Tire Maintenance and
Safety Manual
Replacement Market Passenger and Light Truck Tires
EN
and associated brands
including
Tires with Run-Flat Technology
1
And Associated Brands
WARRANTY
MANUAL
REPLACEMENT
MARKET
PASSENGER and
LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
Including
CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU HAVE JUST PURCHASED QUALITY
TIRES FROM A BRIDGESTONE DEALER.
To ensure optimum tire performance and reduce th e risk
of a tire failure, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
(BRIDGESTONE) strongly recommends you read and follow all
maintenance and safety information contained in this manual. In
addition, we recommend periodic inspection and maintenance,
if necessary, by a qualied tire service professional.
CONTENTS
Tire Care Basics: Inflate. Rotate. Evaluate. ......................... 3
Tire Maintenance and Safety Information ............................. 8
Tire Failure While Driving ........................................................ 8
Tire Inflation Pressure
............................................................. 8
Tips For Safe Tire Inflation.................................................... 10
Tips For Safe Loading
.......................................................... 11
Tire Damage, Inspection and Service Life
............................ 11
Tire Manufacture Date
.......................................................... 13
Tire Repairs
.......................................................................... 13
Tire Mounting and Other Servicing....................................... 15
High Performance, Low Aspect Ratio Tires
......................... 16
Winter Tires
.......................................................................... 16
High Speed Driving
.............................................................. 17
Tire Speed Ratings
............................................................... 17
Tire Spinning
........................................................................ 19
Radial Tire Rotation
.............................................................. 19
Tire Replacement and Tire Mixing
........................................ 20
Your Spare Tire
..................................................................... 21
Tire Storage
.......................................................................... 22
Tire Service Customer Satisfaction
...................................... 22
Tire Registration
................................................................... 22
RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology ..................................... 23
RFT Inflation Pressure .......................................................... 23
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS
............................. 23
Run-Flat or Low Tire Pressure Operation
............................. 24
Distance—How Far You Can Drive....................................... 25
Special Service and Repair Issues
....................................... 25
Reference Information ........................................................... 27
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................................................. 27
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ................................................ 29
Limited Warranty .................................................................... 30
Customer, Vehicle, and Tire Identification
........................... 31
Recommended In
flation Pressure ........................ Back Cover
Tire Maintenance Record
...................................... Back Cover
Inate
Check your tire pressure monthly.
Rotate
Rotate your tires as recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer
or every 5,000 miles.
Evaluate
Routinely look for signs of tread
wear or damage.
TIRE CARE
BASICS
Quick Reference Guide to Maintenance for
All Tires, Including the Spare.
2 3
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires can lose 1 psi (pound per square inch)
per month under normal conditions.
Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi
for every 10° F temperature drop.
This chart shows you how underinflation
can create an overload on tires
Check your tire pressure every month to make
sure it’s up to specication, especially before
long trips or carrying extra weight.
Look for the manufacturer’s recommended
tire pressure listed on the sticker usually
located on the driver’s-side door edge or
door jamb area. Example:
Just a look won’t do it.
One of these tires is actually 10 psi
under-inflated. Your eyes can deceive
you, so rely on a good tire gauge for
an accurate reading.
30psi 20psi
Lower pressure increases heat.
Infrared photography of tires tested at high
speed. Damaging heat increases as inflation
pressure drops.
4 5
TIRE PRESSURE
MONTHLY CHECK
For accuracy, check your inflation pressure
with a tire gauge when tires are cold.
Driving heats up tires and makes the
reading incorrect.
TIRE ROTATION
For maximum mileage, rotate your tires
according to the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations (consult your vehicle
owner’s manual), or if not provided, rotate
every 5,000 miles using a rotation pattern such
as below (see “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual).
TIRE WEAR–VISUAL CHECK
Check for obvious signs of wear.
Place a penny in the tire tread
grooves as shown.
If you can see the top of Lincoln’s
head, the tire is worn out and
needs to be replaced.
a) Remove tire valve cap.
b) Place the end of the tire
gauge over valve.
c) Press the tire gauge
straight and rmly until
the scale extends.
d) If needed, increase
pressure and recheck
with the tire gauge.
e) Replace valve cap.
Exposed tread bars Irregular shoulder wear
(replace) (have inspected)
Shoulder wear Center Wear
(have inspected) (have inspected)
6 7
TIRE MAINTENANCE AND
SAFETY INFORMATION
Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in use as
a result of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation,
overloading, or other conditions resulting from use or misuse.
Tire failure may create a risk of property damage, serious
personal injury or death.
SAFETY WARNING
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure.
