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
BRIDGESTONE® - FIRESTONE®
47
This manual is not intended to provide proper training or service procedures for tire
mounting, demounting, balancing, rotation, or repair. Please leave these tasks to
qualified tire service professionals. For your safety and that of others:
• A lways stand well clear of any tire mounting operation. This is especially important
w
hen the service operator inflates the tire. If the tire has been improperly mounted, it
may burst with explosive force causing serious personal injury or death.
• T ires must match the width and diameter requirements of the wheels. For example,
1
6 inch diameter tires must only be mounted to 16 inch diameter wheels. Radial tires
m u
st only be mounted to wheels approved for radial tires.
• W heels must be free of cracks, dents, chips, and rust. Tires must be free of bead
d
amage, cuts, and punctures.
• N ever inflate a tire beyond 40 psi (275 kPa) to seat the beads. Be absolutely certain
b
eads are fully seated before adjusting inflation pressure to the level recommended
for vehicle operation.
• N ever put flammable substances in tire/wheel assemblies at any time. Never put any
f
lammable substance into a tire/wheel assembly and attempt to ignite to seat the
beads.
• A lways stand well away from the work area when tires are being spin balanced either
o
n or off the vehicle.
HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW ASPECT RATIO TIRES
Many new vehicles come equipped from the factory with high performance and/or low
aspect ratio tires. Generally, these tires provide increased vehicle handling capability,
but may also have numerous engineering performance trade-offs associated with their
designs.
• Lo w aspect ratio tires, with reduced sidewall height, may be more susceptible to
d
amage from potholes, road hazards, and other objects such as curbs. This is true for
the wheels as well. Therefore, as with all other tires, it is important to drive with care
and maintain proper inflation pressure and load conditions. See “Tire Inflation Pres -
sure” and “Tire Damage, Inspection and Service Life” in this manual.
• Some sports cars and other handling performance enhanced vehicles, including s
edans and light trucks/SUVs, may be originally equipped with high performance tires
that are more optimized for warmer weather use. Colder, winter weather traction may
be reduced for these types of tires. Winter tires may be recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer for colder weather application. See “Winter Tires,” the next section in
this manual.
• H igh performance tires may also wear more quickly, ride more firmly, and produce
m
ore noise during operation.
Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual and tire information placard, or a qualified tire
s e
rvice professional, for more information and specifics regarding these types of tires.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
97
Always maintain inflation pressure at the level recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer as shown on the vehicle placard, vehicle certification label or in the vehicle
Owner’s Manual:
Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in severe cracking,
c o
mponent separation or “blowout.” It reduces tire load capacity, allows excessive
sidewall flexing and increases rolling resistance, resulting in heat and mechanical
damage. Maintaining proper inflation pressure is the single most important thing you can
do to promote tire durability and maximize tread life.
Overinflation increases stiffness, which may deteriorate ride and generate unwanted
vi
bration. Overinflation also increases the chances of impact damage.
DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE
Check your vehicle Owner’s Manual to determine the load limits. Overloading your vehicle
places stress on your tires and other critical vehicle components. Overloading a vehicle can
cause poor handling or increased fuel consumption and may cause tire failure. Overloading
your tires can result in severe cracking, component separation or “blowout.”
Never fit your vehicle with new tires that have less load capacity than shown on the
ve
hicle tire placard and remember that optimum rim width is important for proper tire
load distribution and function. The maximum load capacity stamped on the sidewalls of
P-Metric & European Metric tires is reduced by 10% when used on a light truck, utility
vehicle or trailer. Never fit P-Metric or European Metric tires to light trucks that specify
LT-type replacement tires.
DO NOT SPIN YOUR TIRES EXCESSIVELY
Avoid excessive tire spinning when your vehicle is stuck in snow, ice, mud or sand. The
centrifugal forces generated by a free-spinning tire/wheel assembly may cause sudden
tire explosion, resulting in vehicle damage and/or serious personal injury to you or a
bystander. Never exceed 35 mph (55 km/h), as indicated on your speedometer. Use a
g e
ntle backward and forward rocking motion to free your vehicle for continued driving.
Never stand near or behind a tire spinning at high speeds, for example, while attempting
to push a vehicle that is stuck or when an on-the-car spin balance machine is in use.
DO CHECK YOUR TIRES FOR WEAR
Always remove tires from service when they reach 2/32 of an inch remaining tread
depth. All new tires have tread wear indicators which appear as smooth banks in the
tread grooves when they wear to the 2/32 of an inch level. Many wet weather accidents
result from skidding on bald or nearly bald tires. Excessively worn tires are also more
susceptible to penetrations.
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.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
100
to performance vehicles, always fit in sets of four. It is not recommended to fit tires with
different speed ratings. If tires with different speed ratings are installed on a vehicle, they
should be installed with like pairs on the same axle.
The speed capability of the vehicle will become limited to that of the lowest speed rated
ti
res.
Use of lift kits with some vehicle/tire combinations can cause instability. When changing
tire sizes, always consult dealer for optimum rim width and carefully check vehicle/tire
clearances.
