BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
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®
54
TIRE REGISTRATION
Registration of your tires is an important safety precaution since it enables the
manufacturer to notify you in the event of a recall. When you purchase replacement tires,
the retailer will provide a registration card on which the tire identification numbers have
been recorded; fill in your name and address on the card and mail it promptly. Some
retailers may submit the registration for you. You do not need to register tires which come
as original equipment on new vehicles—the vehicle and tire manufacturers handle that
for you.
RFT TIRES WITH RUN-FLAT TECHNOLOGY
If your vehicle is equipped with Bridgestone® or Firestone® brand RFT
tires, this chapter presents specific maintenance and safety issues
a s
sociated with these tires that are in addition to those covered elsewhere in this
manual.
What is RFT? Run-Flat Technology tires are extraordinary tires that utilize specially
d e
signed components to temporarily support your vehicle in the event of inflation
pressure loss, such as from a puncture. This gives you the ability to drive to a convenient
and safe location to change your tire (if equipped with a spare) or have it inspected for
possible repair or replacement.
Naturally, certain run-flat and low pressure operating limitations apply, which varies
ac
cording to the specific self-supporting tire design. Like all tires, during normal
operation, they must be properly inflated and maintained. Regardless of the design or
quality, no tire is indestructible.
RFT — How to Identify: B
ridgestone® and Firestone® brand tires are marked on the
sidewalls, near the wheel, with the RFT logo (shown above).
RFT INFLATION PRESSURE
Like other tires, RFT tires need proper inflation pressure maintenance for safe operation
an
d to achieve the maximum tire life and performance. Check inflation pressures
monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight. Use an accurate tire gauge and
check pressures when the tires are cold. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendation for inflation pressure settings as indicated on the vehicle tire
information placard and/or in the vehicle Owner’s Manual. Do not forget the spare, if
applicable. See “Tire Inflation Pressure” in this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
A functioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) must be used with your Run Flat
tires. These tires ride so well even without inflation pressure, the TPMS may be necessary
to alert you of an inflation pressure loss condition. When alerted, follow the instructions
in your vehicle Owner’s Manual and see “Run-Flat or Low Tire Pressure Operation,” the
following section in this manual.
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
61
LIMITED WARRANTY
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
PASSENGER AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
Including Tires with Run-Flat Technology
ELIGIBILITY
This Limited Warranty covers Bridgestone® and Firestone® brand passenger and light
t r
uck tires, including RFT and temporary spare tires, originally installed by the vehicle
manufacturer on a new vehicle. You are covered under the terms of this Limited Warranty
if the tire was produced after July 4, 2004 (DOT serial 2704 or later) and has been used
only on the vehicle on which it was originally installed in non-commercial service.
WHAT IS WARRANTED AND FOR HOW LONG
Before wearing down to 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) remaining original tread depth (i.e.
w o
rn down to the top of the built-in indicators in the tread grooves) and within 6 years
from the date of purchase (proof of purchase date required; without proof of purchase
date, then within 6 years from the date of tire manufacture), for any reason other than
those excluded in the section entitled “What This Limited Warranty Does Not Cover,” any
eligible tire that becomes unusable for any reason within the manufacturer’s control will
be replaced with an equivalent new tire on the basis set forth in this Limited Warranty.
WHAT THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
This Limited Warranty does not cover the following:
1. T ire damage or irregular wear due to:
• Road hazards,
including, without limitation: Puncture, cut, impact break, stone
drill, bruise, bulge, snag, etc.
• Improper use or operation,
including, without limitation: Improper inflation pres -
sure, overloading, tire/wheel spinning, use of an improper wheel, tire chain
d a
mage, misuse, misapplication, negligence, tire alteration, or for racing or
competition purposes.
• Insufficient or improper maintenance,
including, without limitation: Failure to
rotate tires as recommended in this manual, wheel misalignment, worn suspen -
66
CONTINENTAL TIRE
LIMITED WARRANTY AND ADJUSTMENT POLICY FOR ORIGINA L EQUIPMENT PASSENGER
CAR & LIGHT TRUCK TIRES (Including TEMPORARY SPARE Tires)
This booklet also includes important safety warnings. ELIGIBILITY
This Limited Warranty and Adjustment Policy applies to the original owner of new
Continental brand passenger and light truck (LT) tires that are the new vehicle original
equipment tires bearing the Continental brand name and DOT Tire Identification
Number, operated in norma l service, and used on the same vehicle on which they were
originally installed according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tire(s) on any vehicle registered and normally operated outside the United States and
Canada are excluded from eligibility under this Limited Warranty and Adjustment Policy.
WHAT IS THE ADJUSTMENT POLICY AND HOW LONG IS IT APPLICABLE? BASIC
COVERAGE:
Eligible Tires are covered by this Warranty for a maximum of 72 months from the date of
purchase, determined by the new vehicle registration date or new vehicle sales invoice
showing date of purchase.
Where to Go for Warranty Replacement: Contact the dealer from where you purchased
the vehicle or an alternate authorized Continental brand tire dealer (Authorized Dealer)
to determine the eligible warranty coverage for your tires and how to proceed from there.