Many tire failures are preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or
irregular wear. If a vibration occurs while driving your vehicle or
you notice a bump, bulge or irregular wear, have your tires and
vehicle evaluated by a qualied tire service professional.
To reduce the risk of tire failure, BRIDGESTONE strongly rec-
ommends you read and follow all safety information contained
in this manual. In addition, we recommend periodic inspec-
tion and maintenance, if necessary, by a qualied tire service
professional.
TIRE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING
SAFETY WARNING
It is not often that a properly maintained tire will “blow out”
while you are driving. More commonly, if inflation pressure is
lost, it will be gradual. If you do experience a blowout or sud-
den tire failure, the following information should be helpful:
When the failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a
vibration, and/or the vehicle may pull toward the side of the
failed tire.
• DO NOT abruptly brake or turn.
Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, hold the steer-
ing wheel rmly, and steer to maintain your lane position.
• Once the vehicle has slowed, apply the brakes gently.
Gradually pull over to the shoulder and come to a stop, as
far off the road as possible.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Tires need proper inflation pressure to operate effectively and
perform as intended. Tires carry the vehicle, passenger, and
cargo loads and transmit the braking, acceleration, and turn-
ing forces. The vehicle manufacturer recommends the inflation
pressures for the tires mounted on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.
Under-inflation causes excessive tire heat build-up and
internal structural damage.
Over-inflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut,
punctured, or broken by sudden impact.
These situations can cause a tire failure—(even if the tire is
properly inflated later)—which could lead to serious personal
injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire information placard
and/or owner’s manual for the recommended inflation
pressures.
In addition to tire damage, improper inflation pressure
may also:
Adversely affect vehicle ride and handling.
• Reduce tire tread wear.
Affect fuel economy.
Therefore, follow these important recommendations for tire
and vehicle safety, mileage, and economy:
Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
inflation pressure in all your tires, including the spare.
Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or
carrying extra weight.
Your vehicle’s tire information placard and/or owner’s manual
will tell you the recommended cold inflation pressure for all
your tires, including the spare. Examples of placards are shown
in Figures 1 and 2. Your placard may look differently and have
different tire and loading information than that shown in either
of the gures. You must check the driver’s-side door edge
or door jamb area for the actual placard that applies to
your vehicle. For questions about locating or understanding
the tire information placard, consult your vehicle owner’s
manual or ask a qualied tire service professional.
Figure 1: EXAMPLE—Tire and Loading Information Placard
8 9
Figure 2: EXAMPLE—Tire Information Placard
Maximum Pressure Indicated on the Tire Sidewall: This is
the maximum permissible in
flation pressure for the tire only.
The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressures
may be lower than, or the same as, the maximum pressure
indicated on the tire sidewall. The vehicle manufacturer’s
specication of tire pressure is limited to your particular
vehicle and takes into account your vehicle’s load, ride, and
handling characteristics, among other criteria. Since there may
be several possible vehicle applications for a given tire size, a
vehicle manufacturer may choose a different in
flation pressure
specication for that same size tire on a different vehicle.
Therefore, always refer to the in
flation pressure specications
on the vehicle tire information placard and/or in your vehicle
owner’s manual.
Different Tire Pressures for the Front and Rear Tires:
For some vehicles, the recommended front and rear in
flation
pressures may be different (such as in the example shown in
Figure 2). Make sure you take this into account during in
flation
pressure checks and when rotating tires.
Pressure Loss: Tires can lose 1 psi (7 kPa) per month under
normal conditions and can lose 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 10°F
(5.6°C) temperature drop. A puncture, leaking valve, or other
damage could also cause in
flation pressure loss. If a tire loses
more than 2 psi (14 kPa) per month, have it checked by a
qualied tire service professional.
TIPS FOR SAFE TIRE INFLATION
SAFETY WARNING
In
flating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If it bursts, it could
be hurled into the air with explosive force resulting in serious
personal injury or death. Never in
flate a tire unless it is secured
to the vehicle or a tire mounting machine.
Check your tire pressures, including your spare tire, monthly
and before long trips or carrying extra weight. Be sure to use
an accurate pressure gauge.
Check inflation pressure when the tires are “cold.” Tires are
considered “cold” when the vehicle has been parked for
three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less
than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed.
Never release pressure from a hot tire in order to reach the
recommended cold tire pressure. Normal driving causes tires
to run hotter and in
flation pressure to increase. If you reduce
in
flation pressure when your tires are hot, you may danger-
ously under-in
flate your tires.
If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when your tires
are “hot,” set their pressure to 4 psi (28 kPa) above the
recommended cold in
flation pressure. Recheck the inflation
pressure when the tires are cold.
