2
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following information: Tire Markings, Tire
Identification Numbers, Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire Loading.
Tire Markings
Tire Markings
NOTE:
• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on US design standards. P-Metric tires haveth
e letter “P” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example: P215/
65R15XL 95H.
• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed to
this standard have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the section
width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15
96H.
• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on US design standards. The size desig -
n a
tion for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT”
th a
t are molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example: LT235/
85R16C.
• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emergency use only. Temporary hi
gh pressure compact spare tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
• High flotation tire sizing is based on US design standards and it begins with the tire di
ameter molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
1 — US DOT Safety Standards Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature
Gra
des
TIRES
3
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C,
T1 4
5/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on US design standards, or
"....blank...." =
Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light Truck tire based on US design standards, or
T
or S = Temporary spare tire or
3 1 =
Overall diameter in inches (in)
2 1
5, 235, 145 =
Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
• Ra
tio of section height to section width of tire, or 10
.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
• "R" means radial construction, or
• "D
" means diagonal or bias construction
1 5
, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
S e
rvice Description:
95 = Load Index
• A
numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H
= Speed Symbol
• A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corre -
s p
onding to its load index under certain operating conditions
• The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved un
der specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road condi -
tions, and posted speed limits)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire
in d
icates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
• XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
• LL =
Light load tire or
• C, D, E, F, G =
Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a
specified pressure
Maximum Load –
Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to
carry
Maximum Pressure –
Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire
inflation pressure for this tire
TIRES
13
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including, but not limited to:
• D riving style.
•
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns
t
o develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
• D istance driven.
•
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and Summer tires typically
h
ave a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle scheduled mainte -
nance is highly recommended.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible.
P r
otect tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics. They should be
inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressures. FCA US LLC strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear
Indicators” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard or the
Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation of your tires. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tires will be found on the original equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety Information” section of this
ma
nual for more information relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just
o n
e tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire dealer or original equipment dealer with
a n
y questions you may have on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in serious injury or death.
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
22
• The adding of liquid, solid or gaseous materials other than air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide for example, waterbase sealers or balancing substances
• O zone or weather checking
HOW REPLACEMENT CHARGES ARE CALCULATED
Passenger And Light Truck Tires Workmanship/Materials
A tire which becomes unserviceable due to a condition covered by this workmanship and
ma
terials limited warranty will be replaced with a comparable new BFGoodrich® brand
tire, free of charge, when 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) or less of the original tread is worn,
( o
r 25% or less, whichever is more beneficial to you) and within 12 months of the date of
p u
rchase. The cost of mounting and balancing the tire is included. You pay the cost of
any other service charges and applicable taxes.
When more than 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) of the original tread has been worn (or more
t h
an 25%, whichever is more beneficial to you) or after 12 months from the date of
p u
rchase, you must pay the cost of a comparable new BFGoodrich® brand passenger or
light truck replacement tire on a prorated basis. The retailer shall determine the charge
by multiplying the percentage of the original usable tread worn by the current selling
price at the adjustment location or the price on the current BFGoodrich® brand Base
Price List, whichever is lower. This list is based on a predetermined price intended to
fairly represent the actual selling price of the tire.
You pay the cost of mounting, balancing, and or any other service charges and applicable
t a
xes.
WHAT YOU MUST DO WHEN MAKING A CLAIM
When making a claim under the terms of this limited warranty you must present your
tire(s), your vehicle, and your original invoice to a participating BFGoodrich® brand tire
retailer. BFGoodrich® brand tire retailers are listed in the yellow pages under “Tire
Dealers-Retail”. Personal identification (i.e. Driver’s License, Credit Card, etc.) and
vehicle registration may be required. You pay any service charges for normal vehicle and
tire maintenance.
CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
This limited warranty does not provide compensation for loss of time, loss of use of
vehicle, inconvenience or incidental or consequential damages.
Tires presented for claim remain the property of the consumer and BFGoodrich® brand
a c
cepts no responsibility for loss of, or damage to, tires which are in the custody or
control of a BFGoodrich® tire retailer for the purpose of inspection for warranty
adjustment.
In the event of a disputed claim, the consumer must make the tire available for further
i n
spection. Tires accepted for claim become the property of Michelin North America Inc.
No BFGoodrich® brand representative, employee or retailer has the authority to make or
i m
ply any representation, promise or agreement, which in any way varies from the terms
of this limited warranty. This limited warranty applies only in the United States and Canada.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
26
SPEED RATINGS
Speed Symbols are shown on the sidewall of some BFGoodrich® tires. The following
table shows the maximum speed corresponding to the symbol.
