TIRES
16
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a
pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s
handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s
specifications match those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire dealer or original
eq
uipment dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires
may adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed rating other
t
han that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of unap -
proved tires and wheels may change suspension dimensions and
pe
rformance characteristics, resulting in changes to steering,
handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict -
able handling and stress to steering and suspension compo -
nents. You could lose control and have a collision resulting in
se
rious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with
load ratings approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity, other than
w
hat was originally equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with
a smaller load index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have a collision.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having adequate speed
c
apability can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle
control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may result in
fa
lse speedometer and odometer readings.
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.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
57
You should visually inspect your tires on a regular basis throughout
their life, and you should have your tires periodically evaluated by a
qualified tire service professional when your vehicle is serviced such
as routine maintenance intervals, oil changes, and tire rotations. In
particular, note the following tips for spotting tire damage:
• After striking anything unusual in the roadway, have a qualified tire
s
ervice professional demount the tire and inspect it for damage. A
tire may not have visible signs of damage on the tire surface. Yet, the
tire may suddenly fail without warning, a day, a week, or even
months later.
• Inspect your tires for cuts, cracks, splits or bruises in the tread and
s
idewall areas. Bumps or bulges may indicate a separation within
the tire body. Have your tire inspected by a qualified tire service
professional. It may be necessary to have it removed from the wheel
for a complete inspection.
• Inspect your tires for adequate tread depth. When the tire is worn to
t
he built-in indicators at 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or less tread groove
de
pth, or the tire cord or fabric is exposed, the tire is dangerously
worn and must be replaced immediately.
• Inspect your tires for uneven wear. Wear on one side of the tread or
f
lat spots in the tread may indicate a problem with the tire or vehicle.
Consult a qualified tire service professional.
• Inspect your wheels also. If you have a bent or cracked wheel, it
m
ust be replaced.
• Don’t forget to check the spare tire.
M
ake sure your tires, including the spare tire, continue to be regularly
in
spected after 5 years of service to determine if they can continue in
service. Even when your tires appear to be usable from their external
appearance or the tread depth may have not reached the minimum
wear out depth, it is recommended that all tires (including spare tires
and “temporary use” spares) more than 10 years old be replaced with
new tires.
The 10 year period after the date of production is not an indicator of
ac
tual service life for any individual tire. Some tires will need to be
replaced before 10 years due to conditions such as punctures, impact
damage, improper inflation, overloading, tread wear or other
conditions involving use or misuse of the tire. If a tire is worn out or
otherwise unserviceable from damage or conditions of use, it should
be replaced regardless of when it was produced or placed in service.
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®
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.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
122
replacement, the difference in price will be at an additional charge to
you. Any replacement tire provided pursuant to this warranty will be
covered by the warranty in effect at the time of replacement.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
A tire has delivered its full original tread life and the coverage of this
li
mited warranty ends when the tread wear indicators become visible
(worn to 2/32") or six years from the date of new tire purchase,
whichever occurs first. Without proof of purchase the date of
manufacture will be used to determine eligibility.
LIMITATIONS
This limited warranty is applicable only in the United States and
Ca
nada.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY?
This limited warranty does not cover the following:
• Tires submitted for ride disturbance complaints that are worn
b
eyond the first 2/32 nds of an inch (2/32") tread depth or tires
submitted for ride disturbance due to damaged wheels or any
vehicle condition.
• Goodyear® does not warrant or give credit in any adjustment trans- a
ction for any kind of material added to a tire (e.g., tire fillers, seal -
ants, balancing substances) after the tire leaves a factory producing
Go
odyear® or Dunlop® tires, nor will it adjust any tire that has
failed as a result of adding such material.
• Irregular wear or damage due to mechanical condition of the
v
ehicle, improper inflation, overloading, high speed spin-up,
misapplication, misuse, negligence, racing, use of tire chains,
improper mounting or demounting, improper repair, wreck, colli -
sion or fire.
• Road hazards (includes, but is not limited to, punctures, cuts, snags,
i
mpact breaks, etc.).
• Any tire that, after leaving a factory producing Goodyear® or
D
unlop® tires, has been intentionally altered to change its appear -
ance (e.g., white inlay on a black tire or regrooved).
• Tires with weather-cracking that were purchased more than four
y
ears prior to presentation for adjustment or, if purchase date
cannot be verified, manufactured more than four years prior to
presentation for adjustment.
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.