TIRES
13
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including, but not limited to:
• D riving style.
•
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns
t
o develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
• D istance driven.
•
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and Summer tires typically
h
ave a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle scheduled mainte -
nance is highly recommended.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible.
P r
otect tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics. They should be
inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressures. FCA US LLC strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear
Indicators” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard or the
Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation of your tires. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tires will be found on the original equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety Information” section of this
ma
nual for more information relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just
o n
e 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 equipment dealer with
a n
y 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!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in serious injury or death.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
43
• Never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or front/rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of your vehicle.
• C onsult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for load recommendations and special instruc -
t
ions such as for trailer/towing and snow plow installations.
TIRE DAMAGE, INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE
Evaluation and maintenance of your tires is important to their performance and the
service they provide to you. Over time and/or through use, the condition of a tire can
change from exposure to everyday road conditions, the environment, damaging events
such as punctures, and other external factors.
You should visually inspect your tires on a regular basis throughout their life, and you
sh
ould 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:
• A fter striking anything unusual in the roadway, have a qualified tire service profes -
s
ional demount the tire and inspect it for damage. A tire may not have visible signs of
d a
mage on the tire surface. Yet, the tire may suddenly fail without warning, a day, a
week, or even months later.
• I nspect your tires for cuts, cracks, splits or bruises in the tread and sidewall areas.
B
umps 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.
• I nspect your tires for adequate tread depth. When the tire is worn to the built-in indi -
c
ators at 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) or less tread groove depth, or the tire cord or fabric
i s
exposed, the tire is dangerously worn and must be replaced immediately.
• I nspect your tires for uneven wear. Wear on one side of the tread or flat spots in the
t
read may indicate a problem with the tire or vehicle. Consult a qualified tire service
professional.
• I nspect your wheels also. If you have a bent or cracked wheel, it must be replaced.
•
Don’t forget to check the spare tire.
M
ake sure your tires, including the spare tire, continue to be regularly inspected after 5
y e
ars 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.
WARNING!
Driving on damaged tires is dangerous. A damaged tire can suddenly fail causing
serious personal injury or death. Have your tires regularly inspected by a qualified tire
service professional.
