BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
74
SPECIAL SERVICE AND REPAIR ISSUES
Run-Flat Certified Retailers
Because of the advanced technology and design of Run-Flat tires and
th
e 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
sp
ecially 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, 87
7-237-4738 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
an
y other tire damage or unusual condition, it is very important to
obtain a proper and complete tire evaluation as soon as possible.
Rotation
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, or rotate every
5,
000 miles per the recommendations in this manual (see “Radial Tire
Ro
tation”). In some cases, TPMS devices require reprogramming with
each tire rotation.
RFT Tire Replacement
Do not replace or mix RFT tires with conventional tires, unless on an
em
ergency/temporary basis. Conventional tires do not have run-flat
capability and the handling characteristics of the vehicle with these
tires may be different. If a conventional tire is used on an emergency/
temporary basis, verify that its size, load capacity, inflation pressure,
and speed rating specifications meet the requirements of the vehicle.
Replace any conventional tire with the proper RFT tire as soon as
possible.
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®
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
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
125
•TIRE SPINNING. On slippery surfaces such as snow, mud, ice, etc.,
do not spin tires in excess of 35 mph (55 km/h), as indicated on the
sp
eedometer.
• EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.
This can also result in tire disin-
tegration or axle failure.
TIRE CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
The easiest way to help ensure satisfactory mileage and performance
f r
om your Goodyear® or Dunlop® tires is to give them a simple but
frequent (at least monthly) inspection for proper inflation, even tread
wear and the presence of any damage.
DO MAINTAIN PROPER INFLATION PRESSURE IN YOUR TIRES
Proper inflation pressure is necessary for optimum tire performance,
sa
fety and fuel economy. Check inflation pressures at least once a
month and before long trips. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Always check pressures when the tires are cold (when the vehicle has
been driven less than one mile). If you must check inflation when the
tires are hot, add 4 psi (27 kPa) to the recommended cold inflation
pressure. It is difficult to tell just by looking at radial tires whether
they are underinflated.*
WARNING!
Vehicle handling, traction, ride comfort and other performance
pa
rameters may be significantly affected by a change in tire size
or type. Before replacing tires, always consult and follow the
vehicle owner’s manual because some vehicle manufacturers
prohibit changing tire size. When selecting tires that are different
from the original equipment size make certain:
1. The tires have adequate load-carrying capacity based on the
v
ehicle placard,
2. The tires have sufficient inflation pressure to carry the load and
3
. There is proper clearance with no interference points between
t
he tire and vehicle.
The consumer must be aware to always drive safely and obey all
tr
affic laws. Avoid sudden, sharp turns or aggressive lane
changes. Failure to follow any of these warnings may result in
loss of control of the vehicle, leading to an accident and serious
injury or death.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
126
Furthermore, when operating a vehicle equipped with radial tires, it
is difficult to notice when a tire has gone flat or nearly flat since the
“feel” of the vehicle does not change significantly.
*Evidence of air loss or repeated underinflation always requires
ex
pert inspection to determine the source of leakage and tire
removal to determine repairability. To avoid injury, NEVER attempt
to reinflate a tire that has been run severely underinflated. Progressive
air loss may result from punctures, cuts, curbing, impacts or partial
bead unseating. Some fitment causes for air loss are (1) incomplete
bead seating, (2) bead tearing caused by a machine tool due to
insufficient lubrication or improper adjustment. Leaking valve core or
rubber valve components should be replaced when problems are
detected and whenever tires are replaced.
Always maintain inflation pressure at the level recommended by
t h
e vehicle manufacturer as shown on the vehicle placard, vehicle
certification label or in the vehicle Owner’s Manual:
Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in
se
vere cracking, component separation or “blowout.” It reduces tire
load capacity, allows excessive sidewall flexing and increases rolling
resistance, resulting in heat and mechanical damage. Maintaining
proper inflation pressure is the single most important thing you can
do to promote tire durability and maximize tread life.
Over inflation increases stiffness, which may deteriorate ride and
ge
nerate unwanted vibration. Over inflation also increases the
chances of impact damage.
DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE
Check your vehicle Owner’s Manual to determine the load limits.
Ov
erloading your vehicle places stress on your tires and other critical
vehicle components. Overloading a vehicle can cause poor handling
or increased fuel consumption and may cause tire failure.
Overloading your tires can result in severe cracking, component
separation or “blowout.”
Never fit your vehicle with new tires that have less load capacity than
sh
own on the vehicle tire placard and remember that optimum rim
width is important for proper tire load distribution and function. The
maximum load capacity stamped on the sidewalls of P-Metric &
European Metric tires is reduced by 10% when used on a light truck,
utility vehicle or trailer. Never fit P-Metric or European Metric tires to
light trucks that specify LT-type replacement tires.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
129
When replacing tires, you must maintain the outside diameter and
load-carrying capacity of the Original Equipment tire. Inflation
pressure may need to be adjusted to avoid overloading the tire.
