FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
77
B) LIMITED WARRANTY
This limited warranty applies to Falken brand original equipment passenger car,
temporary spare, and light truck steel belted radial tires bearing the complete
description and serial number required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This
warranty is effective only to tires for which claims are made within five years of the date
of production, based on the tire DOT serial number.
1. WHAT IS COVERED AND FOR HOW LONG
Falken tires that are originally equipped on this vehicle are warranted against
any defects in the materials and workmanship for the usable life of the original
tread. The limited warranty terminates at the flush appearance of the tread wear
indicators at 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch) remaining tread depth.
• Free Replacement - If a tire becomes unserviceable due to such defect within the
first 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch) of tread wear, the tire will be replaced free of charge
w i
th the same or comparable Falken tire.
• P rorated Replacement - After the first 1.6
mm (2/32 of an inch) of wear, a prorated
ad
justment credit will be given based on the percentage of remaining usable tread
depth, down to the remaining 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch) tread wear bar indicator.
N o
credit is given if the tire is worn beyond the flush appearance of the tread wear
bar indicator (less than 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch) tread depth remaining).
• O ut-of-Round/Out-of-Balance Replacement- Tires that are deemed to be
o
ut-of-round or out-of-balance will be accepted for adjustment during the first
0.8 mm (1/32 of an inch) of the original tread depth and will be replaced free of
c h
arge with the same or similar Falken tires (no labor costs will be covered). A set
of four (4) tires from the same vehicle will not be accepted for out-of-round or
out-of-balance claims.
2. W HAT IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY
•
Tires that become unserviceable due to road hazard damages (cuts, snags, punc -
t
ures, bruises, impact breaks, etc.) improper repair technique or materials,
i m
proper inflation, overload, irregular wear, wheel imbalance, defective mechan -
ical vehicle components (brakes, suspension, wheels, etc.) improper suspension
a l
ignment, accident, fire, chemical damage, damage from chain use, racing,
off-road use, run flat, improper installation, vandalism, or abuse.
• T ires branded “NA” or a tire in which the DOT numbering has been removed.
•
Tires presented for a warranty claim by someone other than by someone other
t
han the original purchaser, or tires that were transferred to another vehicle from
the vehicle on which the tires were originally installed.
• T ires having a failure or failures caused by previous damages or repairs.
•
The cost of tire repair or retreading is not covered by this warranty and will be the
s
ole responsibility of the tire owner.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION 78
Possible non-Covered Reasons/Conditions:
3. OWNER’S OBLIGATIONS
At least monthly, the vehicle owner(s) should check the tires’ air pressure with a
gauge and inflate to the recommended cold air pressure level listed on the driver
door placard. Do not rely on car servicers to perform the checks. The tires should
be rotated at least every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or earlier if uneven wear is oc -
curring, and proof of maintenance records should be kept. The owner(s) should
h a
ve the tires rebalanced if vibration is experienced, and the vehicle’s alignment
should be checked if uneven or rapid wear is occurring, or when suggested by
the vehicle’s manufacturer.
All warranty claims must be presented to an authorized Falken dealer or partici -
pating car dealership. The owner(s) must present any supporting maintenance
r e
cords and documentation necessary to help determine if the tire(s) in question
are deemed covered by the limited warranty or not.
4. LEGAL RIGHTS
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose shall be limited in duration to the above period. To the extent
permitted by law, Falken Tire Corporation shall not be responsible for incidental
or consequential damages, such as loss of use of the tire or the vehicle on which
it is used, inconvenience, or commercial loss, some states do not allow limita -
tions on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of inci -
dental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not
a p
ply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights, which vary from state to state. This is the only express warranty ap -
plicable to Falken brand tires and supersedes the terms of any previous warran -
ty. Falken neither assumes nor authorizes anyone to make or assume for it any
o t
her warranty.
Chipping/Chunking/Tearing Puncture
Corrosion/Wreck Racing or any Competition
Fire Repair Failure
Impact Break or Concussions Road Hazards
Improper Inflation Pressure Sidewall Cut or Damage
Improper Mounting/Dismount Theft or Vandalism
Mechanical Defects of the Vehicle Tread Cuts
Misalignment Wheel Imbalance
Misapplication Willful Abuse
Overloading
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
81
RADIAL MARKING
A radial ply tire will have the word “radial” marked on at least one sidewall. An “R” found
i n
the tire size marking also refers to the tire being a radial ply tire.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING (UTQG) SYSTEM
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) Standards were created to help you make an
informed decision when purchasing passenger car tires by providing relative information
about a tire’s treadwear, traction, and temperature characteristics. Here is a breakdown
of the different categories that the UTQG grades:
TREAD WEAR
The tread wear 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 a half (1½) 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
variations 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
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specific government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions or on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce in 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 minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The traction grades assigned to this tire is based on straight ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for each tie is established for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
GENERAL TIRE
88
After The Free Replacement Period:
The tire (except temporary spare tire) may still be eligible for a pro rated replacement for
72
months from date of original purchase until the tread is worn down to the tread wear
i n
dicators (2/32 of an inch or 1.6 mm of tread remaining.) If an eligible tire becomes
u n
serviceable under the stipulations of this Limited Warranty and Adjustment policy it
will be replaced charging the owner a prorated amount. Owner pays all applicable taxes
including Federal Excise Tax (FET), mounting and balancing charges.
