubt, consult
a qualified tire service professional.
The DOT symbol and tire identification number can be found on at
le
ast one sidewall near the wheel. The other sidewall may have a
partial serial code that excludes (e) and (f) above.
Maximum Load and Inflation: T
he maximum load and maximum
inflation pressure is marked on each sidewall in metric and English
units. For example:
MAX LOAD 685 kg (1,510 lbs) AT 240 kPa (35 psi) MAX PRESS
NOTE:
The load and inflation values marked on the tire sidewall are
ma
ximum permissible values for the tire only. Never assume that
these values are the actual maximum load capacity or recommended
tire pressure values for your vehicle. See “Tire Inflation Pressure,”
“Tips for Safe Tire Inflation,” and “Tips for Safe Loading” in this
manual.
(a) DOT Symbol (d) Tire Manufacturer’s Code
(b) Manufacture Plant Code (e) Week of Production (01-52)
(c) Tire Size Code
(f) Year of Production (last two digits of year)
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
79
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
ti
re’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds
to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly
in
flated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and a possible tire failure.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
81
•Improper use or operation, including, without limitation:
Improper inflation pressure, overloading, tire/wheel spinning,
use of an improper wheel, tire chain damage, misuse, misappli -
cation, negligence, tire alteration, or for racing or competition
pu
rposes.
• Insufficient or improper maintenance,
including, without
limitation: Failure to rotate tires as recommended in this manual,
wheel misalignment, worn suspension components, improper
tire mounting or demounting, tire/wheel assembly imbalance,
or other vehicle conditions, defects, or characteristics.
• Contamination or degradation
by petroleum products or other
chemicals, fire or other externally generated heat, or water or
other material trapped inside the tire during mounting or infla -
tion.
• Improper repair.
Improper repair voids this Limited Warranty
• For RFT tires only, improper run-flat or low tire pressure oper -
a
tion, including, without limitation: Exceeding speed, distance,
o
r other run-flat/lowpressure operation limitations.
2. Rapid tread wear or wear-out. Original equipment tires have no
m
ileage warranty.
3. Weather/ozone cracking after 4 years from date of tire manufac -
t
ure.
4. Ride disturbance or vibration after 1/32 inch (0.8mm) of tread
we
ar use.
5. Tires with sealant, balance, or other filler material that was not
o
riginally applied or inserted by the tire manufacturer.
6. Tires used in commercial service.
7
. Tires purchased and normally used outside the United States and
C
anada.
8. The cost of applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
9
. Failure to follow any of the safety and maintenance recommenda -
t
ions or warnings contained in this manual.
This Limited Warranty is in addition to and/or may be limited by any
ot
her applicable written warranty you may have received concerning
special tires or situations.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
83
This Limited Warranty applies only to consumers actually using the
tire in the United States and Canada. For warranty conditions outside
the United States and Canada, see your local Bridgestone® Firestone®
distributor.
Obligations under this policy may not be enlarged or altered by anyone.
In accordance with Federal Law, this Limited Warranty has been
de
signated as a "Limited Warranty.” Nothing in this Limited
Warranty is intended to be a representation that tire failures cannot
occur. This Limited Warranty is given in the United States by
Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC, 535 Marriott Dr.,
Nashville, TN 37214 and in Canada by Bridgestone® Firestone®
Canada Inc., 5770 Hurontario St., Suite 400, Mississauga, Ontario,
Canada L5R 3G5.
OWNER’S OBLIGATIONS
In order to keep this Limited Warranty valid, we require you to have
y o
ur tires regularly inspected and rotated per the recommendations
outlined in the sections of this manual entitled "Tire Damage,
Inspection and Service Life” and “Radial Tire Rotation” and to furnish
proof of same in order to receive an adjustment. Such proof should
show the date, mileage, and servicing location. A sales receipt
containing this information will suffice. In addition, a “Maintenance
Record” is included on the back cover of this manual. It is your
obligation to maintain proper tire inflation pressures as specified by
the vehicle manufacturer and to operate the vehicle within tire/
vehicle load capacity and speed limitations. It is also your obligation
to maintain proper wheel alignment and tire/wheel assembly
balance. To request an adjustment, you must present the tire to an
authorized Bridgestone® Firestone® retailer. Complete and sign the
customer section of the Bridgestone® Firestone® North American
Tire, LLC Limited Warranty adjustment form and pay appropriate
replacement price, taxes, disposal fee, and service charges, if any.