If your tires lose more than 2 psi (14 kPa) per month, the tire,
the valve, or wheel may be damaged. Consult a qualied tire
service professional for an inspection.
Use valve caps to keep the valves clear of debris and to help
guard against in
flation pressure loss.
TIPS FOR SAFE LOADING
SAFETY WARNING
Driving your vehicle in an overloaded condition is dangerous.
Overloading causes excessive tire heat build-up and internal
structural damage. This can cause a tire failure—(even after
the load is reduced)—which could lead to serious personal
injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire information placard,
certication label, and owner’s manual for the recommended
vehicle load limits and loading recommendations.
Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
in
flation pressure in all your tires, including the spare.
Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or
carrying extra weight.
Never exceed the maximum load rating stamped on the
sidewall of your tire.
Never exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or
front/rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) of your vehicle.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for load recommenda-
tions and special instructions (such as for trailer/towing and
snow plow installations).
TIRE DAMAGE, INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE
Evaluation and maintenance of your tires is important
to their performance and the service they provide to you.
Over time and/or through use, the condition of a tire can
change from exposure to everyday road conditions, the
environment, damaging events such as punctures, and
other external factors.
10 11
SAFETY WARNING
Driving on damaged tires is dangerous. A damaged tire
can suddenly fail causing serious personal injury or death.
Have your tires regularly inspected by a qualied tire
service professional.
You should visually inspect your tires on a regular basis
throughout their life, and you should have your tires
periodically evaluated by a qualied tire service professional
when your vehicle is serviced such as routine maintenance
intervals, oil changes, and tire rotations. In particular, note the
following tips for spotting tire damage:
After striking anything unusual in the roadway, have a quali-
ed tire service professional demount the tire and inspect it
for damage. A damaged tire may not show any visible signs
of harm. Yet, the tire may suddenly fail without warning, a
day, a week, or even months later.
Inspect your tires for cuts, cracks, splits or bruises in the
tread and sidewall areas. Bumps or bulges may indicate a
separation within the tire body. If you see damage or unusual
condition, have your tire inspected by a qualied tire service
professional. It may be necessary to have it removed from
the wheel for a complete inspection.
Inspect your tires for adequate tread depth. When the tire is
worn to the built-in indicators at 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or less
tread groove depth, or the tire cord or fabric is exposed, the
tire is dangerously worn and must be replaced immediately.
Inspect your tires for uneven wear. Wear on one side of the
tread or
flat spots in the tread may indicate a problem with
the tire or vehicle. Consult a qualied tire service professional.
Inspect your wheels also. If you have a bent or cracked
wheel, it must be replaced.
Don’t forget to check the spare tire.
Tire Service Life
Make sure your tires, including the spare, continue to be
regularly inspected after 5 years of service to determine
if they can continue in service. Regardless of the tire’s
condition or tread depth, it is recommended that tires more
than 10 years old be taken out of service and replaced with
new tires. REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR FULL-SIZE OR
TEMPORARY SPARE, ALSO. A spare tire over 10 years old
may look like a new tire, but it should be replaced. See “Tire
Manufacture Date,” the next section in this manual.
The 10 year period after the date of production is not an
indicator of actual service life for any individual tire. Some
tires will need to be replaced before 10 years due to condi-
tions such as punctures, impact damage, improper in
flation,
overloading, tread wear or other conditions involving use
or misuse of the tire. If a tire is worn out or otherwise
unserviceable from damage or conditions of use, it should
be replaced regardless of when it was produced or placed
in service.
The vehicle manufacturer may consider vehicle performance
characteristics when making tire replacement recommendations
.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for any information
regarding tire service life and replacement and follow the
recommendations applicable to your vehicle.
TIRE MANUFACTURE DATE
The tire manufacture date is determined by examining the DOT
tire identication number, also known as the DOT serial number
or code, which can be found on at least one sidewall near the
wheel. It may be necessary to look on both sides of the tire to
nd the entire serial code. For more information on DOT serial
codes, see “Tire Sidewall Labeling” in this manual.
Tires Produced Since 2000: The last four (4) digits of the serial
code identify the week and year of production. In the example
below, the tire was produced in the 18th week of 2000. Another
example, a tire with a serial code ending in “2406” would have
been produced in the 24th week of 2006.
Tires Produced Prior to 2000: The last three (3) digits of
the serial code identify the week and year of production. For
example, a tire with a code ending in “329” would likely have
been produced in the 32nd week of 1999, but possibly produced
in 1989. If in doubt, consult a qualied tire service professional.
