BFGOODRICH® TIRES
27
WHAT YOU MUST DO WHEN MAKING A CLAIM
When making a claim under the terms of this limited warranty you
mu
st present your tire(s), your vehicle, and your original invoice to a
participating BFGoodrich® brand tire retailer. BFGoodrich® brand
tire retailers are listed in the yellow pages under “Tire Dealers-Retail”.
Personal identification (i.e. Driver’s License, Credit Card, etc.) and
vehicle registration may be required. You pay any service charges for
normal vehicle and tire maintenance.
CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
This limited warranty does not provide compensation for loss of time,
lo
ss of use of vehicle, inconvenience or incidental or consequential
damages.
Tires presented for claim remain the property of the consumer and
BF
Goodrich® brand accepts no responsibility for loss of, or damage
to, tires which are in the custody or control of a BFGoodrich® tire
retailer for the purpose of inspection for warranty adjustment.
In the event of a disputed claim, the consumer must make the tire
av
ailable for further inspection. Tires accepted for claim become the
property of Michelin North America Inc.
No BFGoodrich® brand representative, employee or retailer has the
au
thority to make or imply any representation, promise or agreement,
which in any way varies from the terms of this limited warranty. This
limited warranty applies only in the United States and Canada.
SAFETY MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Read your Tire Owner’s Manual, the information on the sidewall of
yo
ur tires, your vehicle Owner’s Manual and vehicle tire information
placard for essential safety and maintenance information.
When service is required:
1. Contact a participating BFGoodrich® tire retailer listed in your
y
ellow pages.
2. If additional assistance is needed in locating a BFGoodrich®
r
etailer, please call or write to the Consumer Care Department
listed in this book.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
37
manufacturer’s specification due to the actual load on that wheel
position. Some vehicles may have different sized tires mounted on the
front and rear axles, and these different sized tires have rotation
restrictions. Always check the vehicle Owner’s Manual for the proper
rotation recommendations.
FULL-SIZE SPARE
Full-size spare tires (not temporary spares) of the same size and
co
nstruction should be used in a five tire rotation. Always check the
inflation pressure of the full-size spare immediately before
incorporating it into rotation. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended pattern for rotation, or if not available, see a qualified
tire technician.
REPLACEMENT OF TWO TIRES
It is recommended that all four tires are replaced at the same time.
Ho
wever, whenever only two tires are replaced, the new ones should
be put on the rear. The new tires, with deeper tread, may provide
better grip and water evacuation in wet driving conditions.
CUSTOMIZATION OF TIRES, WHEELS, OR SUSPENSION ON
SU
VS AND LIGHT TRUCKS
Due to their size, weight and higher center of gravity, vehicles such as
SU
Vs and light trucks do not
have the same handling characteristics
as automobiles. Because of these differing characteristics, failure to
operate your SUV/truck in a proper and safe manner can increase the
likelihood of vehicle rollover. Modifications to your SUV/truck tire
size, tire type, wheels or suspension can change its handling
characteristics and further increase the likelihood of vehicle rollover.
Whether your SUV/truck has the original equipment configuration
for tires, wheels and suspension or whether any of these items have
been modified, always drive safely, avoid sudden, sharp turns or lane
changes and obey all traffic laws. Failure to do so may result in loss of
vehicle control leading to an accident and serious injury or death.
TIRE ALTERATIONS
Do not make or allow to be made any alterations on your tires.
Al
terations may prevent proper performance, leading to tire damage
which can result in an accident. Tires which become unserviceable due
to alterations such as trueing, whitewall inlays, addition of balancing
or sealant liquids, or the use of tire dressing containing petroleum
distillates are excluded from warranty coverage.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
40
road. If a tire is mounted by error on the wrong-sized rim, do not
remount it on the proper rim — scrap it. It may have been damaged
internally (which is not externally visible) by having been
dangerously stretched and could fail on the highway.
Old valves may leak. When new tubeless tires are mounted, have
ne
w valves of the correct type installed. Tubeless tires must only be
mounted on wheels designed for tubeless tires i.e., wheels which
have safety humps or ledges.
It is recommended that you have your tires and wheels balanced. Tires
an
d wheels which are not balanced may cause steering difficulties, a
bumpy ride, and irregular tire wear.
Be sure that all your valves have suitable valve caps. The valve cap
is
the primary seal against air loss.
SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
IN
CLUDING SPARE TIRES
The following recommendation applies to passenger car and light
tr
uck tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber
compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper
functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over
time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as
weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use including load,
speed, inflation pressure, maintenance etc. to which the tire is
subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies
widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific
tire in advance is not possible.
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance
by
consumers, it is recommended to have passenger car and light
truck tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire
specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for
continued service. Tires which have been in use for five years or more
should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’
vi
sual condition and inflation pressure but also of any change in
dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration,
which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from
service to prevent tire failure.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
41
It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their
calendar age alone. However the older a tire the greater the chance
that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or
other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years,
it
is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the
date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires
as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even
if they have not reached the legal wear limit.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle i.e., acquired by
th
e consumer on a new vehicle, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to
exceed 10 years).
The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of
ea
ch tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation
(DOT) code on the tire which begins with DOT and ends with the
week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with
"2204" indicates a tire made in the 22nd week (May) of 2004.
