MICHELIN®
132
TIRE MIXING
Michelin® tires are radial tires and for best performance it is recommended that the
same size and type of tire be used on all four wheel positions. Before mixing tires of
different types in any configuration on any vehicle, be sure to check the vehicle
manufacturer’s owner‘s manual for its recommendations.
It is especially important to check the vehicle manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual when
mi
xing, matching, or replacing tires on 4-wheel drive vehicles, as this may require special
precautions.
MICHELIN® DOES NOT RECOMMEND MIXING PAX® SYSTEM TIRES WITH NON-PAX®
T I
RES/SELF-SUPPORTING ZERO PRESSURE (ZP) TIRES WITH NON-ZP TIRES OTHER THAN
THE TEMPORARY USE OF THE SPARE IF THE VEHICLE IS SO EQUIPPED.
WINTER DRIVING
Tires which meet the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USMTA) definition of snow tires
are marked M/S, or M&S. On such tires, this designation is molded into the sidewall.
Tires without this notation are not recommended or Winter driving.
While All-Season tires are designed to provide reliable performance in some
Winter conditions, the use of four Winter tires is recommended for optimal
p e
rformance. Tires designate for use in severe Winter conditions are marked
on at least one sidewall with the letter “M”.
TIRE ROTATION AND REPLACEMENT
To obtain maximum tire wear, it may be necessary to rotate your tires. Refer to your
vehicle owner’s manual for instructions on tire rotation. If you do not have an owner‘s
manual for your vehicle, Michelin® recommends rotating your tires every 6,000 to
8,000 miles (10,000 to 12,000 km).
Monthly inspection for tire wear is recommended. Your tires should be rotated at the first
s i
gn of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 6,000 miles (10,000 km). This is true for
a l
l vehicles.
When rotating tires with a directional tread pattern, observe the arrows molded on the
s i
dewall which show the direction the tire should turn. Care must be taken to maintain
the proper turning direction.
Some Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) may not recognize that a tire has been
m o
ved to a different position on your vehicle. Make certain that your TPMS system is
reset, if necessary, so as to correctly identify the location of each tire on your vehicle.
Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or your vehicle dealer.
Determine whether rotated tires require tire inflation adjustment as front and rear
p o
sition tire pressure may vary according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification due
to the actual load on that wheel position. Some vehicles may have different sized tires
mounted on the front and rear axles, and these different sized tires have rotation
restrictions. Always check the vehicle owner’s manual for the proper rotation
recommendations.
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133
Full-size Spare
Full-size spare tires (not temporary spares) of the same size and construction should be
u s
ed in a five tire rotation. Always check the inflation pressure of the full-size spare
immediately before incorporating it into rotation. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended pattern for rotation, or if not available, see a qualified tire technician.
Replacement of Two Tires
It is recommended that all four tires are replaced at the same time. However, when only
t w
o tires are replaced, the new tires should be put on the rear. The new tires, with deeper
tread, may provide better grip and water evacuation in wet driving conditions.
CUSTOMIZATION OF TIRES, WHEELS, OR SUSPENSION ON SUVS AND LIGHT
TRUCKS
Due to their size, weight and higher center of gravity, vehicles such as SUVs and light
trucks do not have the same handling characteristics as automobiles. Because of these
differing characteristics, failure to operate your SUV/truck in a proper and safe manner
can increase the likelihood of vehicle rollover. Modifications to your SUV/truck tire size,
tire type, wheels or suspension can change its handling characteristics and further
increase the likelihood of vehicle rollover. Whether your SUV/truck has the original
equipment configuration for tires, wheels and suspension or whether any of these items
have been modified, always drive safely, avoid sudden, sharp turns or lane changes and
obey all traffic laws. Failure to do so may result in loss of vehicle control leading to an
accident and serious injury or death.
TIRE ALTERATIONS
Do not make or allow to be made any alterations on your tires. Alterations may prevent
proper performance, leading to tire damage which can result in an accident. Tires which
become unserviceable due to alterations such as truing, whitewall inlays, addition of
balancing or sealant liquids, or the use of tire dressing containing petroleum distillates
are excluded from warranty coverage.
