BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
53
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare when needed. The spare
tire carrier is not intended to be used for long term storage, except for “temporary use”
tires. If your spare is the same size, load rating, and type of tire as your road tires, it
should be included in the tire rotation process; see “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual
for more information.
The spare should be included in regular tire inspections and inflation pressure checks.
In
addition, it should be replaced 10 years after date of manufacture, regardless of
condition or tread depth. For more information, see the “Tire Damage, Inspection and
Service Life” in this manual.
TIRE STORAGE
Tires should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place where water cannot collect inside
them. Tires should be placed away from electric generators/motors and sources of heat
such as hot pipes. Storage surfaces should be clean and free of grease, gasoline or other
substances which can deteriorate the rubber.
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare when needed. The spare
t i
re carrier is not intended to be used for long term storage, except for “temporary use”
tires. For more information, see “Your Spare Tire” and “Radial Tire Rotation” in this
manual.
TIRE SERVICE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Normal tire maintenance and Limited Warranty services are available at locations across
the US and Canada. For more information, visit us on the internet at
www.bridgestonetire.com , or please call the Technical Service Department:
US: 8 00-356-4644 or Canada: 800-267-1318.
A
dditional information on the care and service of automobile and light truck tires is
a v
ailable from the following organizations:
U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association 1400 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005-2403
https://www.ustires.org/
Rubber Association of Canada 2000 Argentia Road, Plaza 4, Suite 250 Mississauga,
O n
tario L5N 1W1 https://www.tracanada.ca/
WARNING!
Mounting a “temporary use” tire on a wheel which is not specifically designed for it, or
placing another type tire on a wheel designated for temporary use, can be dangerous.
Your vehicle’s handling characteristics can be seriously affected. You could have an
accident resulting in serious personal injury or death. Consult your vehicle owner’s
manual for proper application of your “temporary use” spare tire.
WARNING!
Improper storage can damage your tires in ways that may not be visible and can lead
to a failure resulting in serious personal injury or death.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
55
The vehicle or TPMS manufacturer may advise checking the TPMS regularly to confirm it
is in working order. In addition, a new pressure sensor, certain components, or
reprogramming may be necessary when a tire is serviced. Consult your vehicle Owner’s
Manual, vehicle manufacturer, or a Bridgestone® Firestone® Run-Flat Certified Retailer
for questions regarding TPMS operation and service.
RUN-FLAT OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE OPERATION
General Instructions
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) required in your vehicle may have different
m e
thods of alerting you when your tire has lost inflation pressure. The international
standard for the definition of run-flat operation is pressure at or below 10 psi (70 kPa);
however, some vehicle manufacturers may have established a different pressure limit.
Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for the details of your TPMS. Once the TPMS has
indicated that a tire has reduced inflation pressure, the run-flat mode of operation has
commenced. During this phase of operation, please follow these instructions:
• Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably possible; do not exceed 50 m
ph
(8
0 km/h). The greater the speed, the less distance the tire can travel.
• Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or cornering maneuvers as much as
s
afely and reasonably possible. Pot holes and other road hazards should be avoided.
Careful driving limits potential damage to the tire, wheel, and vehicle.
• Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire service as soon as possible.
Take
note of your mileage; your operation distance is limited. See "Distance—How Far You
Can Drive,” the next section in this manual.
• If an unusual vibration or vehicle handling difficulty arises, stop driving as soon as
s
afely and reasonably possible. The tire may be about to suddenly fail. Release the
accelerator and gradually reduce speed. The tire will need to be replaced before
proceeding.
• If towing a trailer, stop driving as soon as safely and reasonably possible. In this condi -
t
ion, it is potentially dangerous to operate a vehicle/trailer combination. I
f possible,
disconnect the trailer and proceed as noted above. Do not continue to tow any trailer
until proper tire service or replacement has been performed.
• Do not touch a tire recently run-low or run-flat (it may be very hot).
Allow the tire to cool
before handling.
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure or accident due to
improper run-flat or low tire pressure operation. Read and follow the instructions
below, and the other maintenance and safety recommendations elsewhere in this
manual.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
56
DISTANCE—HOW FAR YOU CAN DRIVE
Factors affecting run-flat or low tire pressure operating distance include vehicle speed,
load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation pressure loss; the extent of any tire
damage; and ambient temperature.
The tire may be marked on the sidewall with run-flat or low tire pressure operating speed
an
d/or distance limitations, which vary by tire design and vehicle application (consult
your vehicle owner’s manual). By international standard, RFT tires have a baseline
limitation in run-flat mode of the following:
NOTE:
• M aximum distance values are determined under controlled conditions, which may
v
ary in actual use.
• Y our mileage capability may be less, or more, depending on your specific operating
c
onditions.
• I f in doubt, do not exceed the 50
mile (80 km) limitation.
• S eek tire service as soon as possible to minimize tire damage.
