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Speed Symbol: An alphabetic code indicating the maximum speed
at which the tire can carry a load corresponding to its Load Index
under specified service conditions.
*For tires having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph, a “ZR”
m a
y appear in the size designation; above 186 mph, a “ZR” must
ap
pear in the size designation, including a ”Y” speed symbol in
brackets.
Other Markings:
P - As part of the tire size designation (e.g., P205/65R15), is used to
in
dicate the tires intended for service on passenger cars.
LT - As part of the tire size designation (e.g. LT235/75R15), is used to
i
ndicate the tires are intended for service on light truck vehicles.
M&S - Letters used to indicate a tire suitable for Mud and Snow and/
o
r All Season usage.
XL - As part of the size designation (e.g. P235/75R16 XL), is used to
i
ndicate the tire can carry more load as the maximum inflation
pressure and load are greater than a standard load version. (Also
could be called REINFORCED).
SPEED SYMBOL MAXIMUM SPEED
KM/H MPH
L 120 74
M 130 80
N 140 86
P 150 93
Q 160 99
R 170 105
S 180 112
T 190 118
U 200 124
H 210 130
V 240 149
W 270 168
*ZR Y300 186
(Y) ABOVE 300 ABOVE 186
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2. Tire Categories
ALL SEASON TIRES (ALL WEATHER TIRES): Tires that are designed
to
perform in a variety of road conditions in all seasons of the year. An
all season tire will carry “M+S”, “M&S”, or “M/S” designation on the
sidewall. All Season tires may carry a Limited Treadwear Warranty
depending on line.
SUMMER TIRES (MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE, HIGH
PE
RFORMANCE, ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE): Summer
Performance tires offer superior handling, grip and cornering ability
compared to standard tires. They are rated for operation at higher
speeds. Maximum Performance, High Performance and Ultra High
Performance categories each have different performance
characteristics, UTQG ratings and rate of wear depending on line.
Some lines may carry a limited treadwear warranty.
WINTER TIRES (SNOW TIRES): A winter tire is a tire with a tread
de
sign and compound made specifically for snowy and icy conditions
and is identified by M&S, M+S or M/S markings on the sidewalls.
Tires designed for use in severe snow conditions are further identified
with a pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake on the sidewalls
and must meet specific snow performance test requirements. Pirelli
Winter tires do not carry a mileage warranty.
The information provided above is an overview of tire types. Tread
pa
tterns and rubber compounds vary among the seasonal tire types
and provide varying performance characteristics and limitations
based on your individual needs and vehicle specifications. Summer
performance tires are different than winter and all season types. To
determine which Pirelli lines carry a Limited Treadwear Warranty,
please refer to The PTI Treadwear Mileage Warranty Conditions and
Mileage Warranty sections found in this document.
3. Pressure Recommendations
Recommended tire inflation pressures for your vehicle can be found
ei
ther on your vehicle’s tire placard or in your vehicle owner’s
manual. Correct pressures are related to load, speed and vehicle
handling and are vital for even braking, maximum traction and good
tire life. Under no circumstances should your tire’s cold inflation
pressure be less than that indicated on your vehicle’s tire placard or in
your vehicle owner’s manual or higher than the maximum cold
inflation pressure molded on to the tire’s sidewall. Under inflation
causes excessive flexing, deterioration of the tire and rapid wear of the
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205
tread edges. Over inflation results in an uncomfortable ride, a reduced
area of tire contact with the road surface (i.e., smaller tire footprint),
higher susceptibility to impact damage and rapid wear on the tread
center.
Inflation pressure must be checked at least once a month and should
b e
checked only when the tire is cold or before it has been driven.
Driving even a short distance (1 kilometer or 2 to 3 minutes) causes
ti
res to heat up and the air pressure to increase approximately 4 psi. In
case it is necessary to adjust the air pressure in tires that have been
driven, the air pressure should be increased to a gauge reading of 4 psi
higher than the recommended cold inflation pressure.
For Example Only:
Check the cold inflation pressure on the tires, at least by the next day.
N e
ver reduce or “bleed” pressure from hot tires since your tires will
then be underinflated when they cool down. Always use a reliable
pressure gauge.
4. Ultra High Performance (UHP) Summer Tires
Rubber compounds formulated for ultra high performance summer
ti
res can lose flexibility and may develop random surface cracks at
cold temperatures. Therefore extra care should be used in handling
tires in this condition. These compounds are optimized for maximum
dry and wet performance in warm conditions. Special tread
compounds in these tires will have decreased performance, such as
lateral and braking traction, at temperatures below 7° C or when
driving on snow or ice. Therefore, it is recommended to install winter
tires in these conditions.
WARNING!
Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.
Th
ese situations can cause a tire failure, including tread/belt
separation, even at a later date, which could lead to an accident
and serious personal injury or death.
