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
34
If you see or suspect any damage to your tires or wheels, contact your local BFGoodrich®
tire retailer, or visit our web site listed below for dealer locations. If further assistance is
required, contact:
Correct tire pressure is very important. Proper inflation pressures may be found in the
ve
hicle Owner’s Manual or on the vehicle tire information placard. Check cold tire
pressures at least once each month. For further technical information on BFGoodrich®
tires, consult a participating BFGoodrich® tire retailer. IN USA
IN CANADA
877-788-8899 888-871-6666
or write:
Michelin North America, Inc.
Attention: Consumer Care Department Post Office Box 19001
Greenville, SC 29602-9001 United States or write:
Michelin North America (Canada), Inc.
2500 Daniel-Johnson Blvd., Suite 500 Laval, QuebecH7T 2P6Canada
or visit:
www.bfgoodrichtires.com or visit:
https://www.bfgoodrich.ca/en/home
WARNING!
For safety and good performance, you must take care of your tires. Follow the safety
information and instructions contained in this Owner’s Manual.
Your Vehicle:
Year Make/Model
Your Tire Size:
Tire Purchase Date:
Recommended
P r
essures: Front
Rear
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®
36
Just a look will not do it. One of these tires is actually 10 psi underinflated. Your eyes can
deceive you, so rely on a good tire gauge for an accurate reading.
Look for the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure listed on the sticker usually
lo
cated on the driver side door edge or door jamb area. Example:
This chart shows you how underinflation can create an overload on tires. C
heck your tire
pressure every month to make sure it is up to specification, especially before long trips
or carrying extra weight.
Lower pressure increases heat. I
nfrared photography of tires tested at high speed.
Damaging heat increases as inflation pressure drops.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
37
AIR PRESSURE—MONTHLY CHECK
For accuracy, check your inflation pressure with a tire gauge when tires are cold.
Driving heats up tires and makes the reading incorrect.
1. R emove tire valve cap.
2
. P lace the end of the tire gauge over valve.
3
. P ress the tire gauge straight and firmly until the scale extends.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
40
TIRE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires need proper inflation pressure to operate effectively and perform as intended. Tires
carry the vehicle, passenger, and cargo loads and transmit the braking, acceleration, and
turning forces. The vehicle manufacturer recommends the inflation pressures for the
tires mounted on your vehicle.
These situations can cause a tire failure, even at a later date, which could lead to serious
pe
rsonal injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire information placard and/or Owner’s
Manual for the recommended inflation pressures. In addition to tire damage, improper
inflation pressure may also:
• A dversely affect vehicle ride and handling.
•
Reduce tire tread wear.
•
Affect fuel economy.
T
herefore, follow these important recommendations for tire and vehicle safety, mileage,
a n
d economy:
• Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure in all your
t
ires, including the spare.
• Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight.
WARNING!
It is not often that a properly maintained tire will “blow out” while you are driving. More
commonly, if inflation pressure is lost, it will be gradual. If you do experience a blowout
or sudden tire failure, the following information should be helpful:
• W hen the failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a vibration, and/or the
v
ehicle may pull toward the side of the failed tire.
• D O NOT abruptly brake or turn.
•
Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, hold the steering wheel firmly, and
s
teer to maintain your lane position.
• O nce the vehicle has slowed, apply the brakes gently.
•
Gradually pull over to the shoulder and come to a stop, as far off the road as
p
ossible.
WARNING!
Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.
• U nder-inflation causes excessive tire heat build-up and internal structural damage.
•
Over-inflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut, punctured, or broken by sudden
i
mpact.
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.