BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
65
• High-speed driving should be left to trained professionals operating
under controlled conditions.
• No tire, regardless of its design or speed rating, has unlimited
c
apacity for speed, and a sudden tire failure can occur if its limits are
exceeded. See “Tire Speed Ratings,” the next section in this manual.
Refer to your vehicle Owner’s Manual for any tire pressure
re
commendations for high speed driving.
TIRE SPEED RATINGS
A tire bearing a letter “speed rating” designation indicates the tire’s
sp
eed capability according to standardized laboratory tests. This
speed rating system is intended to permit comparison of the speed
capabilities of different tires. When replacing your tires, consult your
vehicle Owner’s Manual and tire information placard for
recommendations, if any, concerning the use of speed rated tires.
• To avoid reducing the speed capability of the vehicle, replace a
s
peed rated tire only with another tire having at least the same
speed rating. It is the “top speed” of the “slowest” tire on the vehicle
which limits the vehicle’s top speed without tire failure.
• The tire’s speed rating is void if the tire is repaired, retreaded,
d
amaged, abused, or otherwise altered from its original condition.
Thereafter, it should be treated as a non-speed rated tire.
• Non-speed rated tires are usually for ordinary passenger car or light
t
ruck service and not for high speed driving.
• For winter tires used in cold weather conditions, it is generally
a
cceptable to apply a tire with a lower speed rating than your orig -
inal tires; however, speed should be reduced accordingly. All winter
ti
res should be the same speed rating. Some vehicles have specific
recommendations regarding winter tire use; consult your vehicle
Owner’s Manual and tire information placard. See “Winter Tires” in
this manual.
These speed ratings are based on standardized laboratory tests under
sp
ecific, controlled conditions. While these tests may relate to
performance on the road, real-world driving is rarely identical to any
test conditions. Your tire’s actual speed capability may be less than its
rated speed since it is affected by factors such as inflation pressure,
load, tire condition (including damage), wear, vehicle condition
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
66
(including alignment), driving conditions, and duration at which the
speed is sustained. Use the following chart to compare the speed
ratings of tires.
The tire’s speed rating designation appears on the tire sidewall with
t h
e tire size. Examples:
* In standardized laboratory tests that relate to highway speeds.
Ac
tual tire speed and performance capability depend on factors such
as inflation pressure, load, tire condition, wear, and driving
conditions.
** Any tire having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph
(2
40 km/h) may, at the tire manufacturer’s discretion, include a “Z” in
th
e size designation (i.e. P275/40ZR17).
*** For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186 mph
(3
00 km/h), a “Z” must appear in the size designation and a “Y”
ma
rked in brackets (as shown) in the service description.
**** Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed capability.
Speed
Symbol Speed Category*
mph km/h
M 81130
Q 99160
R 106 170
S 112 180
T 118 190
U 124 200
H 130 210
V 149 240
Z** >149 >240
W 168 270
Y 186 300
(Y)** >186
P275/40ZR17 max > 149 mph (240 km/h)****
P275/40R17 93Wmax = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93Wmax = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93Ymax = 186 mph (300 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93(Y)max > 186 mph (300 km/h)****
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67
TIRE SPINNING
RADIAL TIRE ROTATION
The purpose of tire rotation is to minimize irregular or uneven wear
c a
used by maintaining a tire in one rotation direction and one position
over an extended period. Rotate tires as recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer or every 5,000 miles. Individual tire pressures must be
ch
ecked after rotation and adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendation for the tire’s new location on the vehicle. Vehicle
alignment should be checked if irregular wear is evident.
For vehicles with a “temporary use” spare tire, follow the vehicle
ma
nufacturer’s recommended pattern for rotation, or, if not provided,
the following may be used:
WARNING!
Spinning a tire to remove a vehicle stuck in mud, ice, snow, or wet
gr
ass can be dangerous. A tire spinning at a speedometer reading
above 35 mph (55 km/h) can in a matter of seconds reach a speed
ca
pable of disintegrating a tire with explosive force. Under some
conditions, a tire may be spinning at a speed twice that shown on
the speedometer. This could cause serious personal injury or
death to a bystander or passenger. Never spin a tire above a
speedometer reading of 35 mph (55 km/h).
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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.
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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.
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71
RFT TIRES WITH RUN-FLAT TECHNOLOGY
If your vehicle is equipped with
Bridgestone® or Firestone® brand
RF
T tires, this chapter presents
specific maintenance and safety issues
associated with these tires that are in addition to those covered
elsewhere in this manual.
