BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
76
REFERENCE INFORMATION
TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
A lot can be learned by reading the tire’s sidewall. The following figures
sh
ow typical information on the sidewall of passenger (Figure 3) and
light truck tires (Figure 4):
Tire Size, Load Range, Load Index, and Speed Symbol:
Example Tire SizeLoad IndexSpeed Symbol Load Range
Figure 3 P215/65R15 95H-
Figure 4 LT235/85R16 114/111 QD
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®
78
Ply Composition and Materials: The actual number of plies in the
sidewall and tread area and the generic name(s) of their cord
material(s) are marked on at least one sidewall. For example:
• TREAD 2 PLY POLYESTER + 2 STEEL
•
SIDEWALL 2 PLY POLYESTER
R
adial: Radial ply tires will have the word "radial" on at least one
s
idewall. An “R” in the tire size designation also indicates radial ply
construction.
Tubeless or Tube Type: T
ires are marked as either “tubeless” or “tube
type,” whichever is applicable, on at least one sidewall.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (“UTQG”) standards are intended
to
assist you in making an informed choice in your purchase of
passenger car tires by providing information indicating relative
performance of these tires in the areas of tread wear, wet braking
traction (straight-ahead), and temperature resistance. All passenger
car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
th
e tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variation in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
gr
ades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
NOTE:
The traction grade assigned to a tire is based on straight-ahead
br
aking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
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.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
103
3. OWNER’S OBLIGATIONS
At least monthly, the vehicle owner(s) should check the tires’ air
pr
essure with a gauge and inflate to the recommended cold air
pressure level listed on the driver door placard. Do not rely on car
servicers to perform the checks. The tires should be rotated at least
every 8,000km (5,000 miles) or earlier if uneven wear is occurring,
an
d proof of maintenance records should be kept. The owner(s)
should have the tires rebalanced if vibration is experienced, and the
vehicle’s alignment should be checked if uneven or rapid wear is
occurring, or when suggested by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
All warranty claims must be presented to an authorized Falken
de
aler or participating car dealership. The owner(s) must present
any supporting maintenance records and documentation neces -
sary to help determine if the tire(s) in question are deemed covered
by
the limited warranty or not.
4. LEGAL RIGHTS A
ll implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability
an
d fitness for a particular purpose shall be limited in duration to
the above period. To the extent permitted by law, Falken Tire Cor -
poration shall not be responsible for incidental or consequential
da
mages, such as loss of use of the tire or the vehicle on which it is
used, inconvenience, or commercial loss, some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which
vary from state to state. This is the only express warranty applica -
ble to Falken brand tires and supersedes the terms of any previous
wa
rranty. Falken neither assumes nor authorizes anyone to make
or assume for it any other warranty.
C) UNDERSTANDING YOUR TIRES
TIRE SPEED SYMBOLS
Tires that are speed-rated are identified by the following letter
sy
mbols: Q, S, T, U, H, V, W, Y, (Y), or (ZR). The Speed Rating’s
Symbol can be found as a part of the tire size designation (ex: 215/
65HR16) or after the load index immediately following the tire size
designation (ex: 215/65R16 97H). The Speed Rating’s Symbol
indicates the maximum speed that a tire can handle when properly
inflated and loaded.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
104
NOTE:
** For tires with speed symbols W and Y, ZR may or may not also
ap
pear within the size designation. For tires with a maximum speed
above 186 mph a ZR must appear in the size designation.
DATE OF TIRE MANUFACTURE
The date that a tire was manufactured can be determined by
ex
amining the last four digits of the 12 digit DOT serial code, which is
found on at least one sidewall of a tire. For tires that were produced
after the year 2000, the last four digits of the serial code will identify
the week and the year that the tire was manufactured. If the last four
digits in the DOT serial code were to read “3013” it would mean that
the tire was manufactured the 30th week of 2013. If you are uncertain,
check with a qualified tire service professional to be sure.
Speed Symbol Maximum Speed (KMH) Maximum Speed (MPH)
Q 160 99
S 180 112
T 190 118
U 200 124
H 210 130
V 240 149
W 270 168
Y 300 186
(Y) Above 300 Above 186
ZR** Above 240 Above 149
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
105
DOT Symbol And DOT Serial Code
The “DOT” symbol claims that the tire conforms to all applicable US
De
partment of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards for tires.
The identification/serial number follows the “DOT” symbol. Here is
an example of a DOT serial code:
TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
(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)