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.
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®
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®
50
pressure, load, tire condition (including damage), wear, vehicle condition (including
alignment), driving conditions, and duration at which the speed is sustained. Use the
following chart to compare the speed ratings of tires.
The tire’s speed rating designation appears on the tire sidewall with the tire size.
Ex
amples:
* In standardized laboratory tests that relate to highway speeds. Actual tire speed and performance
capability depend on factors such as inflation pressure, load, tire condition, wear, and driving conditions.
** Any tire having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) may, at the tire manufacturer’s
d i
scretion, include a “Z” in the size designation (i.e. P275/40ZR17).
*** For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186 mph (300 km/h), a “Z” must appear in the size
d e
signation and a “Y” marked in brackets (as shown) in the service description.
**** Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed capability.
Speed
Symbol Speed Category*
mph km/h
M 81130
Q 99160
R 106 170
S 112 180
T 118 190
U 124 200
H 130 210
V 149 240
Z** >149 >240
W 168 270
Y 186 300
(Y)*** >186
P275/40ZR17 max > 149 mph (240 km/h)****
P275/40R17 93Wmax = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93Wmax = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93Ymax = 186 mph (300 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93(Y)max > 186 mph (300 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.
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53
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare when needed. The spare
tire carrier is not intended to be used for long term storage, except for “temporary use”
tires. 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; see “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual
for more information.
The spare should be included in regular tire inspections and inflation pressure checks.
In
addition, it should be replaced 10 years after date of manufacture, regardless of
condition or tread depth. For more information, see the “Tire Damage, Inspection and
Service Life” in this manual.
TIRE STORAGE
Tires should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place where water cannot collect inside
them. Tires should be placed away from electric generators/motors and sources of heat
such as hot pipes. Storage surfaces should be clean and free of grease, gasoline or other
substances which can deteriorate the rubber.
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare when needed. The spare
t i
re carrier is not intended to be used for long term storage, except for “temporary use”
tires. For more information, see “Your Spare Tire” and “Radial Tire Rotation” in this
manual.
TIRE SERVICE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Normal tire maintenance and Limited Warranty services are available at locations across
the US and Canada. For more information, visit us on the internet at
www.bridgestonetire.com , or please call the Technical Service Department:
US: 8 00-356-4644 or Canada: 800-267-1318.
A
dditional information on the care and service of automobile and light truck tires is
a v
ailable from the following organizations:
U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association 1400 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005-2403
https://www.ustires.org/
Rubber Association of Canada 2000 Argentia Road, Plaza 4, Suite 250 Mississauga,
O n
tario L5N 1W1 https://www.tracanada.ca/
WARNING!
Mounting a “temporary use” tire on a wheel which is not specifically designed for it, or
placing another type tire on a wheel designated for temporary use, can be dangerous.
Your vehicle’s handling characteristics can be seriously affected. You could have an
accident resulting in serious personal injury or death. Consult your vehicle owner’s
manual for proper application of your “temporary use” spare tire.
WARNING!
Improper storage can damage your tires in ways that may not be visible and can lead
to a failure resulting in serious personal injury or death.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
57
RFT Tire Replacement
Do not replace or mix RFT tires with conventional tires, unless on an emergency/
t e
mporary basis. Conventional tires do not have run-flat capability and the handling
characteristics of the vehicle with these tires may be different. If a conventional tire is
used on an emergency/temporary basis, verify that its size, load capacity, inflation
pressure, and speed rating specifications meet the requirements of the vehicle. Replace
any conventional tire with the proper RFT tire as soon as possible.
RFT Tire Damage and Repair
No tire, regardless of its design or quality is indestructible. RFT tires can be ultimately
r e
ndered unusable due to a puncture or other road hazard as well as from improper
run-flat or low tire pressure operation. Some punctures may be repaired under certain
restrictions and prescribed procedures.
When driven flat or with low pressure, factors affecting reparability include vehicle speed,
l o
ad, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation pressure loss; and ambient temperature.
In any situation, the extent and location of direct damage from a puncturing object or
other road hazard are also critical factors.
RFT tires are not repairable in any of the following situations:
• I f the tire was operated with inflation pressure less than 15 psi (100 kPa).
•
Abrasion or other damage is present on the exterior tread, sidewall or bead areas.
•
Abrasion, wrinkling, or separation is present on the tire interior.
•
Any condition or damage is present that disqualifies repair of a conventional tire.
R
un-Flat Certified Retailers will fully inspect your tire, inside and out, to determine if the
t i
re can be repaired. Tire damage is not always visible from the outside and the tire must
be removed from the wheel for a complete inspection. For more information, see the
section “Tire Repairs” in this manual.
NOTE:
Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using repaired tires. Consult your
v e
hicle Owner’s Manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating a repaired
tire on your vehicle.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
58
REFERENCE INFORMATION
TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
A lot can be learned by reading the tire’s sidewall. The following figures show typical
in
formation on the sidewall of passenger (Figure 3) and light truck tires (Figure 4):
Tire Size, Load Range, Load Index, and Speed Symbol: Example Tire SizeLoad IndexSpeed Symbol Load Range
Figure 3 P215/65R15 95H-
Figure 4 LT235/85R16 114/111 QD