REPAIRS WHEREVER POSSIBLE, SEE YOUR MICHELIN® TIRE RETAILER AT ONCE
If any MICHELIN® tire sustains a puncture, have the tire demounted and thoroughly
inspected by any MICHELIN® tire retailer for possible damage that may have occurred.
A tread area puncture in any MICHELIN® passenger or light truck tire can be repaired
provided that the puncture hole is not more than 1/4 inch in diameter, not more than
o n
e radial cable per casing ply is damaged, and the tire has not been damaged further
by the puncturing object or by running underinflated. Tire punctures consistent with
these guidelines can be repaired by following the US Tire Manufacturers Association
(USTMA) recommended repair procedures.
TIRE REPAIRS
Repairs of all tires must be of the combined plug and inside patch type. Your MICHELIN®
PAX® System tires must be removed from the wheel for inspection prior to repair. Plug
only repairs are improper. A tire should be removed from the rim and inspected prior to
PIRELLI TIRES
158
Check the cold inflation pressure on the tires, at least by the next day. Never reduce or
“bleed” pressure from hot tires since your tires will then be underinflated when they cool
down. Always use a reliable pressure gauge.
4. Ultra High Performance (UHP) Summer Tires
Rubber compounds formulated for ultra high performance summer tires can lose
flexibility and may develop random surface cracks at cold temperatures. Therefore extra
care should be used in handling tires in this condition. These compounds are optimized
for maximum dry and wet performance in warm conditions. Special tread compounds in
these tires will have decreased performance, such as lateral and braking traction, at
temperatures below 7° C or when driving on snow or ice. Therefore, it is recommended
to install winter tires in these conditions.
5. DOT Street Legal Competition Tires
P Zero Trofeo and P Zero Corsa tire lines use special tire construction and compounds to
achieve their distinctive performance in dry conditions. As a result of that, their
performance in cold temperatures, heavy rain or standing water will be decreased. Use
extreme caution and drive slowly on wet roads.
The minimum tread depth will be reached earlier than normal road tires, resulting in
re
duced tread life.
6. Winter Tires
The standard Pirelli tires may be effective in light snow conditions. However, for winter
use, you may wish to install winter tires. During winter use, Pirelli strongly recommends
the fitment of four winter tires. Please check your vehicle owner’s manual concerning
winter tire size recommendation. If the winter tires have a lower speed rating than the
original equipment tires, vehicle handling may be affected, and the vehicle maximum
speed must be reduced to the winter tire speed rating.
Pirelli requires
that studded tires be installed on all four positions. Installing studded
tires only on the drive positions of any vehicle, including a front wheel drive vehicle, may
cause adverse handling characteristics.
7. Run Flat Tires
Always refer to the vehicle owners’ manual with respect to specific safety and operating
information relating to the vehicle. Damaged Run Flat tires or Run Flat tires that have
experienced a loss of pressure should immediately be replaced with another Run Flat tire
of identical size and Service Description (Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat tires have been developed based on the specifications of the vehicles on which
t h
ey are mounted. Accordingly, Run Flat tires should only be mounted on vehicles
specifically manufactured to accommodate Run Flat tires.
Run Flat tires must be mounted in conjunction with a functional Tire Pressure Monitoring
S y
stem (TPMS).
The mounting of tires and installation of the TPMS should be carried out by a specialized
d e
aler.
PIRELLI TIRES
159
8. Tire Replacement
The tires fitted to your vehicle as original equipment were tested and approved by the
vehicle manufacturer and the tire manufacturer and take into account all aspects of the
vehicle’s operation. Changes in the tire size, type or construction should not be made
without seeking advice from the vehicle or tire manufacturer or an authorized Pirelli
dealer since unapproved tires on your vehicle could adversely affect steering, handling,
braking and traction. The tire information (tire size, load index and speed symbol) as
found on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual should always be followed when
replacing tires.