Consult the Tire & Rim Association Load and Inflation Tables,
European Tire and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) or Japan
Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA) standards for
correct load and inflation information.
NEVER FIT TIRES TO A VEHICLE THAT HAVE LESS
LO
AD-CARRYING CAPACITY THAN REQUIRED BY THE
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER
Examples: Many vehicles, such as large passenger vans, require Load
Ra
nge E tires as designated by the vehicle manufacturer. Fitment of a
tire, such as a Load Range D, with less carrying capacity is not
allowed. In other cases, tires of the same size may carry different load
indexes in the service description. You must make certain the
replacement tires fitted to the vehicle have a load-carrying capacity
equal to or greater than what the Original Equipment manufacturer
specifies.
NOTE:
Goodyear® manufactured and/or marketed European- Metric
pa
ssenger tires and P-Metric passenger tires are interchangeable as
long as they have the same section width, same aspect ratio, same rim
diameter.
WARNING!
Before you replace your tires, always consult the vehicle owner’s
ma
nual and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement tire
recommendations. Vehicle handling may be significantly affected
by a change in tire size or type. When selecting tires that are
different from the Original Equipment size, see a professional
installer in order to make certain that proper clearance,
load-carrying capacity and inflation pressure are selected. Never
exceed the maximum load capacity and inflation pressure listed
on the sidewall of the tire. Always drive safely and obey all traffic
laws. Avoid sudden, sharp turns or aggressive lane changes.
Failure to follow this warning may result in loss of control of the
vehicle, leading to an accident and serious injury or death.
MICHELIN®
168
tire that has lost traction to spin beyond its speed capability. This is
also true when balancing a drive tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle
using the vehicle engine to spin the tire/wheel assembly.
HIGH SPEED DRIVING CAN BE DANGEROUS
Correct inflation pressure is especially important. H
owever, at high
speeds, even with the correct inflation pressure, a road hazard, for
example is more difficult to avoid and if contact is made, has a greater
chance of causing tire damage than at a lower speed. Moreover,
driving at high speed reduces the reaction time available to avoid
accidents and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. If you see any damage
to a tire or wheel, replace it with the spare at once and visit a
participating Michelin® tire retailer.
Exceeding the maximum speeds shown on the following page for each
ty
pe of Michelin® tire will cause the tire to build up excessive heat
which can cause tire damage that could result in sudden tire
destruction and rapid air loss. Failure to control a vehicle when one or
more tires experience a sudden air loss can lead to an accident.
In any case, you should not exceed reasonable speeds as indicated
by
the legal limits and driving conditions.
SPEED RATINGS
Speed Symbols are shown on the sidewall of some Michelin® tires.
Th
e following table shows the maximum speed corresponding to the
symbol.
*Some V (or VR) rated tires may have a speed capacity greater than
14
9 mph (240 km/h). Consult your participating Michelin® tire
re
tailer for maximum speed rating if your vehicle capability exceeds
this speed.
**Z (or ZR) rated tires are designed to use on cars with maximum
sp
eed capabilities in excess of 149 mph (240 km/h).
(W and Y speed ratings are subcategories of Z).
Consult your Michelin® tire retailer for maximum speed capabilities.
Fo
r PAX® System Tires consult an authorized PAX® System Tire
Retailer. Although a tire may be speed-rated, we do not endorse the
operation of any vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner. Speed
ratings are based on laboratory tests which relate to performance on
the road, but are not applicable if tires are underinflated, overloaded,
worn out, damaged, altered, improperly repaired or retreaded.
NEXEN TIRE
187
to a toll free phone number to call in case of a flat tire. A qualified
professional will change your flat tire with your spare tire free of
charge. If a working spare is not available, towing will be provided
free of charge to the nearest NEXEN TIRE dealer or authorized place
of repair.
*Nexen Tire reserves the right to change the terms and conditions of
al
l warranties at any time.
TIRE CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Tire failure can result in serious damage and/or personal injury. To
re
duce the risk of tire failure we recommend the following:
• Maintain proper inflation pressure and do not use at under inflation
o
r over inflation. Pressure should be set at the level recommended
by vehicle manufacturer.
• Wheel alignment and balancing should be checked at regular inter -
v
als.
• Do not overload. The maximum load carrying capacity is molded on
t
he sidewall of the tire.
• Do not spin your tires excessively and avoid driving over curbs,
p
otholes, obstacles and edges of pavement.
• Never drive on smooth (bald) tires. By law, tires must be replaced
w
hen 2/32" of tread depth remained, as indicated by tread wear
indicator molded in the tread grooves.
• Check your tires frequently for any scrapes, cuts, foreign objects,
s
eparations or bulges. If damage is found, do not attempt to
dismount a tire yourself. Change damaged tire with the spare and
contact a local authorized NEXEN TIRE dealer immediately.
• Do not drive in excess of speed limits allowed by law or the
m
aximum speed justified by driving conditions.
• To achieve proper even wear and gain maximum tread life, tire rota -
t
ion at regular intervals is required.