TIRES
10
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal wear patterns and reduced
tre
ad life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Overinflation produces a jarring
and
uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver side B-pillar or rear edge of
the driver side door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do notma
ke a visual judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires may look properly
inflated even when they are underinflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
I n
flation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold
ti r
e inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of
th r
ee hours. The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor temperatures, as
ti r
e pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature
ch a
nge. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature = 32°F
(0 °
C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi
(21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature
c o n
dition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT
re d
uce this normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always reinstall the valve stem cap. This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the
valve stem.
TIRES
11
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
FCA US LLC advocates driving at safe speeds and within posted speed limits. Where
speed limits or conditions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds,
maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very important. Increased tire pressure and
reduced vehicle loading may be required for high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to an
authorized tire dealer or original equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe
operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
Radial Ply Tires
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it meets the following criteria:
• The tire has not been driven on when flat.
• Th
e damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall damage is not repair -
a b
le).
• The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch (6 m
m).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have experienced a loss of pressure should
be
replaced immediately with another Run Flat tire of identical size and service
description (Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h)
aft
er a rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is referred to as the Run
Flat mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation pressure is of/or below 14 psi
(96 kPa). Once a Run Flat tire reaches the Run Flat mode, it has limited driving
capabilities and needs to be replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended to drive a vehicle loaded at full capacity or to tow a trailer while a
tir
e is in the Run Flat mode.
See the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) section for more information.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maximum load is dangerous. The added
strain on your tires could cause them to fail. You could have a serious collision. Do not
drive a vehicle loaded to maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(1 2
0 km/h).
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle will cause your
vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause a collision. Always use radial ply
tires in sets of four. Never combine them with other types of tires.
TIRES
14
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter).
Traction levels may vary between different all season tires. All season tires can be
identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use all season
tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry conditions, and are not intended to be
driven in snow or on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be aware these
tires are not designed for winter or cold driving conditions. Install winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are covered
with ice or snow. For more information, contact an authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all season designation or mountain/snowflake symbol
on
the tire sidewall. Use summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may adversely
affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension components. You could lose control
and have a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity, other than what was originally eq
uipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose control and have a collision.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having adequate speed capability can result in
sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may result in false speedometer
and odometer readings.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
TIRES
15
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires during the winter. Snow tires can
be identified by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire sidewall. If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and type to the original
equipment tires. Use snow tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
ad
versely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what was originally equipped with
y o
ur vehicle and should not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).
F o
r speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
d e
aler for recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid and traction capability on wet or
d r
y surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states prohibit studded
tires; therefore, local laws should be checked before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And Wheel —
If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and wheel equivalent in look and function
to the original equipment tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your vehicle.
This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this
option, refer to an authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use only. You can identify if your vehicle
is equipped with a compact spare by looking at the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the driver side door opening or on the sidewall
of the tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the
size designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment tire should be repaired (or
r e
placed) and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conventional tire on the compact
s p
are wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare tire. Do not
install more than one compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at any given time.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact or limited use temporary spare installed. Damage
to the vehicle may result.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
24
DRIVING ON ANY TIRE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE CORRECT INFLATION PRESSURE
IS DANGEROUS
Any underinflated tire builds up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire destruction.
If tires are supplied as original equipment, refer to the tire decal on the vehicle (check
vehicle and/or vehicle Owner’s Manual for decal location) for the recommended
operating pressures. For replacement tires, the correct inflation pressure will be provided
by your tire retailer; if not, refer to the vehicle decal.
These inflation pressures must be maintained as a minimum. However, do not exceed
th
e maximum pressure rating indicated on the tire sidewall.
CHECK THE COLD INFLATION PRESSURE IN ALL YOUR TIRES, INCLUDING THE SPARE, AT
LE A
ST ONCE EACH MONTH
Failure to maintain correct inflation may result in improper vehicle handling and may
c a
use rapid and irregular tire wear, sudden tire destruction, loss of vehicle control and
serious personal injury. Therefore, inflation pressures should be checked at least once
each month and always prior to long distance trips. This applies to all tires, including
sealant types, and Self-Supporting tires which are as susceptible to losing air pressure
as any other type of tire if not properly maintained.
UNDERINFLATION
It is impossible to determine whether tires are properly inflated by simply looking at them.
It is almost impossible to “feel or hear” when a tire is being run underinflated or nearly
flat. Tires must be checked monthly with a tire pressure gauge.
Pressures should be checked when tires are cold, in other words, before they have been
d r
iven on. Driving, even for a short distance, causes tires to heat up and air pressure to
increase.
Checking pressure when tires are hot:
If pressures are checked after tires have been driven for more than three minutes or
m o
re than 1 mile, (1.6 km) the tires become hot and the pressures will increase by
a p
proximately 4 psi. Therefore when the tire pressure is adjusted under these
conditions, it should be increased to a gauge reading of 4 psi greater than the
recommended cold inflation pressure.
Check cold pressure as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. “Bleeding” air from
h o
t tires could result in underinflation. Use an accurate tire gauge to check pressures.