What is RFT? Run-Flat Technology tires are extraordinary tires that
ut
ilize specially designed components to temporarily support your
vehicle in the event of inflation pressure loss, such as from a
puncture. This gives you the ability to drive to a convenient and safe
location to change your tire (if equipped with a spare) or have it
inspected for possible repair or replacement.
Naturally, certain run-flat and low pressure operating limitations
ap
ply, which varies according to the specific self-supporting tire
design. Like all tires, during normal operation, they must be properly
inflated and maintained. Regardless of the design or quality, no tire is
indestructible.
RFT — How to Identify: B
ridgestone® and Firestone® brand tires are
marked on the sidewalls, near the wheel, with the RFT logo (shown
above).
RFT INFLATION PRESSURE
Like other tires, RFT tires need proper inflation pressure maintenance
fo
r safe operation and to achieve the maximum tire life and
performance. Check inflation pressures monthly and before long trips
or carrying extra weight. Use an accurate tire gauge and check
pressures when the tires are cold. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendation for inflation pressure settings as indicated on the
vehicle tire information placard and/or in the vehicle Owner’s
Manual. Do not forget the spare, if applicable. See “Tire Inflation
Pressure” in this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
A functioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) must be used
wi
th your Run Flat tires. These tires ride so well even without inflation
pressure, the TPMS may be necessary to alert you of an inflation
pressure loss condition. When alerted, follow the instructions in your
vehicle Owner’s Manual and see “Run-Flat or Low Tire Pressure
Operation,” the following section in this manual.
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72
The vehicle or TPMS manufacturer may advise checking the TPMS
regularly to confirm it is in working order. In addition, a new pressure
sensor, certain components, or reprogramming may be necessary
when a tire is serviced. Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual, vehicle
manufacturer, or a Bridgestone® Firestone® Run-Flat Certified
Retailer for questions regarding TPMS operation and service.
RUN-FLAT OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE OPERATION
General Instructions
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) required in your vehicle
m a
y have different methods of alerting you when your tire has lost
inflation pressure. The international standard for the definition of
run-flat operation is pressure at or below 10 psi (70 kPa); however,
some vehicle manufacturers may have established a different pressure
limit. Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for the details of your
TPMS. Once the TPMS has indicated that a tire has reduced inflation
pressure, the run-flat mode of operation has commenced. During this
phase of operation, please follow these instructions:
• Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably possible; do not
e
xceed 50 mph (80 km/h).The greater the speed, the less distance
t
he tire can travel.
• Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or cornering
m
aneuvers as much as safely and reasonably possible. Pot holes
and other road hazards should be avoided. Careful driving limits
potential damage to the tire, wheel, and vehicle.
• Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire service as soon
a
s possible. Take note of your mileage; your operation distance is
limited. See "Distance — How Far You Can Drive,” the next section
in this manual.
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure or
ac
cident due to improper run-flat or low tire pressure operation.
Read and follow the instructions below, and the other
maintenance and safety recommendations elsewhere in this
manual.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
73
•If an unusual vibration or vehicle handling difficulty arises, stop
driving as soon as safely and reasonably possible. The tire may be
about to suddenly fail. Release the accelerator and gradually reduce
speed. The tire will need to be replaced before proceeding.
• If towing a trailer, stop driving as soon as safely and reasonably
p
ossible. In this condition, it is potentially dangerous to operate a
vehicle/trailer combination. If possible, disconnect the trailer and
proceed as noted above. Do not continue to tow any trailer until
proper tire service or replacement has been performed.
• Do not touch a tire recently run-low or run-flat (it may be very
h
ot). Allow the tire to cool before handling.
DISTANCE — HOW FAR YOU CAN DRIVE
Factors affecting run-flat or low tire pressure operating distance
in
clude vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation
pressure loss; the extent of any tire damage; and ambient temperature.
The tire may be marked on the sidewall with run-flat or low tire
pr
essure operating speed and/or distance limitations, which vary by
tire design and vehicle application (consult your vehicle owner’s
manual). By international standard, RFT tires have a baseline
limitation in run-flat mode of the following:
NOTE:
• Maximum distance values are determined under controlled condi -
tions, which may vary in actual use.
• Your mileage capability may be less, or more, depending on your
s
pecific operating conditions.
• If in doubt, do not exceed the 50
mile (80 km) limitation.
• Seek tire service as soon as possible to minimize tire damage.
Maximum Speed: 50 mph (80 km/h)
Maximum Distance: 50 miles (80 km)