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®
57
RFT Tire Replacement
Do not replace or mix RFT tires with conventional tires, unless on an emergency/
t e
mporary basis. Conventional tires do not have run-flat capability and the handling
characteristics of the vehicle with these tires may be different. If a conventional tire is
used on an emergency/temporary basis, verify that its size, load capacity, inflation
pressure, and speed rating specifications meet the requirements of the vehicle. Replace
any conventional tire with the proper RFT tire as soon as possible.
RFT Tire Damage and Repair
No tire, regardless of its design or quality is indestructible. RFT tires can be ultimately
r e
ndered unusable due to a puncture or other road hazard as well as from improper
run-flat or low tire pressure operation. Some punctures may be repaired under certain
restrictions and prescribed procedures.
When driven flat or with low pressure, factors affecting reparability include vehicle speed,
l o
ad, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation pressure loss; and ambient temperature.
In any situation, the extent and location of direct damage from a puncturing object or
other road hazard are also critical factors.
RFT tires are not repairable in any of the following situations:
• I f the tire was operated with inflation pressure less than 15 psi (100 kPa).
•
Abrasion or other damage is present on the exterior tread, sidewall or bead areas.
•
Abrasion, wrinkling, or separation is present on the tire interior.
•
Any condition or damage is present that disqualifies repair of a conventional tire.
R
un-Flat Certified Retailers will fully inspect your tire, inside and out, to determine if the
t i
re can be repaired. Tire damage is not always visible from the outside and the tire must
be removed from the wheel for a complete inspection. For more information, see the
section “Tire Repairs” in this manual.
NOTE:
Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using repaired tires. Consult your
v e
hicle Owner’s Manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating a repaired
tire on your vehicle.
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®
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.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
64
ARBITRATION
You and Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC agree that all claims,
disputes, and controversies between you and it, including any of its agents, employees,
successors, or assigns, arising out of or in connection with this Limited Warranty, or any
other warranties, expressed or implied, including a failure of warranty and the validity of
this arbitration clause, but excluding claims for personal injury or property damage, shall
be resolved by binding arbitration between you and it, according to the formal dispute
resolution procedures of the National Arbitration Forum, under the Code of Procedure
then in effect. This arbitration will be conducted as a document hearing. If you request
any procedures beyond a document hearing, you will be responsible for all fees, including
filing and administrative fees, above and beyond the fees required for document
hearings.
The arbitration between you and Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC
sh
all not include any other customers, be combined or consolidated in any fashion with
arbitrations involving other customers, or proceed in any form of class action in which the
claims of numerous customers are considered together. Any award of the arbitrator(s)
may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrators will
have no authority to award punitive or other damages not measured by the prevailing
party’s actual damages, except as may be required by statute. Information may be
obtained and claims may be filed at any office of the National Arbitration Forum or at
P.O. Box 50191, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE
CONTINENTAL TIRE
69
regardless of mileage or months of service. This includes payment for tire rotation,
alignment, towing, road service, valve stems and tire repairs.
Owner is responsible for maintaining proper tire air pressure and for proper maintenance
o f
the tire.
SAFETY WARNING:
Ignoring any of the safety and information contained in this warranty may result in tire
f a
ilure, causing serious injury or death.
• Tire failure due to underinflation/overloading.
Follow vehicle Owner’s Manual or tire
placard in vehicle for proper inflation and loading.
• Explosion of tire/rim assembly due to improper tire mounting.
Tire mounting/
demounting can be dangerous. It should be performed only by a trained tire specialist
using proper tools and procedures. Prior to tire mounting/demounting, the US Tire
Manufacturers Association (USTMA) wall charts and manuals should be read to obtain
the proper procedures. The failure to follow these procedures may result in faulty posi -
tioning of the tire and/or rim, which may cause the assembly to burst with force suffi -
cient to cause injury or death.
• T
ire failure due to damage.
Inspect your tires frequently for scrapes, bulges, separa -
tions, cuts, snags and other damage from road hazards. Damage from impact can
o c
cur to the inner portions of your tire without being visible to the outside. If you
suspect a tire has been damaged from striking anything unusual in the road, you must
have the tire removed from the rim and inspected both inside and out by a trained tire
specialist. Air loss or unusual tire wear can also be warning signs that a tire may have
internal damage. If you notice these conditions, have your tire inspected by a trained
individual.
• T ire failure due to excessive tire spinning. A
void tire spinning. The centrifugal force
generated by a free-spinning tire/rim assembly may cause a sudden tire explosion
resulting in vehicle damage and/or serious injury or death. Never exceed 35 mph
( 5
5km/h) as indicated on your speedometer when your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud,
or sand and your tire(s) is/are spinning. Use a gentle backward and forward rocking
motion to free your vehicle for continued driving. Never stand or permit anyone else to
stand near or behind a tire spinning while attempting to push a vehicle that is stuck.
SELF SUPPORTING RUNFLAT (SSR) TIRE OWNERS
Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) does not recommend any repair to or reuse of
punctured Continental SSR tires.
Even a trained tire specialist may be unable to recognize internal structural damage to a
S e
lf Supporting Run-flat (SSR) tire resulting from having been driven in an under inflated
or zero inflation pressure condition. Such damage may not be visible on the surface of
the inner liner or sidewall making it impossible to determine the tire suitability for repair
or reuse. CTA does not recommend any repair to or reuse of Continental SSR tires. You
may visit https://www.continentaltire.com/ or www.continentaltire.ca and select
Customer Care FAQs to obtain additional SSR information.