Gauge Reading of Hot Tire: 27 PSI
Recommended Cold Inflation Pressure: 26 PSI
Desired Gauge Reading of Hot Tire:26 PSI + 4 PSI = 30 PSI
Therefore: Add 3 PSI
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5. DOT Street Legal Competition Tires
P Zero Trofeo and P Zero Corsa tire lines use special tire construction
an
d compounds to achieve their distinctive performance in dry
conditions. As a result of that, their performance in cold temperatures,
heavy rain or standing water will be decreased. Use extreme caution
and drive slowly on wet roads.
The minimum tread depth will be reached earlier than normal road
ti
res, resulting in reduced tread life.
6. Winter Tires
The standard Pirelli tires may be effective in light snow conditions.
Ho
wever, for winter use, you may wish to install winter tires. During
winter use, Pirelli strongly recommends the fitment of four winter
tires. Please check your vehicle owner’s manual concerning winter tire
size recommendation. If the winter tires have a lower speed rating
than the original equipment tires, vehicle handling may be affected,
and the vehicle maximum speed must be reduced to the winter tire
speed rating.
Pirelli requires
that studded tires be installed on all four positions.
Installing studded tires only on the drive positions of any vehicle,
including a front wheel drive vehicle, may cause adverse handling
characteristics.
7. Run Flat Tires
Always refer to the vehicle owners’ manual with respect to specific
sa
fety and operating information relating to the vehicle. Damaged
Run Flat tires or Run Flat tires that have experienced a loss of pressure
should immediately be replaced with another Run Flat tire of identical
size and Service Description (Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat tires have been developed based on the specifications of the
ve
hicles on which they are mounted. Accordingly, Run Flat tires
should only be mounted on vehicles specifically manufactured to
accommodate Run Flat tires.
Run Flat tires must be mounted in conjunction with a functional Tire
Pr
essure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The mounting of tires and installation of the TPMS should be carried
ou
t by a specialized dealer.
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8. Tire Replacement
The tires fitted to your vehicle as original equipment were tested and
ap
proved by the vehicle manufacturer and the tire manufacturer and
take into account all aspects of the vehicle’s operation. Changes in the
tire size, type or construction should not be made without seeking
advice from the vehicle or tire manufacturer or an authorized Pirelli
dealer since unapproved tires on your vehicle could adversely affect
steering, handling, braking and traction. The tire information (tire
size, load index and speed symbol) as found on the vehicle placard or
in the owner’s manual should always be followed when replacing
tires.
It is strongly recommended that Pirelli tires be mounted in sets of four
w i
th the same tread type. Pirelli tires should not be mixed with other
tire brands. It is necessary to follow this procedure because different
tire constructions have different handling characteristics. Tires on the
same axle must be the same manufacturer, brand, tire size, load index,
speed rating and Pirelli part number.
When changing only two tires on a vehicle which is homogeneously fitted
(f
our tires of the same tire size), fit the new tires on the rear axle. This
applies to all vehicles regardless of their drive axle. (Front or Rear Drive).
On all wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicles the tires must always
be
replaced in sets of four.
When replacing tires on light truck vehicles, you should always follow
th
e vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Passenger and light
truck tires are not interchangeable, due to differences in their
pressures and load carrying capacity.
P-Metric and Euro-metric Interchangeability: Euro-metric (Example:
22
5/45R17) tires have a load index which is equal to or greater than
that of the same size P-metric (Example: P225/45R17) tire. Therefore,
they have the same or higher load carrying capacity at the maximum
rated inflation pressure. Always check with your tire dealer or Pirelli
Tire Consumer Affairs to be sure of the exact interchangeability to
maintain proper vehicle dynamics.
Please be aware that it is important that, before fitting the suggested
ti
res, the fitment is allowed by the technical specifications of the
vehicle, the vehicle manufacturer and the relevant homologations.
Pirelli Tire does not express any view as to the compatibility of the
wheel/tire combination with the technical specifications for the
chassis and vehicle.
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208
TO MAINTAIN PROPER VEHICLE DYNAMICS AND LOAD
CARRYING CAPACITY, REPLACEMENT TIRES MUST ALWAYS
HAVE A LOAD INDEX AND SPEED SYMBOL EQUAL TO OR
GREATER THAN THOSE FITTED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT.
When making plus size fitments, you should consult with the dealer
re
garding any suspension or braking system modifications which
may be recommended for the vehicle.
9. Tire Inspection
As a minimum, tires (including the spare tire) should be examined
an
d air pressure checked monthly and always prior to long trips. They
should also be examined if you strike any unusual object on the road.
Tires showing bulges, cracks, cuts, penetrations or uneven wear must
be dismounted and examined by an authorized Pirelli tire dealer and
replaced if necessary. Pirelli tires have treadwear indicators in the
tread grooves, which show up when the tread has worn to 2/32”
remaining. At this point, your tires must be replaced because they are
illegal and dangerous.