The replacement tire price will be determined by multiplying the percentage of the usable
t r
ead 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 LIMITED WARRANTY
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT COVERED:
•Road Hazard:
Any General 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 of an inch (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:
• Improper tire inflation and/or improper load/speed practices:
These practices can
cause excessive operational temperatures and stresses that exceed the tire’s
capabilities.
• I mproper or insufficient tire rotation
•
Improper vehicle alignment
•
Damage due to:
•
Rim irregularities or rim damage
•
Snow chains
•
Vehicle mechanical problems, including brake problems, and vehicle wheel align -
m
ent
• 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
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
94
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY?
This limited warranty does not cover the following:
• Tires submitted for ride disturbance complaints that are worn beyond the first 2/32 of
a
n inch tread depth or tires submitted for ride disturbance due to damaged wheels or
any vehicle condition.
• G oodyear® does not warrant or give credit in any adjustment transaction for any kind
o
f material added to a tire (e.g., tire fillers, sealants, balancing substances) after the
tire leaves a factory producing Goodyear® or Dunlop® tires, nor will it adjust any tire
that has failed as a result of adding such material.
• I rregular wear or damage due to mechanical condition of the vehicle, improper infla -
t
ion, overloading, high speed spin-up, misapplication, misuse, negligence, racing, use
o f
tire chains, improper mounting or demounting, improper repair, wreck, collision or
fire.
• R oad hazards (includes, but is not limited to, punctures, cuts, snags, impact breaks,
e
tc.).
• A ny tire that, after leaving a factory producing Goodyear® or Dunlop® tires, has been
i
ntentionally altered to change its appearance (e.g., white inlay on a black tire or
regrooved).
• T ires with weather-cracking that were purchased more than four years prior to presen -
t
ation for adjustment or, if purchase date cannot be verified, manufactured more than
f o
ur years prior to presentation for adjustment.
• T emporary spare tires used on vehicles used in racing and on passenger cars in
s
pecial applications such as police pursuit service.
• G oodyear® Unisteel® Commercial Radial Light Truck Tires.
•
Tires removed from service due to improper repairs.
•
Tires supplied as Original Equipment are not eligible for any tread life warranty consid -
e
ration.
• C osmetic weather checking.
•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – refer to vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.
•
Ultra High-Performance Summer tires are not recommended for Winter use, and tread
o
r shoulder cracking on those tires resulting from Winter use will not be covered under
our warranty.
WHAT ARE YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS?
No Representative or dealer has authority to make any representation, promise or
agreement on behalf of Goodyear®, except as stated herein. Any tire, no matter how well
constructed, may fail in service or otherwise become unserviceable due to conditions
beyond the control of the manufacturer. Under no circumstances is this warranty a
representation that a tire failure cannot occur.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF, AND GOODYEAR® HEREBY DISCLAIMS,
AN
Y AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
96
•TIRE SPINNING. On slippery surfaces such as snow, mud, ice, etc., do not spin tires in
excess of 35 mph (55 km/h), as indicated on the speedometer.
• EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.
This can also result in tire disintegration or axle failure.
TIRE CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
The easiest way to help ensure satisfactory mileage and performance from your
Goodyear® or Dunlop® tires is to give them a simple but frequent (at least monthly)
inspection for proper inflation, even tread wear and the presence of any damage.
DO MAINTAIN PROPER INFLATION PRESSURE IN YOUR TIRES
Proper inflation pressure is necessary for optimum tire performance, safety and fuel
economy. Check inflation pressures at least once a month and before long trips. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Always check pressures when the tires are cold (when the
vehicle has been driven less than one mile). If you must check inflation when the tires
are hot, add 4 psi (27 kPa) to the recommended cold inflation pressure. It is difficult to
tell just by looking at radial tires whether they are underinflated.*
Furthermore, when operating a vehicle equipped with radial tires, it is difficult to notice
wh
en a tire has gone flat or nearly flat since the “feel” of the vehicle does not change
significantly.
*Evidence of air loss or repeated underinflation always requires expert inspection to
d e
termine the source of leakage and tire removal to determine repairability. To avoid
injury, NEVER attempt to reinflate a tire that has been run severely underinflated.
Progressive air loss may result from punctures, cuts, curbing, impacts or partial bead
unseating. Some fitment causes for air loss are (1) incomplete bead seating, (2) bead
tearing caused by a machine tool due to insufficient lubrication or improper adjustment.
Leaking valve core or rubber valve components should be replaced when problems are
detected and whenever tires are replaced.
WARNING!
Vehicle handling, traction, ride comfort and other performance parameters may be
significantly affected by a change in tire size or type. Before replacing tires, always
consult and follow the vehicle Owner’s Manual because some vehicle manufacturers
prohibit changing tire size. When selecting tires that are different from the original
equipment size make certain:
• The tires have adequate load-carrying capacity based on the vehicle placard.
