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.
CONTINENTAL TIRE
67
The replacement tire price will be determined by multiplying the percentage of the usable
tread worn by the Dealers Selling Price (excluding all applicable taxes) at the time of the
adjustment. The usable tread is the original tread down to the tread wear indicators
(2/32 of an inch or 1.6 mm of tread remaining.)
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT COVERED:
• Road Hazard:
Any tire with road hazard damage. This includes, but is not limited to:
cuts, snags, punctures, bruises, and impact breaks.
• Ride/Vibration:
Any ride/vibration complaint after the first 2/32 (1.6 mm) of an inch
of
tread wear or 12 months of service, whichever comes first.
• Repairs:
If a tire is returned under complaint and the reason for the tire’s disablement
is in any way associated with a repair, or with the situation that led to the repair, the
manufacturer’s warranty is invalidated.
• Mileage:
Tread wear out up to a predetermined mileage is not covered under this
policy.
• Improper operation or maintenance:
This includes, but is not limited to, effects caused
by:
1. Improper tire inflation and/or improper load/speed practices: These practices
can cause excessive operational temperatures and stresses that exceed the
tire’s capabilities.
2. Improper or insufficient tire rotation
3
. Improper vehicle alignment
4
. Damage due to:
• Rim irregularities or rim damage
• S now chains
•
Vehicle mechanical problems, including brake problems, and vehicle wheel
a
lignment
• Extreme temperature exposure
•
Negligent and abusive driving such as tire spinning, or racing
•
Improper tire storage
•
Automotive accident
•
Chemical corrosion or fire
•
Use contrary to the vehicle manufacturer’s tire recommendations
•
Misuse or misapplication
• Improper Mounting or Demounting
• Alteration:
such as, but not limited to, adding a white inlay on black wall, tread
regrooving, tire truing or siping, or adding sealant materials to the tire.
• Weather checking/cracking: Not covered after 48
months from the date of purchase.
• Failure to observe safety and maintenance precautions set forth in the Safety Warning
S
ection.
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FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
FALKEN
MADE BY SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle is fitted with high performance and high quality Falken tires.
In order to guarantee that you receive the best performance and quality from your new
Fal
ken tires, we recommend that you read and follow all of the maintenance and safety
tips provided in this document. We also suggest that you have your Falken tires
periodically inspected and maintained by a qualified tire service professional.
A) TIRE CARE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PROPER INFLATION AND FUEL ECONOMY
Ensure maximum performance and a long life from your tires by checking the air pressures
at
least once a month and set them to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
pressure(s) listed on the vehicle’s tire placard or in your Owner’s Manual. Always check and
adjust your air pressure when your tires are cold, preferably first thing in the morning before
driving. Never release air pressure from tires when they are hot. Wait until the tires cool
down and recheck, adding air or releasing as required. Falken endorses the use of nitrogen
in your tires because it helps your tires maintain optimal pressure for longer periods of time
and reduces the amount of moisture inside of the tire and wheel assembly.
Some plus size applications may require different air pressure(s) than what is listed on
yo u
r vehicle’s placard or Owner’s Manual. In this case, please consult your tire dealer or
Falken Tire for proper inflation pressure(s).
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires need to be properly inflated to effectively operate and perform as intended. Tires
ca r
ry the weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo as well as bear the forces of
braking, accelerating, and turning. The vehicle manufacturer sets the inflation pressures
for the original equipment tires that are on your vehicle.
Driving with improperly inflated tires is dangerous. An underinflated tire will generate
ex c
essive heat build-up that will cause damage to the internal structure and inner liner
of the tire. Besides tire damage, improper tire inflation pressures can also affect your
vehicle’s ride and handling, tire tread wear, and fuel economy. It is recommended to
always keep all of your tires, including the spare, at the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended inflation pressures and be sure to check the air pressure monthly and
before going on long road trips or carrying extra weight in your vehicle.
Your vehicle’s tire placard and/or Owner’s Manual will list the cold inflation pressure(s)
fo r
your vehicle’s original equipment tires, including the spare. The placard can be found
on the driver side door or door jamb area. If you have questions about understanding
your vehicle’s tire placard, please refer to your Owner’s Manual or ask a qualified tire
service professional.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION 74
of these noted conditions are present during inspection, we recommend returning to
your servicing tire dealer to be corrected to ensure long tire life. ***Never include a
temporary spare tire in your rotation pattern***
TIRE REPLACEMENT
Falken recommends replacing your tires when the tread wears down to the wear bars at
1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch), which are located across the tread in several locations around
t h
e tire. If only two tires are being replaced, the two new tires should always be installed
on the rear of the vehicle to aid in preventing your vehicle from hydroplaning, even if your
car is front wheel drive. It is always recommended to have your new tires balanced during
installation, and alignment checked if the previous tires show and irregular wear. Tires
that have been in use for five years or more should continue to be inspected by a
qualified tire specialist, at least annually. It is recommended that any tires 10 years old
or older from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires
as a precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached
the legal worn out limit at 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch).