SPECIAL SERVICE AND REPAIR ISSUES
Run-Flat Certified Retailers
Because of the advanced technology and design of Run-Flat tires and the required Tire
Pr
essure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), Bridgestone® Firestone® Run-Flat Certified
Retailers are specially trained to sell and service RFT tires.
Run-Flat Certified Retailers have the necessary equipment and are specially trained to
p r
operly mount and demount RFT tires and to handle TPMS devices. Conventional
mounting equipment may irreparably damage RFT tires and an improper repair is unsafe
and will void the Limited Warranty. Accordingly, it is important to go to a Bridgestone®
Firestone® Run-Flat Certified Retailer for tire maintenance and replacement.
Call toll-free 1-877-BFS-4RFT or, 87
7-237-4738 or visit www.bridgestonetire.com to
locate the nearest Bridgestone® Firestone® Run-Flat Certified Retailer.
Inspection after Run-Flat or Low Pressure Operation
Following run-flat or low tire pressure operation, or in the event of any other tire damage
or
unusual condition, it is very important to obtain a proper and complete tire evaluation
as soon as possible.
Rotation
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, or rotate every 5,000 miles per the
r e
commendations in this manual (see “Radial Tire Rotation”). In some cases, TPMS
devices require reprogramming with each tire rotation. Maximum Speed:
50 mph (80 km/h)
Maximum Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
59
DOT Symbol and Tire Identification Number: The “DOT” symbol constitutes a certification
that the tire conforms to applicable US Department of Transportation (DOT) motor
vehicle safety standards (for tires). Following the “DOT” symbol is the tire identification
number, also known as the DOT serial number or code. For example:
The DOT symbol and tire identification number can be found on at least one sidewall near
th
e wheel. The other sidewall may have a partial serial code that excludes (e) and (f)
above.
Maximum Load and Inflation: T
he maximum load and maximum inflation pressure is
marked on each sidewall in metric and English units. For example:
MAX LOAD 685 kg (1,510 lbs) AT 240 kPa (35 psi) MAX PRESS
NOTE:
The load and inflation values marked on the tire sidewall are maximum permissible
v a
lues for the tire only. Never assume that these values are the actual maximum load
capacity or recommended tire pressure values for your vehicle. See “Tire Inflation Pres -
sure,” “Tips for Safe Tire Inflation,” and “Tips for Safe Loading” in this manual.
Ply Composition and Materials: T
he actual number of plies in the sidewall and tread area
and the generic name(s) of their cord material(s) are marked on at least one sidewall. For
example:
• T READ 2 PLY POLYESTER + 2 STEEL
•
SIDEWALL 2 PLY POLYESTER
R
adial: Radial ply tires will have the word "radial" on at least one sidewall. An “R” in the
t
ire size designation also indicates radial ply construction.
Tubeless or Tube Type: T
ires are marked as either “tubeless” or “tube type,” whichever
is applicable, on at least one sidewall.
(a) DOT Symbol (d) Tire Manufacturer’s Code
(b) Manufacture Plant Code (e) Week of Production (01-52)
(c) Tire Size Code (f) Year of Production (last two digits of year)
* For tires produced from 2000-on. In the example above, the tire was produced in the 18th week of
2000. For tires produced prior to 2000, there is one digit in group (f) which identifies the last digit of the
year of production, i.e. “329” would likely signify the 32nd week of 1999, but could possibly signify the
32nd week of 1989. If in doubt, consult a qualified tire service professional.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
60
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (“UTQG”) standards are intended to assist you in
making an informed choice in your purchase of passenger car tires by providing
information indicating relative performance of these tires in the areas of tread wear, wet
braking traction (straight-ahead), and temperature resistance. All passenger car tires
must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when
te
sted under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example,
a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variation in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
t h
e tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
NOTE:
The traction grade assigned to a tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
an
d does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris -
tics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance
t o
the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and a possible tire failure.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
61
LIMITED WARRANTY
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
PASSENGER AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
Including Tires with Run-Flat Technology
ELIGIBILITY
This Limited Warranty covers Bridgestone® and Firestone® brand passenger and light
t r
uck tires, including RFT and temporary spare tires, originally installed by the vehicle
manufacturer on a new vehicle. You are covered under the terms of this Limited Warranty
if the tire was produced after July 4, 2004 (DOT serial 2704 or later) and has been used
only on the vehicle on which it was originally installed in non-commercial service.
WHAT IS WARRANTED AND FOR HOW LONG
Before wearing down to 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) remaining original tread depth (i.e.
w o
rn down to the top of the built-in indicators in the tread grooves) and within 6 years
from the date of purchase (proof of purchase date required; without proof of purchase
date, then within 6 years from the date of tire manufacture), for any reason other than
those excluded in the section entitled “What This Limited Warranty Does Not Cover,” any
eligible tire that becomes unusable for any reason within the manufacturer’s control will
be replaced with an equivalent new tire on the basis set forth in this Limited Warranty.