TIRE REPAIRS
SAFETY WARNING
Driving on an improperly repaired tire is dangerous. An
improper repair can be unreliable or permit further damage
to the tire. The tire may suddenly fail, causing serious personal
injury or death. A complete inspection and repair of your tire
in accordance with Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) procedures should be conducted by a qualied tire
service professional.
While the comprehensive procedures and recommendations
for tire repair are beyond the scope of this manual, a proper tire
repair includes the following:
3
The tire is demounted from the wheel for a complete
inspection, inside and out. Some damage to the tire may
only be evident on the interior of the tire.
12 13
3
The puncture injury is 1/4 inch (6 mm)
or less and must be within the tread
area as shown in the graphic. This
helps ensure long-term tire and repair
durability.
3
A patch is applied to the interior of the tire
and the puncture hole is filled with a suitable plug/stem filler.
This helps ensure that the interior of the tire is adequately sealed
to prevent inflation pressure loss and prevents contamination of
the steel belts and other plies from the elements (such as water) in
the outside world.
Additional notes about tire repairs:
Not all punctured or damaged tires can be properly repaired;
consequently, some tires must be replaced. NEVER repair a
tire with any of the following conditions:
Wear to the tire’s built-in treadwear indicators or to
2/32 inch (1.6 mm) remaining tread depth in any area
of the tread.
With a puncture larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm).
With a puncture or other damage outside the repairable
tread area (as shown in the graphic).
With a pre-existing, improper repair.
Any tire repair done without removing the tire from the wheel
is improper. The tire must be demounted from the wheel and
the interior inspected for damage that may not be evident on
the exterior of the tire.
Using only a plug/stem, or using only a patch, is not a safe
or proper repair. A patch must be applied to the interior
of the tire and the puncture hole must be lled with a
suitable plug/stem ller to prevent inflation pressure loss and
contamination of the steel belts and other plies.
NEVER substitute a tube for a proper repair or to remedy an
improper repair.
Tubes, like tires, should only be repaired by a qualied tire
service professional.
Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using
repaired tires. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual or
contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating a
repaired tire on your vehicle.
ASK how your tire will be repaired. ALWAYS insist on a
proper tire repair.
Emergency/Temporary Sealant or Filler Repairs: An emer-
gency/temporary sealant or ller injected into the tire, such
as by aerosol can or injection/squeeze-tube, is not a proper
repair and voids the tire Limited Warranty. A tire injected with
such sealant/ller must be replaced by a qualied tire service
professional as soon as possible.
SAFETY WARNING
Tell the tire service professional if you have used an aerosol
xer to inflate/seal the tire. Aerosol xers could contain a
highly volatile gas. Always remove the valve core outdoors,
away from sources of excessive heat, flame, or sparks and
completely deflate the tire before removing it from the wheel.
Speed Rating: The tire’s speed rating is void if the tire is
repaired, retreaded, damaged, abused, or otherwise altered
from its original condition. Thereafter, it should be treated as a
non-speed rated tire. See “Tire Speed Ratings” in this manual.
Improper repair voids the tire Limited Warranty.
See “Limited Warranty” in the Warranty Details Manual under a
separate publication.
RFT (Run-Flat Technology) Tires: In addition to the above,
there are recommendations specic to the repair of RFT tires;
see “RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology” in this manual.
TIRE MOUNTING AND OTHER SERVICING
SAFETY WARNING
Removing and replacing tires on wheels can be dangerous.
Attempting to mount tires with improper tools or procedures
may result in a tire explosion causing serious personal injury or
death. This is only a job for a qualied tire service professional.
Never perform tire service procedures without proper training,
tools, and equipment.
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:
Always stand well clear of any tire mounting operation. This
is especially important when 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.
Tires must match the width and diameter requirements of
the wheels. For example, 16 inch diameter tires must only be
mounted to 16 inch diameter wheels. Radial tires must only
be mounted to wheels approved for radial tires.
Wheels must be free of cracks, dents, chips, and rust. Tires
must be free of bead damage, cuts, and punctures.
Never inflate a tire beyond 40 psi (275 kPa) to seat the
beads. Be absolutely certain beads are fully seated before
adjusting inflation pressure to the level recommended for
vehicle operation.
Never put flammable substances in tire/wheel assemblies
at any time. Never put any flammable substance into a tire/
wheel assembly and attempt to ignite to seat the beads.
PATCH + PLUG/STEM PATCH ONLY PLUG/STEM ONLY
14 15
Always stand well away from the work area when tires are
being spin balanced either on 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.