The mere passage of time (age) does not cause tires to deteriorate, but
ra
ther exposure to outside forces. Such outside forces can include, but
are not limited to: road hazards, punctures, improper repairs,
misalignment, under inflated operation, over inflated operation,
excessive heat caused by over deflected operation, excessive exposure
to ozone, improper storage conditions, etc. Tire companies can only
have an impact on a few of these exposures. Tire companies add
antiozinants and anti-oxidants (anti-degradation compounds) to
minimize degradation. Pirelli believes that since there is no way to
accurately predict what outside forces a tire will be exposed to there is
no scientifically supportable age limit that can be set for tires.
To avoid cosmetic damage, use a mild soap solution to clean sidewalls
a n
d rinse off with low-pressure tap water. Never apply cleaners or
dressings to enhance sidewall appearance to avoid removal of
antioxidants, which are intended to prevent ozone degradation. The
removal of anti-oxidants may degrade the rubber and can lead to
sidewall cracking. Use of high-pressure sprayers may cause sidewall
damage.
WARNING!
Driving on a damaged tire is dangerous, as the tire can suddenly
fa
il, which can lead to an accident and serious personal injury or
death.
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12. Storage
Should you need to store tires after removal from a vehicle (as in the
ca
se of winter tires), they should be stored in a cool, dry place. To
protect your tires from damage related to: heat, water, ozone and
direct sunlight, it is suggested you place them in opaque, waterproof
containers (e.g., plastic trash bags).
13. Tubes in Tubeless Tires
Under no circumstances are tubes to be used in Pirelli tires marked
“T
ubeless”. This includes tires that have been repaired. If the tire’s
pressure retention ability has been affected, so as to necessitate a tube
being installed, the tire must be replaced.
14. Tire Valves
Whenever new tires are installed on your wheels, new tire valves of
th
e correct type must be installed. During your routine tire inspection,
verify that all your valves have proper valve caps. Replace as
necessary, since the valve cap is also a seal against pressure loss.
15. Tire Demounting and Mounting
Tire fitting is best left to professionals who have the proper tools and
eq
uipment to perform the task properly and safely. Your tires should
be mounted or demounted, using Tire and Rubber Association of
Canada procedures or the vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations.
Your wheels should be in good, clean condition. Wheels should be
inspected for distortion, dents, cracks, rust and foreign matter, and be
replaced as necessary. NEVER EXCEED 40 PSI WHEN SEATING
BEADS.
16. Tire/Wheel Alignment and Balancing
Tire/Wheel alignment specifications are issued by your vehicle
ma
nufacturer and your vehicle must be kept within these tolerances.
You should have your alignment checked annually or whenever you
notice any irregular wear or vibrations. Tire/Wheel assemblies should
be balanced each time a tire is fitted to a wheel. Tire/Wheel alignment
and balancing are important for safety and maximum performance
and mileage from your tires.
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213
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This Limited Warranty does not cover the following categories of
cl
aims:
Rapid Treadwear: Original equipment tires are not guaranteed to last
a
specified number of miles.
Damage from road hazards (not limited to cuts, snags, bruises, impact
br
eaks, bulges, punctures, stone drills, chips, and scales), fire, theft, or
collision.
Conditions arising from improper tire/vehicle maintenance or use,
no
t limited to:
• Irregular or excessive treadwear due to: Incorrect inflation; over -
l
oading; vehicle misalignment; failure to rotate tires; and poor or
de
fective mechanical condition of brakes, shocks, and wheels; or
other factors attributable to the vehicle or wheel.
• Any tire which has been run with low air pressure or while flat.
•
Damage due to abuse; vandalism; tire alteration; tire spinning;
r
acing; or other competitive activities.
• Damage, corrosion, or deterioration from using oil-based chemicals,
w
ater-based sealers, balancing substances, or flammable gases.
• Damage from improper use of tire chains.
T
ires with the DOT identification number removed or rendered
il
legible.
Improper mounting, balancing or repair, not limited to:
• Improper tire mounting, or tire/wheel assembly imbalance.
•
Damage from incorrect mounting or dismounting of the tire, incor -
r
ect wheel size, water or other material trapped inside the tire
du
ring mounting, or failure to keep the tires balanced.
• Damage resulting from improper repair materials or procedures.
F
ailure to meet conditions of this Limited Warranty, not limited to:
• Any tire that is not an Eligible Tire.
•
Any tire for which mileage and tire rotation records are not avail -
a
ble or verifiable.
• Any tire not presented and available for Toyo Tires’ inspection.
•
Any tire worn beyond the treadwear indicators (less than 2/32” of
r
emaining tread).
• Uniformity issues after the first 25% of treadwear.