Free Replacement Period: PASS & LT: If an eligible Continental brand PASS or LT tire
becomes unserviceable from a warrantable condition, other than those listed under
Section 3, during the first 12 months or first 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) of tread wear
(whichever comes first), it will be replaced with a **comparable new Continental brand
tire FREE OF CHARGE, including mounting and balancing (excluding on line orders).
Owner pays all applicable taxes.
TEMPORARY SPARE: If a temporary spare tire becomes unserviceable from a condition
other than those listed in Section 3, during the first 1/32 of an inch (0.8 mm) of tread
wear, then it will be replaced with a **comparable new Continental brand TS tire FREE
OF CHARGE, including mounting and balancing. The owner pays all applicable taxes.
After this "Free Replacement Period" for your temporary spare tire expires, no warranty
claim will be accepted.
After the Free Replacement Period: The tire (except temporary spare tire) may still be
eligible for a pro rata replacement up to 72 months from date of original purchase until
the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicators (2/32 of an inch or 1.6 mm of tread
remaining.) If an eligible tire becomes unserviceable under the stipulations of this
Limited Warranty and Adjustment policy it will be replaced with a comparable 1
new
Continental brand tire, charging the owner a prorated amount. Owner pays all applicable
taxes (including F.E.T.), mounting and balancing charges.
1. A "comparable" new Continental brand tire may be of either the same tire line or the same basic construction but with a different sidewall or tread configuration. If a higher priced tire is selected, the
consumer will pay the difference in price.
CONTINENTAL TIRE
70
TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE OWNERS
CTA does not recommend any repair to or reuse of punctured Temporary Spare Tires.
CONTISEAL™ TIRE OWNERS
A ContiSeal™ tire differs from a non-ContiSeal™ tire in that it has a
sticky, viscous layer from shoulder to shoulder along the inner liner.
T h
is layer is an integral part of the ContiSeal™ tires. It is not designed or intended to act
as a permanent puncture repair (See information below). If an object up to 3/16 of an
inch (5 mm) diameter penetrates the tread of the ContiSeal™ tire, this sticky, viscous
l a
yer is designed to surround and adhere to the puncturing object and prevent air loss
from the tire by providing a near instantaneous seal. If the puncturing object becomes
dislodged from the tire, the material is designed to seal most holes made by objects up
to 3/16 of an inch (5 mm) diameter. While ContiSeal™ tires significanty reduce the
i n
cidence of flats they are not designed to be driven under inflated or in a flat condition.
In all other aspects, ContiSeal™ tires perform exactly like non-ContiSeal™ tires. As with
any tire, regularly inspect ContiSeal™ tires for evidence of cuts, punctures, and loss of
inflation pressure. At a minimum, ContiSeal™ tires should be inspected once or twice a
month and always before a long trip. Punctures or damage not attended to promptly can
result in loss of inflation pressure and/or damage to the tire. ContiSeal™ tires with cuts
and punctures must be inspected by a trained tire specialist as soon as possible. The
trained specialist, must inspect the tire carefully and, according to industry standards, to
determine whether a permanent repair can be made or whether the tire must be
removed from service and scrapped. A permanent repair will require removal of the tire
from the rim and application of a repair method specifically approved for the ContiSeal™
tires.
ContiSeal™ tires are identified by a symbol on the tire sidewall.
CONTISILENT™ TIRE OWNERS
ContiSilent™ tires are designed to reduce noise generated while
driving. A ContiSilent™ tire is lined with a noise reducing foam
i n
sert. It is not designed or intended to act as a puncture repair.
USING ContiSilent™ Tires
In aspects such as mounting, demounting, inflating and balancing, ContiSilent™ tires do
n o
t differ from non-ContiSilent™ tires. As with any tire, regularly inspect ContiSilent™
tires for evidence of cuts, punctures, and loss of inflation pressure. At a minimum,
ContiSilent™ tires should be inspected once or twice a month and always before a long
trip. Punctures or damage not attended to promptly can result in loss of inflation
pressure and/or damage to the tire. ContiSilent™ tires with cuts and punctures must be
inspected by a trained tire specialist as soon as possible. The trained tire specialist must
inspect the tire carefully and, according to industry standards, determine whether a
permanent repair can be made or whether the tire must be removed from service and
scrapped.
72
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
FALKEN
MADE BY SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES
Congratulations!
Your new vehicle is fitted with high performance and high quality Falken tires.
In order to guarantee that you receive the best performance and quality from your new
Fal
ken tires, we recommend that you read and follow all of the maintenance and safety
tips provided in this document. We also suggest that you have your Falken tires
periodically inspected and maintained by a qualified tire service professional.
A) TIRE CARE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PROPER INFLATION AND FUEL ECONOMY
Ensure maximum performance and a long life from your tires by checking the air pressures
at
least once a month and set them to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
pressure(s) listed on the vehicle’s tire placard or in your Owner’s Manual. Always check and
adjust your air pressure when your tires are cold, preferably first thing in the morning before
driving. Never release air pressure from tires when they are hot. Wait until the tires cool
down and recheck, adding air or releasing as required. Falken endorses the use of nitrogen
in your tires because it helps your tires maintain optimal pressure for longer periods of time
and reduces the amount of moisture inside of the tire and wheel assembly.