*Some V (or VR) rated tires may have a speed capacity greater than 149 mph (240 km/h).
C o
nsult your participating BFGoodrich® tire retailer for maximum speed rating if your
vehicle capability exceeds this speed.
**Z (or ZR) rated tires are designed to be used on cars with maximum speed capabilities
i n
excess of 149 mph (240 km/h).
W and Y speed ratings are sub-categories of Z.
Consult your BFGoodrich® tire retailer for maximum speed capabilities.
Although a tire may be speed-rated, we do not endorse the operation of any vehicle in an
u n
safe or unlawful manner. Speed ratings are based on laboratory tests which relate to
performance on the road, but are not applicable if tires are underinflated, overloaded,
worn out, damaged, altered, improperly repaired, or retreaded. Furthermore, a tire’s
speed rating does not imply that vehicles can be safely driven at the maximum speed for
which the tire is rated, particularly under adverse road and weather conditions or if the
vehicle has unusual characteristics.
BFGoodrich® highway passenger tires that do not have a speed symbol on the sidewall
h a
ve a maximum speed rating of 105 mph (170 km/h). Light truck highway tires that do
n o
t have a speed symbol on the sidewall of the tire have a maximum speed rating of
87 mph (140 km/h).
The speed and other ratings of retreaded tires are assigned by the retreader and replace
t h
e original manufacturer’s ratings.
NOTE:
In order to maintain the speed capability of the vehicle, replacement tires must have
s p
eed ratings equal to or higher than those fitted as original equipment as indicated on
the vehicle tire placard or Owner’s Manual. If tires with lower speed ratings are fitted, the
vehicle’s handling may be affected and the speed capability of the vehicle will be lowered
to the maximum speed capability of the replacement tires as indicated in the following
table.
SPEED Ratings Maximum Speed
Km/h mph
M 130 81
N 140 87
P 150 93
Q 160 100
R 170 106
S 180 112
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
30
REPLACEMENT OF TWO TIRES
It is recommended that all four tires are replaced at the same time. However, whenever
on
ly two tires are replaced, the new ones should be put on the rear. The new tires, with
deeper tread, may provide better grip and water evacuation in wet driving conditions.
CUSTOMIZATION OF TIRES, WHEELS, OR SUSPENSION ON SUVS AND LIGHT
TRUCKS
Due to their size, weight and higher center of gravity, vehicles such as SUVs and light
trucks do not
have the same handling characteristics as automobiles. Because of these
differing characteristics, failure to operate your SUV/truck in a proper and safe manner
can increase the likelihood of vehicle rollover. Modifications to your SUV/truck tire size,
tire type, wheels or suspension can change its handling characteristics and further
increase the likelihood of vehicle rollover. Whether your SUV/truck has the original
equipment configuration for tires, wheels and suspension or whether any of these items
have been modified, always drive safely, avoid sudden, sharp turns or lane changes and
obey all traffic laws. Failure to do so may result in loss of vehicle control leading to an
accident and serious injury or death.
TIRE ALTERATIONS
Do not make or allow to be made any alterations on your tires. Alterations may prevent
p r
oper performance, leading to tire damage which can result in an accident. Tires which
become unserviceable due to alterations such as trueing, whitewall inlays, addition of
balancing or sealant liquids, or the use of tire dressing containing petroleum distillates
are excluded from warranty coverage.
REPAIRS - WHEREVER POSSIBLE, SEE YOUR BFGOODRICH® TIRE RETAILER AT ONCE
If any BFGoodrich® tire sustains a puncture, have the tire demounted and thoroughly
i n
spected by any BFGoodrich® tire retailer for possible damage that may have occurred.
A tread area puncture in any BFGoodrich® passenger or light truck tire can be repaired
p r
ovided that the puncture hole is not more than 1/4 of an inch in diameter, not more
than one radial cable per casing ply is damaged, and the tire has not been damaged
further by the puncturing object or by running underinflated. Tire punctures consistent
with these guidelines can be repaired by following the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) recommended repair procedures.
TIRE REPAIRS
Repairs of all tires must be of the combined plug and inside patch type. Plug only repairs
are improper. A tire should be removed from the rim and inspected prior to repair. Any
tire repair done without removing the tire from the rim is improper. An improperly
repaired tire will cause further damage to the tire by either leaking air or allowing air,
moisture and contaminants to enter the structure of the tire. An improperly repaired tire
can fail suddenly at a later date.
Never repair a tire with less than 2/32 of an inch tread remaining. At this tread depth,
t h
e tire is worn out and must be replaced.
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.