Never allow children to inflate or deflate tires. For Example Only:
Gauge reading of hot tire:
32 psi (220 kPa)
If recommended cold inflation pressure is: 30 psi (205 kPa)
Desired gauge reading of hot tire 30 + 4 psi = 34 psi (205 + 30 = 235 kPa)
Therefore: add 2 psi (15 kPa)
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
25
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that is
designed to monitor the pressure of tires mounted on your vehicle and sends a signal to
the driver if a tire pressure falls below a predetermined level. A TPMS should not replace
monthly manual pressure checks for all four tires and the spare. We recommend that you
manually monitor and check tire pressure inflation with a pressure gauge.
Your tires should have the recommended pressure listed by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Th
is information can be found in the vehicle Owner’s Manual and often on a placard
located in the vehicle’s door jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment
door. If you have a plus size fitment that requires a higher inflation pressure, your TPMS
will require re-calibration to the new inflation pressure. Refer to your tire dealer/installer
of plus size tires for proper inflation pressure.
We recommend checking air pressure once each month, and before a long trip. Whether
y o
u have a full-sized or mini-spare, make sure that it is properly inflated as well. If the
TPMS generates improper monitoring or signals we recommend that you consult your
Owner’s Manual provided with your vehicle and follow up with FCA US LLC.
TIRE SPINNING
Do not spin wheels in excess of 35 mph (55 km/h) as indicated on the speedometer.
Ex
cessive speed in a free-running, unloaded tire can cause it to “explode” from
centrifugal force. The energy released by such an explosion is sufficient to cause serious
physical injury or death. Never allow anyone to stand near or behind the spinning tire.
When in mud, sand, snow, ice or other slippery conditions, do not engage in excessive
w h
eel spin. Accelerating the motor excessively, particularly with automatic transmission
vehicles, may cause a drive tire that has lost traction to spin beyond its speed capability.
This is also true when balancing a drive tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle using the
vehicle engine to spin the tire/wheel assembly.
HIGH SPEED DRIVING CAN BE DANGEROUS
Correct inflation pressure is especially important. However, at high speeds, even with the
correct inflation pressure, a road hazard, for example is more difficult to avoid and if
contact is made, has a greater chance of causing tire damage than at a lower speed.
Moreover, driving at high speed reduces the reaction time available to avoid accidents
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
If you see any damage to a tire or wheel, replace it with the spare at once and visit a
pa
rticipating BFGoodrich® Tire Retailer.
Exceeding the maximum speeds shown on the following page for each type of
B F
Goodrich® tire will cause the tire to build up excessive heat which can cause tire
damage that could result in sudden tire destruction and rapid air loss. Failure to control
a vehicle when one or more tires experience a sudden air loss can lead to an accident.
In any case, you should not exceed reasonable speeds as indicated by the legal limits
a n
d driving conditions.
BFGOODRICH® TIRES
28
All tires will wear out faster when subjected to high speeds as well as hard cornering,
rapid starts, sudden stops, frequent driving on roads which are in poor condition, and off
road use. Roads with holes and rocks or other objects can damage tires and cause
misalignment of your vehicle. When driving on such roads, drive carefully and slowly, and
before driving again at normal or highway speeds, examine your tires for any damage,
such as cuts, bulges, penetrations, unusual wear patterns, etc.
WEAR BARS
BFGoodrich® tires contain “Wear-Bars” in the grooves of the tire tread which show up
when only 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) of tread is remaining. At this stage, your tires must
b e
replaced. Tires worn beyond this stage are extremely dangerous.
DO NOT OVERLOAD - DRIVING ON ANY OVERLOADED TIRE IS DANGEROUS
The maximum load rating of your tires is molded on the tire sidewall. Do not exceed this
ra
ting. Follow the loading instructions of FCA US LLC and this will ensure that your tires
are not overloaded. Tires which are loaded beyond their maximum allowable loads for
the particular application will build up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire
destruction.
Do not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for any axle on your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
If you anticipate towing a trailer, you should visit any BFGoodrich® tire retailer for advice
concerning the correct size tire and pressures. Tire size and pressures will depend upon
the type and size of trailer and hitch utilized, but in no case must the maximum cold
inflation pressure or tire load rating be exceeded. Check the tire decal and the Owner’s
Manual supplied by FCA US LLC for further recommendations on trailer towing.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING ARE IMPORTANT FOR SAFETY AND MAXIMUM
MI
LEAGE FROM YOUR TIRES
CHECK HOW YOUR TIRES ARE WEARING AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH
If your tires are wearing unevenly, such as the inside shoulder of the tire wearing faster
th
an the rest of the tread, or if you detect excessive vibration, your vehicle may be out of
alignment or balance. These conditions not only shorten the life of your tires but
adversely affect the handling characteristics of your vehicle, which could be dangerous.
If you detect irregular wear or vibration, have your alignment and balance checked
immediately. Tires which have been run underinflated will show more wear on the
shoulders than in the center of the tread.
TIRE MIXING
BFGoodrich® tires are radial tires and for best performance it is recommended that the
same size and type of tire be used on all four wheel positions. Before mixing tires of
different types in any configuration on any vehicle, be sure to check the vehicle
manufacturer’s Owner‘s Manual for its recommendations.
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.