MICHELIN®
179
SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
INCLUDING 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 (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.
That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure
m a
intenance 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’ visual 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. 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,
i t
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 the 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.
NEXEN TIRE
184
After the 100% replacement term expires and the tire is still within
72 months from date of manufacture, the amount of credit will be
de
termined by the percentage of original tread depth remaining on
the tire. Under all circumstances, the cost of mounting, balancing and
any other service charges including applicable taxes are required to be
paid by the consumer.
MILEAGE TREAD WEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Most patterns manufactured by NEXEN TIRE are assigned a mileage
wa
rranty that protects the consumer against premature tread wear.
If a tire reaches the end of its “usable tread life” before the stated
mileage warranty, the consumer will be issued a replacement Nexen
tire on a pro rata basis, which means the consumer will be
responsible for a percentage of the replacement cost. In order to
maintain tread wear warranty, all tires must be rotated at least every
5,000-6,000 miles (8,000-10,000 km). Under all circumstances, the cost
of
mounting, balancing and any other service charges including
applicable taxes are required to be paid by the consumer.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY
• Ride complaints after the first 2/32" of tread wear or replacement of
t
hree or more tires from the same vehicle will not be accepted.
• Road hazard damage such as cuts, snags, punctures or tire repair,
b
ruises, impact breaks, etc. Check Road Hazard Replacement
Program for patterns that are covered against this type of damage.
• Premature or irregular wear due to vehicle mechanical deficiencies
o
r failure to rotate the tires at recommended intervals.
• Tires on any vehicle registered and normally operated outside the
U
nited States.
• Damage from incorrect mounting or dismounting of the tire, incor -
r
ect application, water or other material trapped inside the tire
du
ring mounting or failure to balance the tires.
• Damage from over or under inflation, overloading, fire, theft, and
d
efective vehicle mechanical conditions.
• Racing, off road use and misapplications of tire to vehicle.
•
Ozone or weather cracking on tires after 48
months from the date of
ma
nufacture or other abuse, misuse, tire alteration, run flat.
• Any tires worn beyond the wear indicators. Less than 2/32"
r
emaining tread depth.
• Flat spotting caused by improper storage or brake lock.
PIRELLI TIRES
204
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
PIRELLI TIRES
207
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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209
10. Tire Rotation
Pirelli recommends that you follow the tire rotation procedure as
de
fined in your vehicle owner’s manual. If there is no procedure, PTI
recommends tire rotation every 8,000 to 11,000 kilometers to optimize
your tire wear.
11. Tire Repair
Punctures, nail holes or cuts located in the tread area of Pirelli radial
ti
res may be repaired if the diameter does not exceed six mm. The
repair material used must seal the inner liner and fill the injury to be
considered a permanent repair. Tire and Rubber Association of
Canada and industry approved repair methods include a combination
of plug and patch; chemical or hot vulcanizing patches, and head type
plugs, all applied from inside the tire. A self-vulcanizing plug repair
may be used only in conjunction with a patch repair, but not by itself.
Plugs may cause further damage to the tire, they are not always
airtight and the plug may fail. If a tire puncture exceeds six mm or is
located in the shoulder or sidewall deflection areas, the tire must be
replaced. Never resort to tubes (in tubeless tires) or sleeves or large
thick patches, which can upset the balance and may result in a sudden
failure at highway speeds and high operating temperatures.
PIRELLI TIRE DOES NOT ENDORSE:
• T he use of tire sealants in Pirelli tires to repair, even temporarily, a
p
uncture
• The repairing of V, W, Y or Z Speed Rated tires
•
The repairing of Run Flat tires
WARNING!
Driving on an improperly repaired tire is dangerous, as the tire
ca
n suddenly fail, which can lead to an accident and serious
personal injury or death.
PIRELLI TIRES
210
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.
TOYO TIRES® – LIMITED WARRANTY
226
Any retail tire dealer will be glad to measure your tire’s tread depth
for you. Toyo Tires® recommends that tires be replaced in matched
sets of four.
TIRE REPAIRS
If any tire has sustained a puncture, have the tire dismounted and
in
spected internally by an authorized Toyo Tires® dealer for possible
damage that may have occurred. Only specially trained personnel
using the proper tools and procedures should repair tires.
• N ever repair a tire with 2/32” (1.6
mm) or less tread remaining. At
th
is tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced.
• Never repair a tire with a puncture larger than 1/4” (6.4
mm) in diam-
eter. Such tires cannot be properly repaired and must be replaced.
• Repairs of all tires (radial and non-radial) must be of the plug and
i
nside patch type. Using plugs alone on any type of tire is not a safe
repair.
WARNING!
Continued operation of your vehicle with excessively worn tires
ma
y lead to loss of vehicle control in adverse weather conditions,
tire failure, and serious personal injury or death.
WARNING!
• Before having your tire repaired, tell your authorized Toyo Tires
d
ealer if you have used an aerosol puncture sealant to inflate/
seal the tire. Aerosol puncture sealants could contain a highly
flammable, explosive gas.
• Driving on an improperly repaired tire is dangerous. An
i
mproper repair can cause further damage to the tire. It could fail
suddenly, which can result in loss of vehicle control and lead to
serious personal injury or death. To insure safety, go to your
authorized Toyo Tires dealer for professional inspection and
proper tire repairs.
• Cosmetic Tire Alterations Can Be Dangerous! Remember — Do
n
ot perform or allow anyone to perform any alterations to your
tires. Alterations may prevent proper performance, leading to
tire damage, which could result in sudden tire failure and loss of
vehicle control and lead to serious personal injury or death.
TOYO TIRES® – LIMITED WARRANTY
227
• Do not use a rope type plug for repair. A tire must be removed from
the wheel and inspected for interior damage. Any tire repair done
without removing the tire from the wheel is improper and unsafe.
• Never repair a tire with a puncture or other damage outside the
t
read area. Do not repair sidewall damage. Such tires cannot be
properly repaired and must be replaced.