Page 4 of 262

TIRES
3
• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on US design stan -
dards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires is the same as for
P-
Metric tires except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the
sidewall preceding the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emergency use
o
nly. Temporary high pressure compact spare tires have the letter
“T” or “S” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
• High flotation tire sizing is based on US design standards and it
b
egins with the tire diameter molded into the sidewall. Example:
31x10.5 R15 LT.
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C,
T1
45/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
"....blank...." =
Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light Truck tire based on US design standards, or
T
or S = Temporary spare tire or
3
1 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
2
15, 235, 145 =
Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
•
Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
1
0.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R
= Construction code
• "R" means radial construction, or
•
"D" means diagonal or bias construction
1
5, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
S
ervice Description:
95 = Load Index
•
A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H
= Speed Symbol
• A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corre -
s
ponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
• The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved
u
nder specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road condi -
tions, and posted speed limits)
Page 64 of 262

BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
63
HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW ASPECT RATIO TIRES
Many new vehicles come equipped from the factory with high
pe
rformance and/or low aspect ratio tires. Generally, these tires
provide increased vehicle handling capability, but may also have
numerous engineering performance trade-offs associated with their
designs.
• Low aspect ratio tires, with reduced sidewall height, may be more
s
usceptible to damage from potholes, road hazards, and other
objects such as curbs. This is true for the wheels as well. Therefore,
as with all other tires, it is important to drive with care and maintain
proper inflation pressure and load conditions. See “Tire Inflation
Pressure” and “Tire Damage, Inspection and Service Life” in this
manual.
• Some sports cars and other handling performance enhanced vehi -
c
les, including sedans and light trucks/SUVs, may be originally
eq
uipped with high performance tires that are more optimized for
warmer weather use. Colder, winter weather traction may be
reduced for these types of tires. Winter tires may be recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer for colder weather application. See
“Winter Tires,” the next section in this manual.
• High performance tires may also wear more quickly, ride more
f
irmly, and produce more noise during operation.
Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual and tire information placard, or
a
qualified tire service professional, for more information and
specifics regarding these types of tires.
WINTER TIRES
In Winter driving conditions, vehicle control and safe operation under
b r
aking and cornering is especially dependent upon the rear tires. For
this reason, Winter tires are best applied to all wheel positions. Some
WARNING!
Winter driving presents special challenges for vehicle mobility.
Th
e use of winter tires (including studs and chains)—while
improving traction performance in snow and ice—requires special
care with regard to acceleration, braking, cornering, and speed. It
is important to drive with care, not only on snow and ice, but on
dry and wet roads as well.
Page 100 of 262

FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
99
TIRE SPEED RATINGS
Falken recommends replacing your tire(s) with the same speed rating
as
the original tires equipped on your vehicle.
It is okay to use a lower speed rated tire when using Winter tires.
Ho
wever, speeds should be reduced to match the tires new
“maximum” speed capability.
Any tire that is repaired, damaged, abused, altered from its original
st
ate or retreaded voids the speed rating on that particular tire and
should be considered a non-speed rated tire.
HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW ASPECT RATIO TIRES
Various new vehicles come equipped with high performance and/or
lo
w aspect ratio tires from the factory. These tires generally provide
increased vehicle handling characteristics, but may also have
engineering performance trade-offs related with their designs. Low
aspect ratio tires have reduced sidewall heights and may be more
vulnerable to damage from road hazards, potholes, and other objects,
like curbs. Your vehicle’s wheels are susceptible to these same dangers
as well. Some vehicles may be originally equipped with high
performance tires that are designed for warmer weather use reducing
traction in colder, winter weather conditions. High performance tires
also pose the possibility of wearing more quickly, giving a stiffer ride,
and producing louder noise than standard all-season tires during
operation. Refer to your vehicle Owner’s Manual, tire information
placard, or qualified tire service professional for more information
about these kinds of tires.
WINTER TIRES
Falken recommends all four tires be replaced when replacing your
o r
iginal equipment tires and installing winter tires for the winter months.
WARNING!
Falken does not recommend the use of mixing different speed
ra
tings on a vehicle. This can cause poor handling and
unpredictable steering.
WARNING!
Never use just two winter tires. It could lead to adverse handling,
lo
ss of control, which could cause serious injury or death.