TIRE WARRANTY
20
Check Your Tires For Damage
Frequent (at least monthly) inspection of your tires for signs of damage, uneven tread
we
ar and their general condition is important for safety. Impacts, penetrations, cracks,
knots, bulges or air loss always require tire removal and expert inspection.
NOTE:
All tire warranties are made by the tire manufacturer. Tires are not covered under your
Ne
w Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Death, serious injury and/or property damage may result from tire failure due to tire
damage and/or improper tire maintenance.
• A ll tires (including spare) should be inspected regularly by a qualified technician for
s
igns of wear, and signs of damage, such as puncture, impact, improper mainte -
nance, underinflation or overinflation and overloading.
• O nly qualified persons should repair tires. See US Tire Manufacturers Association
(
USTMA) established repair procedures at www.USTires.org for information on
proper repair procedures.
• O nly specially trained persons should mount tires.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
23
SAFETY MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Read your Tire Owner’s Manual, the information on the sidewall of your tires, your vehicle
Owner’s Manual and vehicle tire information placard for essential safety and
maintenance information.
When service is required:
1. C ontact a participating BFGoodrich® tire retailer listed in your yellow pages.
2
. I f additional assistance is needed in locating a BFGoodrich® retailer, please call or
w
rite to the Consumer Care Department listed in this book.
You should have complete confidence in your new BFGoodrich® tires. Still it is important
t o
register your tires in the event that we need to contact you. For online tire registration,
visit https://www.tireregistration.com/ .
TIRE DISABLEMENT SAFETY WARNING
Any tire may fail as a result of an improperly repaired puncture, impact damage, improper
inflation, overloading or other conditions resulting from use or misuse. Tire failures, such
as a rapid air loss or a tread and belt detachment, may increase risk of injury or death
and/or property damage. To reduce the risk of a tire failure, BFGoodrich® recommends
you thoroughly read and follow the recommendations in this BFGoodrich® Limited
Warranty/Owner’s Manual, the vehicle Owner’s Manual, tire placard information, and tire
sidewall information regarding safety warnings, proper tire use and maintenance.
CONTROLLABILITY
CONTROLLING A VEHICLE WHEN A TIRE FAILURE OCCURS
If a tire failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a vibration, and/or the vehicle may
pu
ll toward the side of the failed tire. If possible, step on the accelerator momentarily to
maintain forward momentum and ensure vehicle control.
It is important that you DO NOT BRAKE OR ABRUPTLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.
Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator and hold the steering wheel firmly while
s t
eering to remain in your lane. Once the vehicle has slowed and is fully under control,
apply the brakes gently; safely pull over to the shoulder and come to a stop. Inspect the
tires. If one or more tires look flat or low, show detachment or other damage, remove tire
assembly and replace it with a properly inflated spare. Bumps or bulges may indicate
detachment within the tire body and require inspection by a qualified tire technician.
WARNING!
DISREGARDING ANY OF THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND/OR INSTRUCTIONS
CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL MAY RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
24
DRIVING ON ANY TIRE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE CORRECT INFLATION PRESSURE
IS DANGEROUS
Any underinflated tire builds up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire destruction.
If tires are supplied as original equipment, refer to the tire decal on the vehicle (check
vehicle and/or vehicle Owner’s Manual for decal location) for the recommended
operating pressures. For replacement tires, the correct inflation pressure will be provided
by your tire retailer; if not, refer to the vehicle decal.
These inflation pressures must be maintained as a minimum. However, do not exceed
th
e maximum pressure rating indicated on the tire sidewall.
CHECK THE COLD INFLATION PRESSURE IN ALL YOUR TIRES, INCLUDING THE SPARE, AT
LE A
ST ONCE EACH MONTH
Failure to maintain correct inflation may result in improper vehicle handling and may
c a
use rapid and irregular tire wear, sudden tire destruction, loss of vehicle control and
serious personal injury. Therefore, inflation pressures should be checked at least once
each month and always prior to long distance trips. This applies to all tires, including
sealant types, and Self-Supporting tires which are as susceptible to losing air pressure
as any other type of tire if not properly maintained.
UNDERINFLATION
It is impossible to determine whether tires are properly inflated by simply looking at them.
It is almost impossible to “feel or hear” when a tire is being run underinflated or nearly
flat. Tires must be checked monthly with a tire pressure gauge.
Pressures should be checked when tires are cold, in other words, before they have been
d r
iven on. Driving, even for a short distance, causes tires to heat up and air pressure to
increase.
Checking pressure when tires are hot:
If pressures are checked after tires have been driven for more than three minutes or
m o
re than 1 mile, (1.6 km) the tires become hot and the pressures will increase by
a p
proximately 4 psi. Therefore when the tire pressure is adjusted under these
conditions, it should be increased to a gauge reading of 4 psi greater than the
recommended cold inflation pressure.