It is strongly recommended that Pirelli tires be mounted in sets of four with the same
t r
ead type. Pirelli tires should not be mixed with other tire brands. It is necessary to follow
this procedure because different tire constructions have different handling
characteristics. Tires on the same axle must be the same manufacturer, brand, tire size,
load index, speed rating and Pirelli part number.
When changing only two tires on a vehicle which is homogeneously fitted (four tires of the
sa
me tire size), fit the new tires on the rear axle. This applies to all vehicles regardless of
their drive axle. (Front or Rear Drive).
On all wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicles the tires must always be replaced in sets
o f
four.
When replacing tires on light truck vehicles, you should always follow the vehicle
m a
nufacturer’s recommendations. Passenger and light truck tires are not
interchangeable, due to differences in their pressures and load carrying capacity.
P-Metric and Euro-metric Interchangeability: Euro-metric (Example: 225/45R17) tires
h a
ve a load index which is equal to or greater than that of the same size P-metric
(Example: P225/45R17) tire. Therefore, they have the same or higher load carrying
capacity at the maximum rated inflation pressure. Always check with your tire dealer or
Pirelli Tire Consumer Affairs to be sure of the exact interchangeability to maintain proper
vehicle dynamics.
Please be aware that it is important that, before fitting the suggested tires, the fitment is
a l
lowed by the technical specifications of the vehicle, the vehicle manufacturer and the
relevant homologations. Pirelli Tire does not express any view as to the compatibility of
the wheel/tire combination with the technical specifications for the chassis and vehicle.
TO MAINTAIN PROPER VEHICLE DYNAMICS AND LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY,
R E
PLACEMENT TIRES MUST ALWAYS HAVE A LOAD INDEX AND SPEED SYMBOL EQUAL
TO OR GREATER THAN THOSE FITTED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT.
When making plus size fitments, you should consult with the dealer regarding any
s u
spension or braking system modifications which may be recommended for the vehicle.
9. Tire Inspection
As a minimum, tires (including the spare tire) should be examined and air pressure
checked monthly and always prior to long trips. They should also be examined if you
strike any unusual object on the road. Tires showing bulges, cracks, cuts, penetrations
or uneven wear must be dismounted and examined by an authorized Pirelli tire dealer
TOYO TIRES® – LIMITED WARRANTY
177
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) VEHICLES
If no instructions for tire mixing appear in the vehicle Owner’s Manual, follow these
guidelines:
• D o not mix tire sizes. All four tires must be marked with the same tire size, unless
o
therwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer. This also applies to winter/snow
tires.
• D o not mix tread pattern types such as all-terrain and all- season.
STUDLESS WINTER/SNOW TIRES
• It is always preferable to apply winter/snow tires to all wheel positions, including dual
tires, to maintain vehicle mobility and control.
• I f winter/snow tires are applied to the f
ront axle of any vehicle, winter/snow tires must
also be installed on the
rear axle. DO NOT apply winter/snow tires only to the front
axle. This applies to all passenger and light truck vehicles, including front-wheel- drive,
4WD, and AWD vehicles.
• If winter/snow tires are installed on the rear axle of any vehicle, it is recommended
(but not required) that they also be installed on the
front axle.
STUDDED WINTER/SNOW TIRES
• Studded winter/snow tires have higher traction qualities under most winter weather conditions.
• I f studded winter/snow tires are installed on the f
ront axle of any vehicle, studded
winter/snow tires must also be installed on the
rear axle. DO NOT apply studded
winter/snow tires only to the front axle.
• If studded winter/snow tires are installed on the rear axle of any vehicle, it is strongly
recommended that they should also be installed on the
front axle. Only if studded
winter/snow tires are installed on all wheel positions of a vehicle will optimum
handling characteristics be achieved.
WARNING!
Unless winter/snow tires on the rear axle have comparable traction qualities to the
tires on the front axle, the vehicle may experience adverse handling characteristics.
This may result in loss of vehicle control, which can lead to serious personal injury or
death.
WARNING!
