BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
59
DOT Symbol and Tire Identification Number: The “DOT” symbol constitutes a certification
that the tire conforms to applicable US Department of Transportation (DOT) motor
vehicle safety standards (for tires). Following the “DOT” symbol is the tire identification
number, also known as the DOT serial number or code. For example:
The DOT symbol and tire identification number can be found on at least one sidewall near
th
e wheel. The other sidewall may have a partial serial code that excludes (e) and (f)
above.
Maximum Load and Inflation: T
he maximum load and maximum inflation pressure is
marked on each sidewall in metric and English units. For example:
MAX LOAD 685 kg (1,510 lbs) AT 240 kPa (35 psi) MAX PRESS
NOTE:
The load and inflation values marked on the tire sidewall are maximum permissible
v a
lues for the tire only. Never assume that these values are the actual maximum load
capacity or recommended tire pressure values for your vehicle. See “Tire Inflation Pres -
sure,” “Tips for Safe Tire Inflation,” and “Tips for Safe Loading” in this manual.
Ply Composition and Materials: T
he actual number of plies in the sidewall and tread area
and the generic name(s) of their cord material(s) are marked on at least one sidewall. For
example:
• T READ 2 PLY POLYESTER + 2 STEEL
•
SIDEWALL 2 PLY POLYESTER
R
adial: Radial ply tires will have the word "radial" on at least one sidewall. An “R” in the
t
ire size designation also indicates radial ply construction.
Tubeless or Tube Type: T
ires are marked as either “tubeless” or “tube type,” whichever
is applicable, on at least one sidewall.
(a) DOT Symbol (d) Tire Manufacturer’s Code
(b) Manufacture Plant Code (e) Week of Production (01-52)
(c) Tire Size Code (f) Year of Production (last two digits of year)
* For tires produced from 2000-on. In the example above, the tire was produced in the 18th week of
2000. For tires produced prior to 2000, there is one digit in group (f) which identifies the last digit of the
year of production, i.e. “329” would likely signify the 32nd week of 1999, but could possibly signify the
32nd week of 1989. If in doubt, consult a qualified tire service professional.
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
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.
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
79
C) UNDERSTANDING YOUR TIRES
TIRE SPEED SYMBOLS
Tires that are speed-rated are identified by the following letter symbols: Q, S, T, U, H, V,
W ,
Y, (Y), or (ZR). The Speed Rating’s Symbol can be found as a part of the tire size
designation (ex: 215/65HR16) or after the load index immediately following the tire size
designation (ex: 215/65R16 97H). The Speed Rating’s Symbol indicates the maximum
speed that a tire can handle when properly inflated and loaded.
**For tires with speed symbols W and Y, ZR may or may not also appear within the size designation. For
tires with a maximum speed above 186 mph a ZR must appear in the size designation.
DATE OF TIRE MANUFACTURE
The date that a tire was manufactured can be determined by examining the last four
digits of the 12-digit Department of Transportation (DOT) serial code, which is found on
at least one sidewall of a tire. For tires that were produced after the year 2000, the last
four digits of the serial code will identify the week and the year that the tire was
manufactured. If the last four digits in the DOT serial code were to read “3013” it would
mean that the tire was manufactured the 30th week of 2013. If you are uncertain, check
with a qualified tire service professional to be sure.Speed Symbol
Maximum Speed (KMH) Maximum Speed (MPH)
Q 160 99
S 180 112
T 190 118
U 200 124
H 210 130
V 240 149
W 270 168
Y 300 186
(Y) Above 300 Above 186
ZR** Above 240 Above 149
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION 80
DOT Symbol And DOT Serial Code
The “DOT” symbol claims that the tire conforms to all applicable US DOT motor vehicle
sa
fety standards for tires. The identification/serial number follows the “DOT” symbol.
Here is an example of a DOT serial code:
TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
MAX LOAD AND INFLATION
The maximum load and inflation pressure are marked on the tire sidewall in english and
m e
tric units.
PLY COMPOSITION AND MATERIALS
The number of plies and their generic composition of cord materials in the sidewall and
tr
ead areas can be found on at least one sidewall of a tire.
(a) DOT Symbol (d) Tire Manufacturer’s Code
(b) Manufacture Plant Code (e) Week of Production (01-52)
(c) Tire Size Code (f) Year of Production (last two digits of year)
FALKEN TIRE CORPORATION
81
RADIAL MARKING
A radial ply tire will have the word “radial” marked on at least one sidewall. An “R” found
i n
the tire size marking also refers to the tire being a radial ply tire.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING (UTQG) SYSTEM
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) Standards were created to help you make an
informed decision when purchasing passenger car tires by providing relative information
about a tire’s treadwear, traction, and temperature characteristics. Here is a breakdown
of the different categories that the UTQG grades:
TREAD WEAR
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when
te
sted under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example,
a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1½) 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
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA
, A, B and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specific government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
TEMPERATURE
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 or on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce in tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car 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 minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The traction grades 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 each tie 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.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
96
•TIRE SPINNING. On slippery surfaces such as snow, mud, ice, etc., do not spin tires in
excess of 35 mph (55 km/h), as indicated on the speedometer.
• EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.
This can also result in tire disintegration or axle failure.
TIRE CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
The easiest way to help ensure satisfactory mileage and performance from your
Goodyear® or Dunlop® tires is to give them a simple but frequent (at least monthly)
inspection for proper inflation, even tread wear and the presence of any damage.
DO MAINTAIN PROPER INFLATION PRESSURE IN YOUR TIRES
Proper inflation pressure is necessary for optimum tire performance, safety and fuel
economy. Check inflation pressures at least once a month and before long trips. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Always check pressures when the tires are cold (when the
vehicle has been driven less than one mile). If you must check inflation when the tires
are hot, add 4 psi (27 kPa) to the recommended cold inflation pressure. It is difficult to
tell just by looking at radial tires whether they are underinflated.*
Furthermore, when operating a vehicle equipped with radial tires, it is difficult to notice
wh
en a tire has gone flat or nearly flat since the “feel” of the vehicle does not change
significantly.
*Evidence of air loss or repeated underinflation always requires expert inspection to
d e
termine the source of leakage and tire removal to determine repairability. To avoid
injury, NEVER attempt to reinflate a tire that has been run severely underinflated.
Progressive air loss may result from punctures, cuts, curbing, impacts or partial bead
unseating. Some fitment causes for air loss are (1) incomplete bead seating, (2) bead
tearing caused by a machine tool due to insufficient lubrication or improper adjustment.
Leaking valve core or rubber valve components should be replaced when problems are
detected and whenever tires are replaced.
WARNING!
Vehicle handling, traction, ride comfort and other performance parameters may be
significantly affected by a change in tire size or type. Before replacing tires, always
consult and follow the vehicle Owner’s Manual because some vehicle manufacturers
prohibit changing tire size. When selecting tires that are different from the original
equipment size make certain:
• The tires have adequate load-carrying capacity based on the vehicle placard.
•
The tires have sufficient inflation pressure to carry the load.
•
There is proper clearance with no interference points between the tire and vehicle.
T
he consumer must be aware to always drive safely and obey all traffic laws. Avoid
s u
dden, sharp turns or aggressive lane changes. Failure to follow any of these
warnings may result in loss of control of the vehicle, leading to an accident and
serious injury or death.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
99
DO NOT MIX TIRES OF DIFFERENT SIZES AND TYPES ON THE SAME AXLE
For optimum handling and control, Goodyear® recommends fitment of four tires of the
same type and size unless otherwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
When replacing tires, you must maintain the outside diameter and load-carrying capacity
of
the Original Equipment tire. Inflation pressure may need to be adjusted to avoid
overloading the tire. Consult the Tire & Rim Association Load and Inflation Tables,
European Tire and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) or Japan Automobile Tyre
Manufacturers Association (JATMA) standards for correct load and inflation information.
NEVER FIT TIRES TO A VEHICLE THAT HAVE LESS LOAD-CARRYING CAPACITY THAN
RE
QUIRED BY THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER
Examples: Many vehicles, such as large passenger vans, require Load Range E tires as
d e
signated by the vehicle manufacturer. Fitment of a tire, such as a Load Range D, with
less carrying capacity is not allowed. In other cases, tires of the same size may carry
different load indexes in the service description. You must make certain the replacement
tires fitted to the vehicle have a load-carrying capacity equal to or greater than what the
Original Equipment manufacturer specifies.
NOTE:
Goodyear® manufactured and/or marketed European- Metric passenger tires and
P -
Metric passenger tires are interchangeable as long as they have the same section
width, same aspect ratio, same rim diameter.
FOLLOW THESE ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
When installing only two tires, fit the tires with the deepest tread depth on the rear axle.
If radials and non-radials must be fitted to the same vehicle, fit radials on rear axle. Never
mix radials and non-radials on the same axle. When fitting winter tires or all-season tires
WARNING!
Before you replace your tires, always consult the vehicle owner’s manual and follow
the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement tire recommendations. Vehicle handling may
be significantly affected by a change in tire size or type. When selecting tires that are
different from the Original Equipment size, see a professional installer in order to
make certain that proper clearance, load-carrying capacity and inflation pressure are
selected. Never exceed the maximum load capacity and inflation pressure listed on
the sidewall of the tire. Always drive safely and obey all traffic laws. Avoid sudden,
sharp turns or aggressive lane changes. Failure to follow this warning may result in
loss of control of the vehicle, leading to an accident and serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
Never substitute a “Standard Load” (SL) tire for an Extra Load (XL) or Reinforced tire. If
the vehicle was originally equipped with “Extra Load” (XL) or Reinforced tires, replace
those tires with similar-sized Extra Load (XL) or Reinforced tires.