Check cold pressure as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. “Bleeding” air from
h o
t tires could result in underinflation. Use an accurate tire gauge to check pressures.
Never allow children to inflate or deflate tires. For Example Only:
Gauge reading of hot tire:
32 psi (220 kPa)
If recommended cold inflation pressure is: 30 psi (205 kPa)
Desired gauge reading of hot tire 30 + 4 psi = 34 psi (205 + 30 = 235 kPa)
Therefore: add 2 psi (15 kPa)
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
25
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that is
designed to monitor the pressure of tires mounted on your vehicle and sends a signal to
the driver if a tire pressure falls below a predetermined level. A TPMS should not replace
monthly manual pressure checks for all four tires and the spare. We recommend that you
manually monitor and check tire pressure inflation with a pressure gauge.
Your tires should have the recommended pressure listed by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Th
is information can be found in the vehicle Owner’s Manual and often on a placard
located in the vehicle’s door jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment
door. If you have a plus size fitment that requires a higher inflation pressure, your TPMS
will require re-calibration to the new inflation pressure. Refer to your tire dealer/installer
of plus size tires for proper inflation pressure.
We recommend checking air pressure once each month, and before a long trip. Whether
y o
u have a full-sized or mini-spare, make sure that it is properly inflated as well. If the
TPMS generates improper monitoring or signals we recommend that you consult your
Owner’s Manual provided with your vehicle and follow up with FCA US LLC.
TIRE SPINNING
Do not spin wheels in excess of 35 mph (55 km/h) as indicated on the speedometer.
Ex
cessive speed in a free-running, unloaded tire can cause it to “explode” from
centrifugal force. The energy released by such an explosion is sufficient to cause serious
physical injury or death. Never allow anyone to stand near or behind the spinning tire.
When in mud, sand, snow, ice or other slippery conditions, do not engage in excessive
w h
eel spin. Accelerating the motor excessively, particularly with automatic transmission
vehicles, may cause a drive tire that has lost traction to spin beyond its speed capability.
This is also true when balancing a drive tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle using the
vehicle engine to spin the tire/wheel assembly.
HIGH SPEED DRIVING CAN BE DANGEROUS
Correct inflation pressure is especially important. However, at high speeds, even with the
correct inflation pressure, a road hazard, for example is more difficult to avoid and if
contact is made, has a greater chance of causing tire damage than at a lower speed.
Moreover, driving at high speed reduces the reaction time available to avoid accidents
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
If you see any damage to a tire or wheel, replace it with the spare at once and visit a
pa
rticipating BFGoodrich® Tire Retailer.
Exceeding the maximum speeds shown on the following page for each type of
B F
Goodrich® tire will cause the tire to build up excessive heat which can cause tire
damage that could result in sudden tire destruction and rapid air loss. Failure to control
a vehicle when one or more tires experience a sudden air loss can lead to an accident.
In any case, you should not exceed reasonable speeds as indicated by the legal limits
a n
d driving conditions.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
27
REMEMBER — High speed driving can be dangerous and may damage your tires. AND —
When driving at highway speeds, correct inflation pressure is especially important.
INSPECT YOUR TIRES, DO NOT DRIVE ON A DAMAGED TIRE OR WHEEL
HAZARDS
Objects in the road, such as potholes, glass, metal, rocks, wood, debris and the like, can
d a
mage a tire and should be safely avoided. Unavoidable contact with such objects
should prompt a thorough tire inspection.
Anytime you see any damage to your tires or wheels, replace with the spare at once and
i m
mediately visit any BFGoodrich® tire retailer.
IMPACT DAMAGE
A tire impacted by a road hazard (curb, pothole, debris) may be damaged but not have
visible signs of damage on its surface. A tire damaged by an impact may sustain a
sudden failure a day, week, or even months later. You may not recall hitting an object that
damaged or injured your tires. Air loss, unusual tire wear, localized wear or vibrations can
also be signs of internal tire damage.
If you suspect any damage to your tire or wheel from an impact with a curb, pothole,
de
bris on the road or any other road hazard, or if you feel or hear any unusual vibration,
replace with a properly inflated spare at once and immediately visit any qualified tire
technician.
INSPECTION
When inspecting your tires, including the spare, check the air pressures. If the pressure
c h
eck indicates that one of your tires has lost pressure of two pounds or more, look for
signs of penetration, valve leakage or wheel damage that may account for the air loss.
Always look for bulges, cracks, cuts, penetrations and abnormal tire wear, particularly on
t h
e edges of the tire tread, which may be caused by misalignment or underinflation. If
any such damage is found, the tire must be inspected by your BFGoodrich® tire retailer
at once. Use of a damaged tire could result in tire failure and an accident. T
190 118
H 210 130
V 240 149
V* 240+ 149+
W 270168 ZR**
Y 300186 ZR**
300+ 186+ ZR**
SPEED Ratings Maximum Speed
Km/h mph
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
29
It is especially important to check the vehicle manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual when
mixing, matching or replacing tires on 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles, as this may require
special precautions.