Installing only two studded winter/snow tires on the front axle of any vehicle (including
front-wheel-drive vehicles) without studded winter/snow tires on the rear axle can
cause adverse vehicle handling characteristics. This can result in a loss of vehicle
control, which could cause serious personal injury or death.
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178
REPLACING TWO TIRES
• When a pair of replacement tires is selected in the same size and construction as those on the vehicle, the two newer tires must be installed on the rear axle and must
be of equal or higher speed rating than the front tires. Generally, new tires with deeper
tread will provide better grip and evacuate water more effectively, which is important
as a driver approaches hydroplaning situations. Placing greater traction on the rear
axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent a possible oversteer condition and loss
of vehicle stability.
• W hen two new tires have been installed onto the rear axle positions, they are to be
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ept on the rear but rotated from side to side. This is recommended after installing two
new tires to the rear position, or if you discover significant tread depth differences
between the front and rear positions during rotation intervals.
REPLACING ONE TIRE
• Replacing a single tire on a vehicle can have an adverse effect on suspension systems, gear ratios, transmission, and tire treadwear.
• I f single tire replacement is unavoidable, it is recommended that the single new tire
b
e paired with the tire that has the deepest tread and both be placed on the rear axle.
Placing greater traction on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent a
possible oversteer condition and loss of vehicle stability.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING
• Proper wheel alignment and balance are very important considerations for safety and getting the maximum mileage from your tires. You need to check how your tires are
wearing at least once a month.
• Y our vehicle may be out of alignment if your tires are wearing unevenly, such as when
t
he inside shoulder of the tire is wearing faster than the rest of the tread. This condi -
tion not only shortens the life of your tires, it adversely affects the handling character -
istics of your vehicle, which could be dangerous. If your tires show irregular wear, have
y o
ur vehicle’s alignment checked immediately.
CAUTION!
In some cases, the vehicle manufacturer may specifically advise against replacing
fewer than all four tires. Always check and follow the recommendations in the vehicle
Owner’s Manual. For 4WD and AWD vehicles, even small differences in outside
diameter may cause drivetrain damage or mechanical malfunction.
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184
TIRE SPINNING
TOWING OR USE OF SLIDE-IN TRUCK CAMPERS
If you are towing a trailer or using a slide-in truck camper, refer to your vehicle Owner’s
Manual.
WINTER (SNOW) TIRES
Winter driving presents special challenges for vehicle handling. The use of
winter tires, studs, and chains, while improving traction performance in snow
a n
d ice, requires additional caution and care with regard to braking, cornering,
and speed. It is important to drive with care not only on snow and ice, but on
dry and wet roads as well.
• T raction is considerably reduced as snow tires approach 50% tread wear, and replace -
m
ent should be considered in order to maintain effectiveness in heavy snow condi-
tions.
• T ire speed rating – When lower-speed-rated winter tires replace higher-speed-rated
t
ouring and high performance all-season radial tires, do not exceed the lower-rated
speed.
• F ollow recommendations in the vehicle Owner’s Manual for winter tires, studs, and
c
hains.
• C onsult your tire dealer, the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) website
h
ttps://www.ustires.org/ , or your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) for infor -
mation regarding regulatory and seasonal restrictions for stud usage.
• A lso see the “Tire Mixing” section in this manual for more details.
•
Toyo Tires® recommends that snow tires be installed in matched sets of four.
WARNING!
Spinning a tire to remove a vehicle stuck in mud, snow, or wet grass can be
dangerous. This could cause serious personal injury or death to a bystander or
passenger and extensive vehicle damage. A tire spinning at a speedometer reading
above 35
mph (55 km/h) can reach a speed capable of disintegrating a tire with
e x
plosive force within a matter of seconds. Under some conditions, a tire may be
spinning at twice the speed shown on the speedometer. Never spin a tire above a
speedometer reading of 35 mph (55 km/h). Never allow anyone to stand near or
d i
rectly behind the spinning tire. Do not spin if a drive wheel is off the ground.
WARNING!
Studded tires may require longer braking distances on dry or wet paved surfaces.
Failure to allow for adequate braking distance could result in serious personal injury or
death.