ARBITRATION
You and Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC agree
t h
at all claims, disputes, and controversies between you and it,
including any of its agents, employees, successors, or assigns, arising
out of or in connection with this Limited Warranty, or any other
warranties, expressed or implied, including a failure of warranty and
the validity of this arbitration clause, but excluding claims for
personal injury or property damage, shall be resolved by binding
CONTINENTAL TIRE
88
•Improper operation or maintenance: This includes, but is not
limited to, effects caused by:
1. Improper tire inflation and/or improper load/speed prac -
t
ices: These practices can cause excessive operational
t
emperatures and stresses that exceed the tire’s capabilities.
2. Improper or insufficient tire rotation
3
. Improper vehicle alignment
4
. D amage due to:
–
Rim irregularities or rim damage
–
Snow chains
–
Vehicle mechanical problems, including brake problems,
a
nd vehicle wheel alignment
– Extreme temperature exposure
–
Negligent and abusive driving such as tire spinning, or
r
acing
– Improper tire storage
–
Automotive accident
–
Chemical corrosion or fire
–
Use contrary to the vehicle manufacturer’s tire recommen -
d
ations
– Misuse or misapplication
•
Improper Mounting or Demounting
•Alteration: such as, but not limited to, adding a white inlay on
black wall, tread regrooving, tire truing or siping, or adding
sealant materials to the tire.
•
Weather checking/cracking: Not covered after 48 months from
th
e date of purchase.
• Failure to observe safety and maintenance precautions set forth
i
n the Safety Warning Section.
ATTENTION AUTHORIZED DEALERS: CONTINENTAL TIRE
TH
E AMERICAS, LLC (CTA) RESERVES THE RIGHT TO THE
FINAL INSPECTION DECISION FOR ALL RETURNED TIRES
ON CONDITIONS UNDER SECTION 3.
THIS WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WA
RRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND CTA EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
94
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
FALKEN
MADE BY SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle is fitted with high performance and high quality
Fa
lken tires.
In order to guarantee that you receive the best performance and
qu
ality from your new Falken tires, we recommend that you read and
follow all of the maintenance and safety tips provided in this
document. We also suggest that you have your Falken tires
periodically inspected and maintained by a qualified tire service
professional.
A) TIRE CARE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PROPER INFLATION AND FUEL ECONOMY
Ensure maximum performance and a long life from your tires by
ch
ecking 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)
t h
an what is listed on your vehicle’s placard or Owner’s Manual. In
this case, please consult your tire dealer or Falken Tire for proper
inflation pressure(s).
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
97
ROTATION AND WEAR
Falken recommends rotating your tires at least every 8,000 km
(5,000 miles) and periodically inspecting your tires to make sure they
ar
e free of road hazards (such as nails, screws, large wood splinters,
etc.) that might penetrate your tires causing them to lose air pressure
and to ensure they are wearing evenly. Common irregular wear
patterns are: misalignment wear, where the tire shows excessive outer
or inner tread wear. Tire sidewalls should also be inspected for cuts,
snags, bruises, and weather cracking. If any of these noted conditions
are present during inspection, we recommend returning to your
servicing tire dealer to be corrected to ensure long tire life. ***Never
include a temporary spare tire in your rotation pattern***
TIRE REPLACEMENT
Falken recommends replacing your tires when the tread wears down
t o
the wear bars at 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch), which are located across
th
e tread in several locations around the tire. If only two tires are being
replaced, the two new tires should always be installed on the rear of
the vehicle to aid in preventing your vehicle from hydroplaning, even
if your car is front wheel drive. It is always recommended to have your
new tires balanced during installation, and alignment checked if the
previous tires show and irregular wear. Tires that have been in use for
five years or more should continue to be inspected by a qualified tire
specialist, at least annually. It is recommended that any tires 10 years
old or older from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be
replaced with new tires as a precaution even if such tires appear
serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal worn out limit
at 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch).