BFGOODRICH® TIRES
30
REPLACEMENT OF TWO TIRES
It is recommended that all four tires are replaced at the same time. However, whenever
on
ly 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 SUVS AND LIGHT
TRUCKS
Due to their size, weight and higher center of gravity, vehicles such as SUVs 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. Alterations may prevent
p r
oper 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.
REPAIRS - WHEREVER POSSIBLE, SEE YOUR BFGOODRICH® TIRE RETAILER AT ONCE
If any BFGoodrich® tire sustains a puncture, have the tire demounted and thoroughly
i n
spected by any BFGoodrich® tire retailer for possible damage that may have occurred.
A tread area puncture in any BFGoodrich® passenger or light truck tire can be repaired
p r
ovided that the puncture hole is not more than 1/4 of an inch in diameter, not more
than one radial cable per casing ply is damaged, and the tire has not been damaged
further by the puncturing object or by running underinflated. Tire punctures consistent
with these guidelines can be repaired by following the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) recommended repair procedures.
TIRE REPAIRS
Repairs of all tires must be of the combined plug and inside patch type. Plug only repairs
are improper. A tire should be removed from the rim and inspected prior to repair. Any
tire repair done without removing the tire from the rim is improper. An improperly
repaired tire will cause further damage to the tire by either leaking air or allowing air,
moisture and contaminants to enter the structure of the tire. An improperly repaired tire
can fail suddenly at a later date.
Never repair a tire with less than 2/32 of an inch tread remaining. At this tread depth,
t h
e tire is worn out and must be replaced.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
32
FOLLOW THESE MOUNTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Tire changing can be dangerous and must be done by professionally trained persons
us
ing proper tools and procedures as specified by the Rubber Manufacturers
Association (RMA).
Your tires should be mounted on wheels of correct size and type and which are in good,
c le
an condition. Wheels that are bent, chipped, rusted (steel wheels) or corroded (alloy
wheels) may cause tire damage. The inside of the tire must be free from foreign material.
Have your retailer check the wheels before mounting new tires. Mismatched tires and
rims can explode during mounting. Also, mismatched tires and rims can result in
dangerous tire failure on the 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 new valves of the
c o
rrect 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 and wheels which
a r
e 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
a g
ainst air loss.
SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES INCLUDING SPARE
TIRES
The following recommendation applies to passenger car and light truck 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
re
commended 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’ visual condition
an
d 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.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
33
It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age
alone. However the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due
to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected
during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended
t h
at any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare
tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear
serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle i.e., acquired by the consumer on a
n e
w vehicle, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when
specified (but not to exceed 10 years).
The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire.
C o
nsumers should locate the Department of Transportation (DOT) code on the tire which
begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT
code ending with "2204" indicates a tire made in the 22nd week (May) of 2004.
REMEMBER TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR TIRES AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT
• INSPECT TIRES AT LEAST MONTHLY, AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER STRIKING ANY ROAD HAZARD.
• C HECK TIRE PRESSURE AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH WHEN TIRES ARE COLD AND
B
EFORE EVERY LONG TRIP.
• N EVER UNDERINFLATE OR OVERINFLATE A TIRE.
•
NEVER OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE AND TIRES.
•
ALWAYS OBEY LEGAL SPEED LIMITS AND DRIVE AT A SPEED THAT IS REASONABLE
U
NDER THE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS.
• A VOID DRIVING OVER POTHOLES, OBSTACLES, CURBS OR EDGES OF PAVEMENT.
•
AVOID EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.
•
IF YOU SEE ANY DAMAGE TO A TIRE, REPLACE THE TIRE WITH A PROPERLY INFLATED
S
PARE AND VISIT A QUALIFIED TIRE PROFESSIONAL AT ONCE.
• K EEP TIRES AND WHEELS PROPERLY ALIGNED, BALANCED, AND ROTATED.
•
HAVE MOUNTING AND REPAIRS DONE BY A TIRE PROFESSIONAL.
•
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT YOUR BFGOODRICH® RETAILER.
F
AILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS
O W
NER’S MANUAL CAN LEAD TO ERRATIC VEHICLE BEHAVIOR OR TIRE DAMAGE,
POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
35
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
TIRE MAINTENANCE, SAFETY and WARRANTY MANUAL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
PASSENGER and LIGHT TRUCK TIRES (Including RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology)
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle comes equipped with quality BRIDGESTONE® or FIRESTONE® brand
tir
es.
To ensure optimum tire performance and reduce the risk of a tire failure, Bridgestone®
Fi r
estone® North American Tire, LLC strongly recommends you read and follow all
maintenance and safety information contained in this manual. In addition, we
recommend periodic inspection and maintenance, if necessary, by a qualified tire service
professional.
Inflate.
Check your tire pressure monthly.
Rotate.
Rotate your tires as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or ever 5,000 miles.
Evaluate.
Routinely look for signs of tread wear or damage.
TIRE CARE BASICS
Quick Reference Guide to Maintenance for All Tires, Including the Spare.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires can lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) per month under normal conditions.
Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi for every 10°F temperature drop.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
39
TIRE WEAR—VISUAL CHECK
Check for obvious signs of wear. Place a penny in the tire tread grooves as shown. I
f you can see the top of
Lincoln’s head, the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced.
TIRE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in use as a result of punctures, impact
damage, improper inflation, overloading, or other conditions resulting from use or
misuse. Tire failure may create a risk of property damage, serious personal injury or
death.
To reduce the risk of tire failure, Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC
s t
rongly recommends you read and follow all safety information contained in this
manual. In addition, we recommend periodic inspection and maintenance, if necessary,
by a qualified tire service professional.
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure. Many tire failures are
preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or irregular wear. If a vibration occurs while
driving your vehicle or you notice a bump, bulge or irregular wear, have your tires and
vehicle evaluated by a qualified tire service professional.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
41
Your vehicle’s tire information placard and/or Owner’s Manual will tell you the
recommended cold inflation pressure for all your tires, including the spare. Examples of
placards are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Your placard may look different and have
different tire and loading information than that shown in either of the figures. You must
check the driver side door edge or door jamb area for the actual placard that applies to
your vehicle. For questions about locating or understanding the tire information placard,
consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual or ask a qualified tire service professional.
Figure 1: EXAMPLE—Tire And Loading Information Placard
Figure 2: EXAMPLE—Tire Information Placard
Maximum Pressure Indicated on the Tire Sidewall: This is the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for the tire only. The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire
pressures may be lower than, or the same as, the maximum pressure indicated on the
tire sidewall. The vehicle manufacturer’s specification of tire pressure is limited to your
particular vehicle and takes into account your vehicle’s load, ride, and handling
characteristics, among other criteria. Since there may be several possible vehicle
applications for a given tire size, a vehicle manufacturer may choose a different inflation
pressure specification for that same size tire on a different vehicle. Therefore, always
refer to the inflation pressure specifications on the vehicle tire information placard and/
or in your vehicle Owner’s Manual.
Different Tire Pressures for the Front and Rear Tires: F
or some vehicles, the
recommended front and rear inflation pressures may be different (such as in the
example shown in Figure 2). Make sure you take this into account during inflation
pressure checks and when rotating tires.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
42
Pressure Loss: Tires can lose 1 psi (7 kPa) per month under normal conditions and can
lose 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 10° F (5.6° C) temperature drop. A puncture, leaking valve,
or other damage could also cause inflation pressure loss. If a tire loses more than 2 psi
(14 kPa) per month, have it checked by a qualified tire service professional.
TIPS FOR SAFE TIRE INFLATION
• Check your tire pressures, including your spare tire, monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight. Be sure to use an accurate pressure gauge.
• C heck inflation pressure when the tires are “cold.” Tires are considered “cold” when
t
he vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven
less than a mile at moderate speed.
• N ever release pressure from a hot tire in order to reach the recommended cold tire
p
ressure. Normal driving causes tires to run hotter and inflation pressure to increase.
If you reduce inflation pressure when your tires are hot, you may dangerously under -
inflate your tires.
• I f it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when your tires are “hot”, set their pres -
s
ure to 4 psi (28 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. Recheck the
i n
flation pressure when the tires are cold.
• I f your tires lose more than 2 psi (14 kPa) per month, the tire, the valve, or wheel may
b
e damaged. Consult a qualified tire service professional for an inspection.
• U se valve caps to keep the valves clear of debris and to help guard against inflation
p
ressure loss.
TIPS FOR SAFE LOADING
• Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure in all your tires, including the spare. Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or
carrying extra weight.
• N ever exceed the maximum load rating stamped on the sidewall of your tire.
WARNING!
Inflating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If it bursts, it could be hurled into the air with
explosive force resulting in serious personal injury or death. Never inflate a tire unless
it is secured to the vehicle or a tire mounting machine.
WARNING!
Driving your vehicle in an overloaded condition is dangerous. Overloading causes
excessive tire heat build-up and internal structural damage. This can cause a tire
failure, even at a later date, which could lead to serious personal injury or death.
Consult the vehicle tire information placard, certification label, and owner’s manual
for the recommended vehicle load limits and loading recommendations.
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.