18
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's manufacturer in
each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to
the
se grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half 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 Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Temperature Grades
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 on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tir
e life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance, which all passenger vehicle 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 the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The traction grade 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 this tire 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.
19
TIRE WARRANTY
Tire Limited Warranty And Adjustment Policy
When a tire is removed from service due to a covered warranty condition under a tire
manufacturer’s “Limited Warranty Program”, you may be eligible for a free tire
replacement or a comparable new tire on a prorated basis.
Certain conditions, such as irregular wear or tire damage due to road hazards, collision,
imp
roper inflation, intentional alteration, and misuse, are excluded from the Limited
Warranty Program. The Limited Warranty Program expires when your tires either wear to
a specified tread depth, and/or after a period of time from the date of purchase, as
stated in the Tire Warranty in this manual.
NOTE:
Refer to the Tire Warranty in this manual for specific information relating to the tire
m an
ufacturer’s limited warranty for the tires installed on your vehicle. If you have any
questions regarding the limited tire warranty coverage, contact your local authorized
dealer or your local authorized tire dealer.
Disclaimer:
THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR THE TIRE MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED
WAR
RANTY PROGRAM CAN BE ACCESSED THROUGH THE SPECIFIC TIRE
MANUFACTURER’S WEBSITE.
THE TIRE MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM, THE DETAILS OF WHICH
CA N
BE FOUND IN THIS MANUAL, THE TIRE MANUFACTURER’S WEBSITE OR AT ANY
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARISING BY LAW OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, LOST PROFIT, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, LOSS OF
REPUTATION, PUNITIVE OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE, COST OR LOSS OF ANY KIND. SOME
STATES AND PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
WARNING!
Refer to the Owner’s Manual online for complete warning information that could
prevent accidents, injuries and even deaths.
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.
21
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
ABOUT THIS WARRANTY
As the original purchaser of a BFGoodrich® brand passenger or light truck tire, you are
covered by all the benefits and conditions (subject to the maintenance
recommendations and safety warnings) contained in this booklet. To ensure your
understanding of and compliance with the terms and conditions of this warranty, please
read it carefully. It is essential that you also read and understand the safety and
maintenance recommendations for tires contained in this booklet.
WHAT IS COVERED AND FOR HOW LONG
Passenger and Light Truck Tires
BFGoodrich® brand passenger and light truck tires, used in normal service on the
veh
icle on which they were originally fitted and in accordance with the maintenance
recommendations and safety warnings contained in the attached Owner’s Manual, are
covered by this warranty against defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the
original usable tread, or six years from the date of purchase, whichever occurs first. At
that time, all warranties, express or implied, expire. The life of the original usable tread
is the original tread down to the level of the tread wear indicators - 2/32nds of an inch
(1.6 mm) of tread remaining. Date of purchase is documented by new vehicle
reg
istration or tire sales invoice. If no proof of purchase is available, coverage will be
based on the date of manufacture. Replacement will be made in accordance with the
terms and conditions described under “How Replacement Charges are Calculated”.
NOTE:
Your vehicle manufacturer may provide additional tire warranty coverage over and above
wh a
t is provided by BFGoodrich®. Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for further infor -
mation.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
Tires Which Become Unserviceable Due To:
• Road hazard injury (e.g., a cut, snag, bruise, impact damage or puncture)
• In
correct mounting of the tire, tire/wheel imbalance or improper repair
• Mi
sapplication, improper maintenance, racing, underinflation, overinflation or other
a b
use
• Operation without a properly functioning low pressure warning system, for Comp T/A® ZR
SSS tires
• Uneven or rapid wear which is caused by mechanical irregularity in the vehicle such as wh
eel misalignment, a measured tread difference of 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) or
mo r
e across the tread on the same tire
• Accident, fire, chemical corrosion, tire alteration or vandalism
• Fl
at spotting caused by improper storage or brake lock
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
34
If you see or suspect any damage to your tires or wheels, contact your local BFGoodrich®
tire retailer, or visit our web site listed below for dealer locations. If further assistance is
required, contact:
Correct tire pressure is very important. Proper inflation pressures may be found in the
ve
hicle Owner’s Manual or on the vehicle tire information placard. Check cold tire
pressures at least once each month. For further technical information on BFGoodrich®
tires, consult a participating BFGoodrich® tire retailer. IN USA
IN CANADA
877-788-8899 888-871-6666
or write:
Michelin North America, Inc.
Attention: Consumer Care Department Post Office Box 19001
Greenville, SC 29602-9001 United States or write:
Michelin North America (Canada), Inc.
2500 Daniel-Johnson Blvd., Suite 500 Laval, QuebecH7T 2P6Canada
or visit:
www.bfgoodrichtires.com or visit:
https://www.bfgoodrich.ca/en/home
WARNING!
For safety and good performance, you must take care of your tires. Follow the safety
information and instructions contained in this Owner’s Manual.
Your Vehicle:
Year Make/Model
Your Tire Size:
Tire Purchase Date:
Recommended
P r
essures: Front
Rear
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
39
TIRE WEAR—VISUAL CHECK
Check for obvious signs of wear. Place a penny in the tire tread grooves as shown. I
f you can see the top of
Lincoln’s head, the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced.
TIRE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in use as a result of punctures, impact
damage, improper inflation, overloading, or other conditions resulting from use or
misuse. Tire failure may create a risk of property damage, serious personal injury or
death.
To reduce the risk of tire failure, Bridgestone® Firestone® North American Tire, LLC
s t
rongly recommends you read and follow all safety information contained in this
manual. In addition, we recommend periodic inspection and maintenance, if necessary,
by a qualified tire service professional.
WARNING!
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure. Many tire failures are
preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or irregular wear. If a vibration occurs while
driving your vehicle or you notice a bump, bulge or irregular wear, have your tires and
vehicle evaluated by a qualified tire service professional.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
40
TIRE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires need proper inflation pressure to operate effectively and perform as intended. Tires
carry the vehicle, passenger, and cargo loads and transmit the braking, acceleration, and
turning forces. The vehicle manufacturer recommends the inflation pressures for the
tires mounted on your vehicle.
These situations can cause a tire failure, even at a later date, which could lead to serious
pe
rsonal injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire information placard and/or Owner’s
Manual for the recommended inflation pressures. In addition to tire damage, improper
inflation pressure may also:
• A dversely affect vehicle ride and handling.
•
Reduce tire tread wear.
•
Affect fuel economy.
T
herefore, follow these important recommendations for tire and vehicle safety, mileage,
a n
d economy:
• Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure in all your
t
ires, including the spare.
• Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight.
WARNING!
It is not often that a properly maintained tire will “blow out” while you are driving. More
commonly, if inflation pressure is lost, it will be gradual. If you do experience a blowout
or sudden tire failure, the following information should be helpful:
• W hen the failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a vibration, and/or the
v
ehicle may pull toward the side of the failed tire.
• D O NOT abruptly brake or turn.
•
Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, hold the steering wheel firmly, and
s
teer to maintain your lane position.
• O nce the vehicle has slowed, apply the brakes gently.
•
Gradually pull over to the shoulder and come to a stop, as far off the road as
p
ossible.
WARNING!
Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.
• U nder-inflation causes excessive tire heat build-up and internal structural damage.
•
Over-inflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut, punctured, or broken by sudden
i
mpact.