BFGOODRICH® DOES NOT RECOMMEND MIXING SELF SUPPORTING STRUCTURE (SSS)
T I
RES WITH NON-SSS TIRES OTHER THAN THE TEMPORARY USE OF THE SPARE TIRE.
WINTER DRIVING
Tires which meet the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) definition of snow tires
are marked M/S, M&S. On such tires, this designation is molded into the sidewall. Tires
without this notation are not recommended for 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
op
timum performance. Tires designated for use in severe winter
conditions are marked on at least one sidewall with the letter “M” and “S”
plus a pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake on it.
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, BFGoodrich® 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.
FULL-SIZE SPARE
Full-size spare tires (not temporary spares) of the same size and construction should be
used 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.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
31
TEMPORARY SPARE TIRES
When using any temporary spare tire, be sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
instructions.
READING THE DOT
DOT XXXX XXXX XXX (prior to August 2000)
DOT XXXX XXXX XXX (1990-1999)
DOT XXXX XXXX XXXX (after July 2000)
THE DOT
The “DOT” symbol certifies tire manufacturer’s compliance with US Department of
T r
ansportation (DOT) tire safety standards. Next to the symbol is the tire identification or
“serial number”. The first two characters identify the plant where the tire was
manufactured. The next two characters reflect the tire size. The following one to four
digits may be used at the tire manufacturer’s option as a descriptive code. The last three
characters are numbers identifying the week and year of manufacture. Example: “O25”
means second week of the year of decade, eg.: 1995, 1985, etc. Tires produced after
July 2000 have an additional digit to identify a given decade. For example, 2800 means
th
e tire was produced during the 28th week of 2000; 0201 during the 2nd week of 2001.
If the last digits of your DOT number contain three numeric characters consult a qualified
tire technician to determine the year and decade of manufacture.
STORAGE
Tires contain waxes and emollients to protect their outer surfaces from ozone and
weather checking. As the tire rolls and flexes, the waxes and emollients continually
migrate to the surface, replenishing this protection throughout the normal use of the tire.
Consequently, when tires sit outdoors, unused for long periods of time (a month or more)
their surfaces become dry and more susceptible to ozone and weather checking and the
casing becomes susceptible to flat spotting.
For this reason, tires should always be stored in a cool, dry, clean, indoor environment.
I f
storage is for one month or more, eliminate the weight from the tires by raising the
vehicle or by removing the tires from the vehicle. Failure to store tires in accordance with
these instructions could result in damage to your tires or premature aging of the tires and
sudden tire failure.
When tires are stored, be sure they are placed away from sources of heat and ozone such
as
hot pipes and electric generators. Be sure that surfaces on which tires are stored are
clean and free from grease, gasoline or other substances which could deteriorate the
rubber. (Tires exposed to these materials during storage or driving could be subject to
sudden failure.)
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
32
FOLLOW THESE MOUNTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Tire changing can be dangerous and must be done by professionally trained persons
us
ing proper tools and procedures as specified by the Rubber Manufacturers
Association (RMA).
Your tires should be mounted on wheels of correct size and type and which are in good,
c le
an condition. Wheels that are bent, chipped, rusted (steel wheels) or corroded (alloy
wheels) may cause tire damage. The inside of the tire must be free from foreign material.
Have your retailer check the wheels before mounting new tires. Mismatched tires and
rims can explode during mounting. Also, mismatched tires and rims can result in
dangerous tire failure on the road. If a tire is mounted by error on the wrong-sized rim, do
not remount it on the proper rim — scrap it. It may have been damaged internally (which
is not externally visible) by having been dangerously stretched and could fail on the
highway.
Old valves may leak. When new tubeless tires are mounted, have new valves of the
c o
rrect type installed. Tubeless tires must only be mounted on wheels designed for
tubeless tires i.e., wheels which have safety humps or ledges.
It is recommended that you have your tires and wheels balanced. Tires and wheels which
a r
e not balanced may cause steering difficulties, a bumpy ride, and irregular tire wear.
Be sure that all your valves have suitable valve caps. The valve cap is the primary seal
a g
ainst air loss.
SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES INCLUDING SPARE
TIRES
The following recommendation applies to passenger car and light truck tires. Tires are
composed of various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance
properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component
properties evolve over time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors
such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use including load, speed,
inflation pressure, maintenance etc. to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This
service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life
of any specific tire in advance is not possible.
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is
re
commended to have passenger car and light truck tires, including spare tires,
inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the
tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires which have been in use for five years or more
should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition
an
d inflation pressure but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased
air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed
from service to prevent tire failure.