TIRES
11
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance resulting in
hi
gher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal wear
pa
tterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire
replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Overinflation
pr
oduces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver side
B-
pillar or rear edge of the driver side door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality pocket-type
p
ressure gauge. Do not make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly inflated even when they
are under-inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
I
nflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire
in
flation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three
ho
urs. The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor
te
mperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of
ai
r temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire
pressure inside a garage, especially in the Winter. CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always reinstall the
va
lve stem cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering
the valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
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
126
Furthermore, when operating a vehicle equipped with radial tires, it
is difficult to notice when a tire has gone flat or nearly flat since the
“feel” of the vehicle does not change significantly.
*Evidence of air loss or repeated underinflation always requires
ex
pert inspection to determine the source of leakage and tire
removal to determine repairability. To avoid injury, NEVER attempt
to reinflate a tire that has been run severely underinflated. Progressive
air loss may result from punctures, cuts, curbing, impacts or partial
bead unseating. Some fitment causes for air loss are (1) incomplete
bead seating, (2) bead tearing caused by a machine tool due to
insufficient lubrication or improper adjustment. Leaking valve core or
rubber valve components should be replaced when problems are
detected and whenever tires are replaced.
Always maintain inflation pressure at the level recommended by
t h
e vehicle manufacturer as shown on the vehicle placard, vehicle
certification label or in the vehicle Owner’s Manual:
Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in
se
vere cracking, component separation or “blowout.” It reduces tire
load capacity, allows excessive sidewall flexing and increases rolling
resistance, resulting in heat and mechanical damage. Maintaining
proper inflation pressure is the single most important thing you can
do to promote tire durability and maximize tread life.
Over inflation increases stiffness, which may deteriorate ride and
ge
nerate unwanted vibration. Over inflation also increases the
chances of impact damage.
DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE
Check your vehicle Owner’s Manual to determine the load limits.
Ov
erloading your vehicle places stress on your tires and other critical
vehicle components. Overloading a vehicle can cause poor handling
or increased fuel consumption and may cause tire failure.
Overloading your tires can result in severe cracking, component
separation or “blowout.”
Never fit your vehicle with new tires that have less load capacity than
sh
own on the vehicle tire placard and remember that optimum rim
width is important for proper tire load distribution and function. The
maximum load capacity stamped on the sidewalls of P-Metric &
European Metric tires is reduced by 10% when used on a light truck,
utility vehicle or trailer. Never fit P-Metric or European Metric tires to
light trucks that specify LT-type replacement tires.
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.