TIRE REPAIRS
In the event that you get a flat tire while driving, it is best to find a nearby, safe place to
stop and install your spare tire or call a tow truck. The less distance that you drive on your
low or flat tire, the better chances your tire has of being repairable. Once you are able to
get to your local servicing tire dealer, have them dismount the tire from the rim and
thoroughly inspect the inside of the tire. It is important to know the difference between a
proper tire repair and an improper one because it can be critical to you and your vehicle’s
safety. An improper repair could pose a safety threat to you and your family and could
also affect your tire’s manufacturer warranty. Here are some tips in determining if your
damaged tire can be properly repaired or not:
• Always have the tire removed from the wheel and inspected before any repair is
p
erformed.
• T ires with less than 1.6
mm (2/32 of an inch) of tread should NOT be repaired.
• N ever repair a tire with a puncture larger than 6
mm (1/4 of an inch).
• R epairs should be limited to the tread area only.
•
Repairs cannot overlap one another.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
75
• A plug and patch or plug/patch combo should be used to effectively repair a tire punc -
ture.
• I f anything seems questionable at any time during the repair process, ask your service
a
dvisor for more details and/or call the tire manufacturer to make sure the tire’s
warranty is not being voided.
TIRE MIX USAGE
TIRE SPEED RATINGS
Falken recommends replacing your tire(s) with the same speed rating as the original tires
equipped on your vehicle.
It is okay to use a lower speed rated tire when using Winter tires. However, speeds should
b e
reduced to match the tires new “maximum” speed capability.
Any tire that is repaired, damaged, abused, altered from its original state or retreaded
v o
ids the speed rating on that particular tire and should be considered a non-speed rated
tire.
HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW ASPECT RATIO TIRES
Various new vehicles come equipped with high performance and/or low aspect ratio tires
from the factory. These tires generally provide increased vehicle handling
characteristics, but may also have engineering performance trade-offs related with their
designs. Low aspect ratio tires have reduced sidewall heights and may be more
vulnerable to damage from road hazards, potholes, and other objects, like curbs. Your
vehicle’s wheels are susceptible to these same dangers as well. Some vehicles may be
originally equipped with high performance tires that are designed for warmer weather
use, reducing traction in colder, winter weather conditions. High performance tires also
pose the possibility of wearing more quickly, giving a stiffer ride, and producing louder
noise than standard all-season tires during operation. Refer to your vehicle Owner’s
Manual, tire information placard, or qualified tire service professional for more
information about these kinds of tires.
WARNING!
Never mix tires of different size or construction and/or type on any axle. (Except for
temporary use as a spare tire.) Always refer to the vehicle’s owner manual for proper
tire fitments.
WARNING!
Falken does not recommend the use of mixing different speed ratings on a vehicle.
This can cause poor handling and unpredictable steering.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION 76
WINTER TIRES
Falken recommends all four tires be replaced when replacing your original equipment
tires and installing winter tires for the winter months.
STORING YOUR TIRES
When storing your tires for any extended period of time, be sure to thoroughly clean your
tires with a tire brush, soap, and water to remove any dirt, salt, and brake dust from the
tires. If you are storing your tires still mounted on the wheels, use a wheel brush and
approved wheel cleaner to clean your wheels. Then dry the wheels and tires with a towel
and allow them to fully dry. DO NOT apply any tire dressings while storing your tires. Tire
compounds are made to resist weather cracking and ozone damage. Place each clean
and dry tire in an airtight plastic bag and seal the bag with tape to help reduce oil
evaporation. Store your tires out of direct sunlight and somewhere that is well shielded
from the elements, like a climate-controlled room or dry basement. Storing the tires in a
garage or shed usually exposes the tires to a wide range of temperatures as well as
precipitation and humidity. Keep the tires away from sources that emit ozone like electric
motors that use contact brushes, furnaces, sump pumps, etc. Although tires will still age
regardless of how they are stored, these precautions will help slow the aging process and
reduce the damage to your tires.
SPEED LIMITS
TIRE SPINNING
WARNING!
Never use just two winter tires. It could lead to adverse handling, loss of control, which
could cause serious injury or death.
WARNING!
Operating your vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit or the maximum speed
allotted by driving conditions has the potential to be dangerous. Higher driving speeds
create excessive heat buildup in a tire, leading to a possible tire failure.
WARNING!
Spinning a tire to get a stuck vehicle out of mud, ice, snow, sand, or wet grass can be
potentially dangerous. A spinning tire at a speedometer reading above 55 km/h
( 3
5 mph) can be capable of disintegrating a tire with explosive force. In some circum -
stances, a tire may be spinning at twice the speed displayed on the speedometer. This
c a
n cause serious injury or death to you, a passenger, or bystander. Never spin a tire
above 55 km/h (35 mph).