RETREADED TIRES
Retreaded passenger and light truck tires are not warranted by Goodyear® for any
reason. Speed ratings and US Department of Transportation (DOT) test compliance
certifications are voided for retreaded tires.
DO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SUSPENSION, WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE AND
ROTATE YOUR TIRES
Lack of rotation, worn suspension parts, underinflation/ overinflation, wheel imbalance
and misalignment can cause vibration or irregular tire wear. Rotate your tires according to
your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations or at maximum intervals of 6,000
miles /
1 0
,000 km.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE “BE TIRE SMART/ PLAY YOUR PART
B R
OCHURE” PUBLISHED BY THE RUBBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (RMA). A
COPY OF THIS BROCHURE CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE RMA WEBSITE:
https://www.ustires.org
HOW TO READ A TIRE DOT SERIAL NUMBER
DOT stands for Department of Transportation and the number is on the lower sidewall of
each tire to show that the tire meets or exceeds the Department of Transportation safety
standards.
TOYO TIRES® – LIMITED WARRANTY
174
The maximum speed of a vehicle is limited by the lowest-speed- rated tire on the car.
PROPER SELECTION OF TIRES
When tires need to be replaced, do not guess what tire is right for your vehicle. First look
at the vehicle Owner’s Manual or the Tire Information Placard. They tell you the size of
the tires that were on the vehicle as original equipment.
Replacement tires for any vehicle must be of a size, load range, and load capacity (by
in
flation) that is capable of supporting the same load as the vehicle’s Original Equipment
(OE) installed tires. Avoid installing used tires on a vehicle. There is no way to determine
what road hazards or abuse a previously owned tire may have incurred.
The following procedures concerning replacement tires must be followed:
• C onfirm that the load-carrying capacity is greater than or equal to the loadcarying
c
apacity of the OE tire size at the pressure indicated on the vehicle Tire Information
Placard.
• C arefully note any differences between recommendations for front and rear axle posi -
t
ions regarding the tire size and/or inflation pressure.
• T he speed rating must be equal to or greater than what is specified by the vehicle
m
anufacturer if the speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained.
• T ires should be mounted on approved wheel widths. If changing tire sizes, check to
m
ake sure the wheel has adequate load and inflation pressure capacity.
• B ody and chassis clearance must be checked on the vehicle’s front and rear axles.
CAUTION!
A tire’s speed rating is void if the tire has been retreaded, damaged, abused, or
otherwise altered from its original condition. Thereafter, it should be treated as a
non-speed-rated tire. In addition, retreaded passenger and light truck tires are not
warranted by Toyo Tires® for any reason. Toyo Tires® speed ratings are voided for
retreaded tires.
WARNING!
• Failure to install tires with adequate load capacity will result in tire fatigue and
sudden tire failure. This could lead to loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in
personal injury or death.
• C ertain vehicle performance parameters, including ride comfort and handling, may
b
e affected by substitute tire sizes. In some cases, particularly for SUVs and light
trucks, a failure to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for tire
replacement could adversely affect the safe handling of the vehicle, possibly
resulting in a loss of vehicle control leading to personal injury or death.
TOYO TIRES® – LIMITED WARRANTY
175
(Continued)
In addition to the above, light truck tire replacements should take into consideration the
following:
• P roper spacing between dual tires is necessary for optimum tire performance. If
c
hains are used, particular care must be taken to assure adequate clearance between
loaded tires to avoid damage from the chains. The allowable outside diameter differ -
ence between a tire and its dual mate is 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) for light truck tires.
CONSIDERATIONS IN PLUS SIZING
Always refer to and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement tire
r e
commendations. In some cases, a vehicle manufacturer may specifically advise
against the application of replacement tires that are not of the original size or type.
TIRE AND WHEEL MATCHING AND MOUNTING
WARNING!
Any attempt to mount a tire on a wheel with a different diameter will result in an
explosion of the tire/wheel assembly that could cause severe personal injury or death.
Prior to mounting any tire, always check the wheel identification stamp to verify the
c o
rrect wheel diameter. Always check the tire size molded onto the sidewall.
Never exceed 40 psi when seating the tire beads onto the wheel.
Always stand well clear of any tire mounting operation. This is especially important
wh
en the service operator inflates the tire. If the tire has been improperly mounted, it
could burst with explosive force causing serious personal injury or death.
A new valve stem must be installed on the wheel each time a worn out passenger or
l i
ght truck tire is replaced.
Removing and replacing tires on wheels can be dangerous.
Attempting to mount tires with improper tools or procedures could result in a tire
ex
plosion, causing serious personal injury or death. This is a job for your authorized
Toyo Tires® dealer or other qualified tire service location only.
Serious personal injury or death can result from:
• F ailure to select the proper tire and wheel. The tire must match the width and diam -
e
ter requirements of the wheel. When mounting truck type radial tires use only
w h
eels approved for radial tires.
• F ailure to inspect both the tire and wheel. The wheel must be free of cracks, dents,
c
hips, and rust. The tire must be free of bead damage, cuts, and punctures.
• F ailure to follow proper procedures. For proper mounting procedures, consult the US
T
ire Manufacturers Association’s publication “Care and Service of Automobile and
Light Truck Tires” (ref.: https://www.ustires.org).