WHAT THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
This Limited Warranty does not cover the following:
1. T ire damage or irregular wear due to:
• Road hazards,
including, without limitation: Puncture, cut, impact break, stone
drill, bruise, bulge, snag, etc.
• Improper use or operation,
including, without limitation: Improper inflation pres -
sure, overloading, tire/wheel spinning, use of an improper wheel, tire chain
d a
mage, misuse, misapplication, negligence, tire alteration, or for racing or
competition purposes.
• Insufficient or improper maintenance,
including, without limitation: Failure to
rotate tires as recommended in this manual, wheel misalignment, worn suspen -
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
62
sion components, improper tire mounting or demounting, tire/wheel assembly
imbalance, or other vehicle conditions, defects, or characteristics.
• Contamination or degradation
by petroleum products or other chemicals, fire or
other externally generated heat, or water or other material trapped inside the tire
during mounting or inflation.
• Improper repair.
Improper repair voids this Limited Warranty
• For RFT tires only, improper run-flat or low tire pressure operation,
including,
without limitation: Exceeding speed, distance, or other run-flat/lowpressure oper-
ation limitations.
2. R apid tread wear or wear-out. Original equipment tires have no mileage warranty.
3
. W eather/ozone cracking after 4 years from date of tire manufacture.
4
. R ide disturbance or vibration after 1/32 of an inch (0.8mm) of tread wear use.
5
. T ires with sealant, balance, or other filler material that was not originally applied or
i
nserted by the tire manufacturer.
6. T ires used in commercial service.
7
. T ires purchased and normally used outside the United States and Canada.
8
. T he cost of applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
9
. F ailure to follow any of the safety and maintenance recommendations or warnings
c
ontained in this manual.
This Limited Warranty is in addition to and/or may be limited by any other applicable
w r
itten warranty you may have received concerning special tires or situations.
REPLACEMENT PRICE
Radial passenger and light truck tires adjusted under this Limited Warranty will be
replaced free of charge during the first 25% of tread wear or within 12 months from the
d a
te of purchase (proof of purchase date required; without proof of purchase date, then
within 12 months from the date of tire manufacture), whichever occurs first. During the
f r
ee replacement period, mounting and balancing are included free of charge.
To determine the replacement price after the free tire replacement period, the percent
o f
used tread wear is multiplied by the current selling price for the replacement tire(s).
The appropriate taxes, mounting, balancing, disposal fee, and other service charges may
be added to the adjustment replacement price.
In Canada, the tire will be adjusted at dealerships (subject to dealer discretion) at a
p r
edetermined “Adjustment Price.”
REPLACEMENT WARRANTY
If you receive a replacement tire under this Limited Warranty, it will be covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty, if any, given on that tire at that time.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
63
WHERE TO GO
Tire adjustments under this Limited Warranty will only be made at an authorized
Bridgestone® Firestone® retailer. Consult a phone directory (often listed in the Yellow
Pages under "Tire Dealers") or the internet at www.bridgestonetire.com for the location
nearest you.
CONSUMER RIGHTS
This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary in the United States from state to state or in Canada from province to
province.
CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
To the extent permitted by law, Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC
disclaims all other warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and any liability for incidental and
consequential damages, loss of time, loss of vehicle use, or inconvenience. Some states
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This Limited Warranty applies only to consumers actually using the tire in the United
S t
ates and Canada. For warranty conditions outside the United States and Canada, see
your local Bridgestone® Firestone® distributor.
Obligations under this policy may not be enlarged or altered by anyone.
In accordance with Federal Law, this Limited Warranty has been designated as a "Limited
W a
rranty.” Nothing in this Limited Warranty is intended to be a representation that tire
failures cannot occur. This Limited Warranty is given in the United States by
Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC, 535 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN
37214 and in Canada by Bridgestone® Firestone® Canada Inc., 5770 Hurontario St.,
Suite 400, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5R 3G5.
OWNER’S OBLIGATIONS
In order to keep this Limited Warranty valid, we require you to have your tires regularly
inspected and rotated per the recommendations outlined in the sections of this manual
entitled "Tire Damage, Inspection and Service Life” and “Radial Tire Rotation” and to
furnish proof of same in order to receive an adjustment. Such proof should show the
date, mileage, and servicing location. A sales receipt containing this information will
suffice. In addition, a “Maintenance Record” is included on the back cover of this
manual. It is your obligation to maintain proper tire inflation pressures as specified by the
vehicle manufacturer and to operate the vehicle within tire/vehicle load capacity and
speed limitations. It is also your obligation to maintain proper wheel alignment and tire/
wheel assembly balance. To request an adjustment, you must present the tire to an
authorized Bridgestone® Firestone® retailer. Complete and sign the customer section
of the Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC Limited Warranty adjustment
form and pay appropriate replacement price, taxes, disposal fee, and service charges, if
any.