BFGOODRICH® TIRES
33
It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age
alone. However the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due
to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected
during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended
t h
at any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare
tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear
serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle i.e., acquired by the consumer on a
n e
w vehicle, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when
specified (but not to exceed 10 years).
The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire.
C o
nsumers should locate the Department of Transportation (DOT) code on the tire which
begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT
code ending with "2204" indicates a tire made in the 22nd week (May) of 2004.
REMEMBER TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR TIRES AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT
• INSPECT TIRES AT LEAST MONTHLY, AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER STRIKING ANY ROAD HAZARD.
• C HECK TIRE PRESSURE AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH WHEN TIRES ARE COLD AND
B
EFORE EVERY LONG TRIP.
• N EVER UNDERINFLATE OR OVERINFLATE A TIRE.
•
NEVER OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE AND TIRES.
•
ALWAYS OBEY LEGAL SPEED LIMITS AND DRIVE AT A SPEED THAT IS REASONABLE
U
NDER THE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS.
• A VOID DRIVING OVER POTHOLES, OBSTACLES, CURBS OR EDGES OF PAVEMENT.
•
AVOID EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.
•
IF YOU SEE ANY DAMAGE TO A TIRE, REPLACE THE TIRE WITH A PROPERLY INFLATED
S
PARE AND VISIT A QUALIFIED TIRE PROFESSIONAL AT ONCE.
• K EEP TIRES AND WHEELS PROPERLY ALIGNED, BALANCED, AND ROTATED.
•
HAVE MOUNTING AND REPAIRS DONE BY A TIRE PROFESSIONAL.
•
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT YOUR BFGOODRICH® RETAILER.
F
AILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS
O W
NER’S MANUAL CAN LEAD TO ERRATIC VEHICLE BEHAVIOR OR TIRE DAMAGE,
POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
35
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
TIRE MAINTENANCE, SAFETY and WARRANTY MANUAL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
PASSENGER and LIGHT TRUCK TIRES (Including RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology)
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle comes equipped with quality BRIDGESTONE® or FIRESTONE® brand
tir
es.
To ensure optimum tire performance and reduce the risk of a tire failure, Bridgestone®
Fi r
estone® North American Tire, LLC strongly recommends you read and follow all
maintenance and safety information contained in this manual. In addition, we
recommend periodic inspection and maintenance, if necessary, by a qualified tire service
professional.
Inflate.
Check your tire pressure monthly.
Rotate.
Rotate your tires as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or ever 5,000 miles.
Evaluate.
Routinely look for signs of tread wear or damage.
TIRE CARE BASICS
Quick Reference Guide to Maintenance for All Tires, Including the Spare.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires can lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) per month under normal conditions.
Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi for every 10°F temperature drop.
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.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
41
Your vehicle’s tire information placard and/or Owner’s Manual will tell you the
recommended cold inflation pressure for all your tires, including the spare. Examples of
placards are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Your placard may look different and have
different tire and loading information than that shown in either of the figures. You must
check the driver side door edge or door jamb area for the actual placard that applies to
your vehicle. For questions about locating or understanding the tire information placard,
consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual or ask a qualified tire service professional.
Figure 1: EXAMPLE—Tire And Loading Information Placard
Figure 2: EXAMPLE—Tire Information Placard
Maximum Pressure Indicated on the Tire Sidewall: This is the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for the tire only. The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire
pressures may be lower than, or the same as, the maximum pressure indicated on the
tire sidewall. The vehicle manufacturer’s specification of tire pressure is limited to your
particular vehicle and takes into account your vehicle’s load, ride, and handling
characteristics, among other criteria. Since there may be several possible vehicle
applications for a given tire size, a vehicle manufacturer may choose a different inflation
pressure specification for that same size tire on a different vehicle. Therefore, always
refer to the inflation pressure specifications on the vehicle tire information placard and/
or in your vehicle Owner’s Manual.
Different Tire Pressures for the Front and Rear Tires: F
or some vehicles, the
recommended front and rear inflation pressures may be different (such as in the
example shown in Figure 2). Make sure you take this into account during inflation
pressure checks and when rotating tires.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
42
Pressure Loss: Tires can lose 1 psi (7 kPa) per month under normal conditions and can
lose 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 10° F (5.6° C) temperature drop. A puncture, leaking valve,
or other damage could also cause inflation pressure loss. If a tire loses more than 2 psi
(14 kPa) per month, have it checked by a qualified tire service professional.
TIPS FOR SAFE TIRE INFLATION
• Check your tire pressures, including your spare tire, monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight. Be sure to use an accurate pressure gauge.
• C heck inflation pressure when the tires are “cold.” Tires are considered “cold” when
t
he vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven
less than a mile at moderate speed.
• N ever release pressure from a hot tire in order to reach the recommended cold tire
p
ressure. Normal driving causes tires to run hotter and inflation pressure to increase.
If you reduce inflation pressure when your tires are hot, you may dangerously under -
inflate your tires.
• I f it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when your tires are “hot”, set their pres -
s
ure to 4 psi (28 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. Recheck the
i n
flation pressure when the tires are cold.
• I f your tires lose more than 2 psi (14 kPa) per month, the tire, the valve, or wheel may
b
e damaged. Consult a qualified tire service professional for an inspection.