Some plus size applications may require different air pressure(s) than what is listed on
yo u
r vehicle’s placard or Owner’s Manual. In this case, please consult your tire dealer or
Falken Tire for proper inflation pressure(s).
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires need to be properly inflated to effectively operate and perform as intended. Tires
ca r
ry the weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo as well as bear the forces of
braking, accelerating, and turning. The vehicle manufacturer sets the inflation pressures
for the original equipment tires that are on your vehicle.
Driving with improperly inflated tires is dangerous. An underinflated tire will generate
ex c
essive heat build-up that will cause damage to the internal structure and inner liner
of the tire. Besides tire damage, improper tire inflation pressures can also affect your
vehicle’s ride and handling, tire tread wear, and fuel economy. It is recommended to
always keep all of your tires, including the spare, at the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended inflation pressures and be sure to check the air pressure monthly and
before going on long road trips or carrying extra weight in your vehicle.
Your vehicle’s tire placard and/or Owner’s Manual will list the cold inflation pressure(s)
fo r
your vehicle’s original equipment tires, including the spare. The placard can be found
on the driver side door or door jamb area. If you have questions about understanding
your vehicle’s tire placard, please refer to your Owner’s Manual or ask a qualified tire
service professional.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION 74
of these noted conditions are present during inspection, we recommend returning to
your servicing tire dealer to be corrected to ensure long tire life. ***Never include a
temporary spare tire in your rotation pattern***
TIRE REPLACEMENT
Falken recommends replacing your tires when the tread wears down to the wear bars at
1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch), which are located across the tread in several locations around
t h
e tire. If only two tires are being replaced, the two new tires should always be installed
on the rear of the vehicle to aid in preventing your vehicle from hydroplaning, even if your
car is front wheel drive. It is always recommended to have your new tires balanced during
installation, and alignment checked if the previous tires show and irregular wear. Tires
that have been in use for five years or more should continue to be inspected by a
qualified tire specialist, at least annually. It is recommended that any tires 10 years old
or older from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires
as a precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached
the legal worn out limit at 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch).
TIRE REPAIRS
In the event that you get a flat tire while driving, it is best to find a nearby, safe place to
stop and install your spare tire or call a tow truck. The less distance that you drive on your
low or flat tire, the better chances your tire has of being repairable. Once you are able to
get to your local servicing tire dealer, have them dismount the tire from the rim and
thoroughly inspect the inside of the tire. It is important to know the difference between a
proper tire repair and an improper one because it can be critical to you and your vehicle’s
safety. An improper repair could pose a safety threat to you and your family and could
also affect your tire’s manufacturer warranty. Here are some tips in determining if your
damaged tire can be properly repaired or not:
• Always have the tire removed from the wheel and inspected before any repair is
p
erformed.
• T ires with less than 1.6
mm (2/32 of an inch) of tread should NOT be repaired.
• N ever repair a tire with a puncture larger than 6
mm (1/4 of an inch).
• R epairs should be limited to the tread area only.
•
Repairs cannot overlap one another.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
75
• A plug and patch or plug/patch combo should be used to effectively repair a tire punc -
ture.
• I f anything seems questionable at any time during the repair process, ask your service
a
dvisor for more details and/or call the tire manufacturer to make sure the tire’s
warranty is not being voided.
TIRE MIX USAGE
TIRE SPEED RATINGS
Falken recommends replacing your tire(s) with the same speed rating as the original tires
equipped on your vehicle.
It is okay to use a lower speed rated tire when using Winter tires. However, speeds should
b e
reduced to match the tires new “maximum” speed capability.
Any tire that is repaired, damaged, abused, altered from its original state or retreaded
v o
ids the speed rating on that particular tire and should be considered a non-speed rated
tire.
HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW ASPECT RATIO TIRES
Various new vehicles come equipped with high performance and/or low aspect ratio tires
from the factory. These tires generally provide increased vehicle handling
characteristics, but may also have engineering performance trade-offs related with their
designs. Low aspect ratio tires have reduced sidewall heights and may be more
vulnerable to damage from road hazards, potholes, and other objects, like curbs. Your
vehicle’s wheels are susceptible to these same dangers as well. Some vehicles may be
originally equipped with high performance tires that are designed for warmer weather
use, reducing traction in colder, winter weather conditions. High performance tires also
pose the possibility of wearing more quickly, giving a stiffer ride, and producing louder
noise than standard all-season tires during operation. Refer to your vehicle Owner’s
Manual, tire information placard, or qualified tire service professional for more
information about these kinds of tires.
WARNING!
Never mix tires of different size or construction and/or type on any axle. (Except for
temporary use as a spare tire.) Always refer to the vehicle’s owner manual for proper
tire fitments.
WARNING!
Falken does not recommend the use of mixing different speed ratings on a vehicle.
This can cause poor handling and unpredictable steering.