BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
68
If your spare is the same size, load rating, and type of tire as your road
tires, it should be included in the tire rotation process. For vehicles
with a “full-size” spare, the following rotation patterns may be used:
NOTE:
• Never include a “temporary use” spare tire in the rotation.
• Tires with directional tread patterns must be rotated so the direction
o
f revolution does not change; this may require demounting/
mounting the tires.
• Special attention should be given if your vehicle is equipped with a
T
ire 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
r
ear which would restrict rotation. Always check and follow the
vehicle manufacturer’s rotation recommendation.
• To use a full-size spare in the rotation pattern on vehicles with dual
r
ear wheels, consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for the recom -
mended procedures or consult the vehicle manufacturer.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
69
YOUR SPARE TIRE
Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for proper application of your
sp
are 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.
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare when
n e
eded. The spare tire carrier is not intended to be used for long term
storage, except for “temporary use” tires. If your spare is the same
size, load rating, and type of tire as your road tires, it should be
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
pr
essure 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.
TIRE STORAGE
Tires should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place where water cannot
co
llect 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.
WARNING!
Check inflation pressure before use. Failure to have proper
in
flation pressure when using your spare tire can result in serious
personal injury or death. See Tire Inflation Pressure in this
manual.
WARNING!
Mounting a “temporary use” tire on a wheel which is not
sp
ecifically 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.
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)
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
98
TIRE REPAIRS
In the event that you get a flat tire while driving, it is best to find a
ne
arby, safe place to stop and install your spare tire or call a tow truck.
The less distance that you drive on your low or flat tire, the better
chances your tire has of being repairable. Once you are able to get to
your local servicing tire dealer, have them dismount the tire from the
rim and thoroughly inspect the inside of the tire. It is important to
know the difference between a proper tire repair and an improper one
because it can be critical to you and your vehicle’s safety. An improper
repair could pose a safety threat to you and your family and could also
affect your tire’s manufacturer warranty. Here are some tips in
determining if your damaged tire can be properly repaired or not:
• A lways have the tire removed from the wheel and inspected before
a
ny repair is performed.
• Tires with less than 1.6
mm (2/32 of an inch) of tread should NOT
be
repaired.
• Never repair a tire with a puncture larger than 6
mm (1/4 of an
in
ch).
• Repairs should be limited to the tread area only.
•
Repairs cannot overlap one another.
•
A plug and patch or plug/patch combo should be used to effectively
r
epair a tire puncture.
• If anything seems questionable at any time during the repair
p
rocess, ask your service advisor for more details and/or call the
tire manufacturer to make sure the tire’s warranty is not being
voided.
TIRE MIX USAGE
WARNING!
Never mix tires of different size or construction and/or type on
an
y axle. (Except for temporary use as a spare tire.) Always refer to
the vehicle’s owner manual for proper tire fitments.
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
128
THE CONVENIENCE (TEMPORARY) SPARE
The Convenience (Temporary) Spare is designed, built and tested to
th
e high engineering standards set by North America’s leading car
manufacturers and to Goodyear’s own high standards of quality
control. It is designed to take up a minimum of storage space and, at
the same time, fulfill the function of a spare tire when needed. The
spare is kept in its storage space, fully inflated at 60 psi. To be sure it
is always ready for use, the air pressure should be checked on a
regular basis.
The Convenience (Temporary) Spare can be used in combination with
th
e original tires on your vehicle. You can expect a tire tread life of up
to 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers), depending on road conditions and
yo
ur driving habits. To conserve tire tread life, return the spare to the
storage area as soon as it is convenient to have the standard tire
repaired or replaced.
The Convenience (Temporary) Spare weighs less than a standard tire
so
it’s easier to handle. It also helps reduce the total car weight, which
contributes to fuel economy. The wheels used with the Convenience
(Temporary) Spare are specifically designed for use with high
pressure spares and should never be used with any other type tire.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOUNT YOUR OWN TIRES
Serious injury or death may result from explosion of tire/rim
as
sembly due to improper mounting procedures. Follow tire
manufacturer’s instructions and match tire diameter to rim diameter.
Mount light truck radials on rims approved for radial service. Do not
apply bead sealer. This can inhibit bead seating. Lubricate beads and
tire rim (including tube or flap) contact surfaces. Lock assembly on
mounting machine or place in safety cage. STAND BACK and never
exceed 40 psi to seat beads. Never use a volatile substance or a rubber
“donut” (also known as a bead expander or “O-Ring”) to aid bead
seating. Only specially trained persons should mount tires.
DO NOT MIX TIRES OF DIFFERENT SIZES AND TYPES ON THE
SA
ME AXLE
For optimum handling and control, Goodyear® recommends fitment
of
four tires of the same type and size unless otherwise specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
130
FOLLOW THESE ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
When installing only two tires, fit the tires with the deepest tread
de
pth on the rear axle. If radials and non-radials must be fitted to the
same vehicle, fit radials on rear axle. Never mix radials and
non-radials on the same axle. When fitting winter tires or all-season
tires to performance vehicles, always fit in sets of four. It is not
recommended to fit tires with different speed ratings. If tires with
different speed ratings are installed on a vehicle, they should be
installed with like pairs on the same axle.
The speed capability of the vehicle will become limited to that of the
lo
west speed rated tires.
Use of lift kits with some vehicle/tire combinations can cause
in
stability. When changing tire sizes, always consult dealer for
optimum rim width and carefully check vehicle/tire clearances.
RETREADED TIRES
Retreaded passenger and light truck tires are not warranted by
Goodyear® for any reason. Speed ratings and US Department of
Transportation (DOT) test compliance certifications are voided for
retreaded tires.
DO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SUSPENSION, WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND
BA
LANCE AND ROTATE YOUR TIRES
Lack of rotation, worn suspension parts, underinflation/ overinflation,
whe
el imbalance and misalignment can cause vibration or irregular tire
wear. Rotate your tires according to your vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations or at maximum intervals of 6,000 miles / 10,000 km.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE “BE TIRE
SM
ART/ PLAY YOUR PART BROCHURE” PUBLISHED BY THE
RUBBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (RMA). A COPY
OF THIS BROCHURE CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE RMA
WEBSITE:
www.ustires.org/publications
.
CAUTION!
Never substitute a “Standard Load” (SL) tire for an Extra Load
( X
L) or Reinforced tire. If the vehicle was originally equipped
with “Extra Load” (XL) or Reinforced tires, replace those tires with
similar-sized Extra Load (XL) or Reinforced tires.