• U se valve caps to keep the valves clear of debris and to help guard against inflation
p
ressure loss.
TIPS FOR SAFE LOADING
• Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure in all your tires, including the spare. Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or
carrying extra weight.
• N ever exceed the maximum load rating stamped on the sidewall of your tire.
WARNING!
Inflating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If it bursts, it could be hurled into the air with
explosive force resulting in serious personal injury or death. Never inflate a tire unless
it is secured to the vehicle or a tire mounting machine.
WARNING!
Driving your vehicle in an overloaded condition is dangerous. Overloading causes
excessive tire heat build-up and internal structural damage. This can cause a tire
failure, even at a later date, which could lead to serious personal injury or death.
Consult the vehicle tire information placard, certification label, and owner’s manual
for the recommended vehicle load limits and loading recommendations.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
43
• Never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or front/rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of your vehicle.
• C onsult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for load recommendations and special instruc -
t
ions such as for trailer/towing and snow plow installations.
TIRE DAMAGE, INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE
Evaluation and maintenance of your tires is important to their performance and the
service they provide to you. Over time and/or through use, the condition of a tire can
change from exposure to everyday road conditions, the environment, damaging events
such as punctures, and other external factors.
You should visually inspect your tires on a regular basis throughout their life, and you
sh
ould have your tires periodically evaluated by a qualified tire service professional when
your vehicle is serviced such as routine maintenance intervals, oil changes, and tire
rotations. In particular, note the following tips for spotting tire damage:
• A fter striking anything unusual in the roadway, have a qualified tire service profes -
s
ional demount the tire and inspect it for damage. A tire may not have visible signs of
d a
mage on the tire surface. Yet, the tire may suddenly fail without warning, a day, a
week, or even months later.
• I nspect your tires for cuts, cracks, splits or bruises in the tread and sidewall areas.
B
umps or bulges may indicate a separation within the tire body. Have your tire
inspected by a qualified tire service professional. It may be necessary to have it
removed from the wheel for a complete inspection.
• I nspect your tires for adequate tread depth. When the tire is worn to the built-in indi -
c
ators at 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) or less tread groove depth, or the tire cord or fabric
i s
exposed, the tire is dangerously worn and must be replaced immediately.
• I nspect your tires for uneven wear. Wear on one side of the tread or flat spots in the
t
read may indicate a problem with the tire or vehicle. Consult a qualified tire service
professional.
• I nspect your wheels also. If you have a bent or cracked wheel, it must be replaced.
•
Don’t forget to check the spare tire.
M
ake sure your tires, including the spare tire, continue to be regularly inspected after 5
y e
ars of service to determine if they can continue in service. Even when your tires appear
to be usable from their external appearance or the tread depth may have not reached
the minimum wear out depth, it is recommended that all tires (including spare tires and
“temporary use” spares) more than 10 years old be replaced with new tires.
WARNING!
Driving on damaged tires is dangerous. A damaged tire can suddenly fail causing
serious personal injury or death. Have your tires regularly inspected by a qualified tire
service professional.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
51
TIRE SPINNING
RADIAL TIRE ROTATION
The purpose of tire rotation is to minimize irregular or uneven wear caused by
maintaining a tire in one rotation direction and one position over an extended period.
Rotate tires as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or every 5,000 miles.
I n
dividual tire pressures must be checked after rotation and adjusted to the vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendation for the tire’s new location on the vehicle. Vehicle
alignment should be checked if irregular wear is evident.
For vehicles with a “temporary use” spare tire, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
r e
commended pattern for rotation, or, if not provided, the following may be used:
WARNING!
Spinning a tire to remove a vehicle stuck in mud, ice, snow, or wet grass can be
dangerous. A tire spinning at a speedometer reading above 35 mph (55 km/h) can in
a
matter of seconds reach a speed capable of disintegrating a tire with explosive force.
Under some conditions, a tire may be spinning at a speed twice that shown on the
speedometer. This could cause serious personal injury or death to a bystander or
passenger. Never spin a tire above a speedometer reading of 35 mph (55 km/h).
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
52
If your spare is the same size, load rating, and type of tire as your road tires, it should be
included in the tire rotation process. For vehicles with a “full-size” spare, the following
rotation patterns may be used:
NOTE:
• Never include a “temporary use” spare tire in the rotation.
•
Tires with directional tread patterns must be rotated so the direction of revolution
d
oes not change; this may require demounting/mounting the tires.
• S pecial attention should be given if your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Moni -
t
oring System (TPMS). Rotation of your tires may affect the system; consult your
v e
hicle Owner’s Manual or a qualified tire service professional.
• S ome vehicles may have different size tires/wheels on front and rear which would
r
estrict rotation. Always check and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s rotation recom -
mendation.
• T o use a full-size spare in the rotation pattern on vehicles with dual rear wheels,
c
onsult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for the recommended procedures or consult the
vehicle manufacturer.
YOUR SPARE TIRE
Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for proper application of your spare tire. Your car
may be equipped with a “temporary use” spare tire; this spare may differ in size and
construction from the other tires on your vehicle.
WARNING!
Check inflation pressure before use. Failure to have proper inflation pressure when
using your spare tire can result in serious personal injury or death. See Tire Inflation
Pressure in this manual.