REMEMBER TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR TIRES AND
PO
SSIBLE ACCIDENT
• INSPECT TIRES AT LEAST MONTHLY, AND IMMEDIATELY
A
FTER STRIKING ANY ROAD HAZARD.
• CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH
W
HEN TIRES ARE COLD AND BEFORE EVERY LONG TRIP.
• NEVER UNDERINFLATE OR OVERINFLATE A TIRE.
•
NEVER OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE AND TIRES.
•
ALWAYS OBEY LEGAL SPEED LIMITS AND DRIVE AT A SPEED
T
HAT IS REASONABLE UNDER THE ROAD AND WEATHER
CONDITIONS.
• AVOID DRIVING OVER POTHOLES, OBSTACLES, CURBS OR
E
DGES OF PAVEMENT.
• AVOID EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.
•
IF YOU SEE ANY DAMAGE TO A TIRE, REPLACE THE TIRE
W
ITH A PROPERLY INFLATED SPARE AND VISIT A QUALI -
FIED TIRE PROFESSIONAL AT ONCE.
• KEEP TIRES AND WHEELS PROPERLY ALIGNED, BALANCED,
A
ND ROTATED.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
44
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
TIRE MAINTENANCE, SAFETY and WARRANTY MANUAL
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PASSENGER and LIGHT TRUCK
TIRES Including RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle comes equipped with quality BRIDGESTONE®
or
FIRESTONE® brand tires.
To ensure optimum tire performance and reduce the risk of a tire
fa
ilure, Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC strongly
recommends you read and follow all maintenance and safety
information contained in this manual. In addition, we recommend
periodic inspection and maintenance, if necessary, by a qualified tire
service professional.
Inflate.
Check your tire pressure monthly.
Rotate.
Rotate your tires as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or
ev
ery 5,000 miles.
Evaluate.
Routinely look for signs of tread wear or damage.
TIRE CARE BASICS
Quick Reference Guide to Maintenance for All Tires, Including the
Sp
are.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
51
TIRE WEAR—VISUAL CHECK
Check for obvious signs of wear.
Place a penny in the tire tread grooves as
shown. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s
h
ead, the tire is worn out and needs to be
replaced.
TIRE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY
IN
FORMATION
Any tire, no matter how well constructed,
ma
y fail in use as a result of punctures,
impact damage, improper inflation,
overloading, or other conditions resulting
from use or misuse. Tire failure may create a risk of property damage,
serious personal injury or death.
To reduce the risk of tire failure, Bridgestone® Firestone® North
A m
erican Tire, LLC strongly recommends you read and follow all
safety information contained in this manual. In addition, we
recommend periodic inspection and maintenance, if necessary, by a
qualified tire service professional.
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure.
Ma
ny tire failures are preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or
irregular wear. If a vibration occurs while driving your vehicle or
you notice a bump, bulge or irregular wear, have your tires and
vehicle evaluated by a qualified tire service professional.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
53
These situations can cause a tire failure, even at a later date, which
could lead to serious personal injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire
information placard and/or Owner’s Manual for the recommended
inflation pressures. In addition to tire damage, improper inflation
pressure may also:
• Adversely affect vehicle ride and handling.
•
Reduce tire tread wear.
•
Affect fuel economy.
T
herefore, follow these important recommendations for tire and
ve
hicle safety, mileage, and economy:
• Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation p
ressure in all your tires, including the spare.
• Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or carrying e
xtra weight.
Your vehicle’s tire information placard and/or Owner’s Manual will
te
ll you the recommended cold inflation pressure for all your tires,
including the spare. Examples of placards are shown in Figures 1 and
2. Your placard may look different and have different tire and loading
information than that shown in either of the figures. You must check
the driver side door edge or door jamb area for the actual placard
that applies to your vehicle. For questions about locating or
understanding the tire information placard, consult your vehicle
Owner’s Manual or ask a qualified tire service professional.
Figure 1: EXAMPLE—Tire And Loading Information Placard
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
54
Figure 2: EXAMPLE—Tire Information Placard
Maximum Pressure Indicated on the Tire Sidewall: This is the
maximum permissible inflation pressure for the tire only. The vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire pressures may be lower than, or the
same as, the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. The
vehicle manufacturer’s specification of tire pressure is limited to your
particular vehicle and takes into account your vehicle’s load, ride, and
handling characteristics, among other criteria. Since there may be
several possible vehicle applications for a given tire size, a vehicle
manufacturer may choose a different inflation pressure specification
for that same size tire on a different vehicle. Therefore, always refer to
the inflation pressure specifications on the vehicle tire information
placard and/or in your vehicle Owner’s Manual.
Different Tire Pressures for the Front and Rear Tires: F
or some
vehicles, the recommended front and rear inflation pressures may be
different (such as in the example shown in Figure 2). Make sure you
take this into account during inflation pressure checks and when
rotating tires.
Pressure Loss: T
ires can lose 1 psi (7 kPa) per month under normal
conditions and can lose 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 10° F (5.6° C)
temperature drop. A puncture, leaking valve, or other damage could
also cause inflation pressure loss. If a tire loses more than 2 psi (14 kPa)
per month, have it checked by a qualified tire service professional.