•
The tires have sufficient inflation pressure to carry the load.
•
There is proper clearance with no interference points between the tire and vehicle.
T
he consumer must be aware to always drive safely and obey all traffic laws. Avoid
s u
dden, sharp turns or aggressive lane changes. Failure to follow any of these
warnings may result in loss of control of the vehicle, leading to an accident and
serious injury or death.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
97
Always maintain inflation pressure at the level recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer as shown on the vehicle placard, vehicle certification label or in the vehicle
Owner’s Manual:
Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in severe cracking,
c o
mponent separation or “blowout.” It reduces tire load capacity, allows excessive
sidewall flexing and increases rolling resistance, resulting in heat and mechanical
damage. Maintaining proper inflation pressure is the single most important thing you can
do to promote tire durability and maximize tread life.
Overinflation increases stiffness, which may deteriorate ride and generate unwanted
vi
bration. Overinflation also increases the chances of impact damage.
DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE
Check your vehicle Owner’s Manual to determine the load limits. Overloading your vehicle
places stress on your tires and other critical vehicle components. Overloading a vehicle can
cause poor handling or increased fuel consumption and may cause tire failure. Overloading
your tires can result in severe cracking, component separation or “blowout.”
Never fit your vehicle with new tires that have less load capacity than shown on the
ve
hicle tire placard and remember that optimum rim width is important for proper tire
load distribution and function. The maximum load capacity stamped on the sidewalls of
P-Metric & European Metric tires is reduced by 10% when used on a light truck, utility
vehicle or trailer. Never fit P-Metric or European Metric tires to light trucks that specify
LT-type replacement tires.
DO NOT SPIN YOUR TIRES EXCESSIVELY
Avoid excessive tire spinning when your vehicle is stuck in snow, ice, mud or sand. The
centrifugal forces generated by a free-spinning tire/wheel assembly may cause sudden
tire explosion, resulting in vehicle damage and/or serious personal injury to you or a
bystander. Never exceed 35 mph (55 km/h), as indicated on your speedometer. Use a
g e
ntle backward and forward rocking motion to free your vehicle for continued driving.
Never stand near or behind a tire spinning at high speeds, for example, while attempting
to push a vehicle that is stuck or when an on-the-car spin balance machine is in use.
DO CHECK YOUR TIRES FOR WEAR
Always remove tires from service when they reach 2/32 of an inch remaining tread
depth. All new tires have tread wear indicators which appear as smooth banks in the
tread grooves when they wear to the 2/32 of an inch level. Many wet weather accidents
result from skidding on bald or nearly bald tires. Excessively worn tires are also more
susceptible to penetrations.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
98
DO CHECK YOUR TIRES FOR DAMAGE
Frequent (at least monthly) inspection of your tires for signs of damage and their general
condition is important for safety. If you have any questions, have your tire dealer inspect
them. Impacts, penetrations, cracks, knots, bulges or air loss always require tire removal
and expert inspection. Never perform a temporary repair or use an inner tube as a
substitute for a proper repair. Only qualified persons should repair tires.
PROPER TIRE REPAIR
Goodyear® does not warrant any inspection or repair process. The repair is entirely the
responsibility of the repairer and should be made in accordance with established Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) procedures.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Alert
Refer to your vehicle Owner’s Manual for more information on what to do if the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alert activates.
THE CONVENIENCE (TEMPORARY) SPARE
The Convenience (Temporary) Spare is designed, built and tested to the high engineering
standards set by North America’s leading car manufacturers and to Goodyear®’s own
high standards of quality control. It is designed to take up minimum storage space and,
at the same time, fulfill the function of a spare tire when needed. The spare is kept in its
storage space, fully inflated at 60 psi. To be sure it is always ready for use, the air
pressure should be checked on a regular basis.
The Convenience (Temporary) Spare can be used in combination with the original tires
on
your vehicle. You can expect a tire tread life of up to 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers),
d e
pending on road conditions and your driving habits. To conserve tire tread life, return
the spare to the storage area as soon as it is convenient to have the standard tire
repaired or replaced.
The Convenience (Temporary) Spare weighs less than a standard tire so it’s easier to
h a
ndle. It also helps reduce the total car weight, which contributes to fuel economy. The
wheels used with the Convenience (Temporary) Spare are specifically designed for use
with high pressure spares and should never be used with any other type tire.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOUNT YOUR OWN TIRES
Serious injury or death may result from explosion of tire/rim assembly due to improper
mounting procedures. Follow tire manufacturer’s instructions and match tire diameter to
rim diameter. Mount light truck radials on rims approved for radial service. Do not apply
bead sealer. This can inhibit bead seating. Lubricate beads and tire rim (including tube
or flap) contact surfaces. Lock assembly on mounting machine or place in safety cage.
STAND BACK and never exceed 40 psi to seat beads. Never use a volatile substance or
a rubber “donut” (also known as a bead expander or “O-Ring”) to aid bead seating. Only
specially trained persons should mount tires.