Low aspect ratio tires, with reduced sidewall height, may be
more susceptible to damage 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 in
flation pressure and
load conditions. See “Tire In
flation Pressure” and “Tire
Damage, Inspection and Service Life” in this manual.
Some sports cars and other vehicles with enhanced han-
dling performance, including sedans 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 manufac-
turer for colder weather application. See “Winter Tires,” the
next section in this manual.
High performance tires may also wear more quickly, ride
more rmly, and produce more noise during operation.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire information
placard, or a qualied tire service professional, for more
information and specics regarding these types of tires.
WINTER TIRES
SAFETY WARNING
Winter driving presents special challenges for vehicle mobility.
The use of winter tires (including studs and chains)—while
improving traction performance in snow and ice—requires
special care with regard to acceleration, braking, cornering,
and speed. It is important to drive with care, not only on snow
and ice, but on dry and wet roads as well.
In winter driving conditions, vehicle control and safe operation
under braking and cornering is especially dependent upon
the rear tires. For this reason, winter tires are best applied to
all wheel positions. Some vehicles have specic recommen-
dations regarding winter tire use; consult your vehicle owner’s
manual and tire information placard.
If winter tires are to be applied to the front axle of any
vehicle, they must also be applied to the rear axle for safe
operation. This applies to all passenger cars and light trucks,
including front wheel drive, 4x4, and all-wheel-drive vehicles.
If winter tires are to be applied to the rear axle of any
vehicle, it is recommended that they also be installed on
the front axle.
It is generally acceptable to apply a tire with a lower speed
rating than your original tires for use in winter weather
conditions; however, speed should be reduced accordingly.
All winter tires should be the same speed rating. See “Tire
Speed Ratings” in this manual.
Winter tires used in warm weather conditions may wear
more rapidly.
Studded winter tires follow the same recommendations as
above; consult a qualied tire service professional for infor-
mation regarding any seasonal restrictions.
HIGH SPEED DRIVING
SAFETY WARNING
Driving at high speed is dangerous and can cause an
accident, resulting in serious personal injury or death.
Regardless of the speed and handling capabilities of
your car and its tires, a loss of vehicle control can result
from exceeding the maximum speed allowed by law or
warranted by trafc, weather, vehicle, or road conditions.
High-speed driving should be left to trained professionals
operating under controlled conditions.
No tire, regardless of its design or speed rating, has unlimit-
ed capacity for speed, and a sudden tire failure can occur if
its limits are exceeded. See “Tire Speed Ratings,” the next
section in this manual.
Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for any tire pressure
recommendations for high speed driving.
TIRE SPEED RATINGS
A tire bearing a letter “speed rating” designation indicates the
tire’s speed capability according to standardized laboratory
tests. This speed rating system is intended to permit compar-
ison of the speed capabilities of different tires. When replac-
ing your tires, consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire
information placard for recommendations, if any, concerning
the use of speed rated tires.
To avoid reducing the speed capability of the vehicle, replace
a speed rated tire only with another tire having at least the
same speed rating. It is the “top speed” of the “slowest” tire
on the vehicle which limits the vehicle’s top speed without
tire failure.
16 17
The tire’s speed rating is void if the tire is repaired, retread-
ed, damaged, abused, or otherwise altered from its original
condition. Thereafter, it should be treated as a non-speed
rated tire.
Non-speed rated tires are usually for ordinary passenger car
or light truck service and not for high speed driving.
For winter tires used in cold weather conditions, it is gen-
erally acceptable to apply a tire with a lower speed rating
than your original tires; however, speed should be reduced
accordingly. All winter tires should be the same speed rating.
Some vehicles have specic recommendations regarding
winter tire use; consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire
information placard. See “Winter Tires” in this manual.
These speed ratings are based on standardized laboratory
tests under specic, controlled conditions. While these tests
may relate to performance on the road, real-world driving is
rarely identical to any test conditions. Your tire’s actual speed
capability may be less than its rated speed since it is affect-
ed by factors such as inflation pressure, load, tire condition
(including damage), wear, vehicle condition (including align-
ment), driving conditions, and duration at which the speed is
sustained. Use the following chart to compare the speed rat-
ings of tires. Remember: regardless of the tire’s speed rating,
drivers should obey speed limits and adjust their speed based
on trafc, weather, vehicle and road conditions.
The tire’s speed rating designation appears on the tire
side-wall with the tire size. Examples:
P275/40ZR17 max > 149 mph (240 km/h) ****
P275/40R17 93W max = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93W max = 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93Y max = 186 mph (300 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93(Y) max > 186 mph (300 km/h) ****
* In standardized laboratory tests that relate to highway
speeds. Actual tire speed and performance capability
depend on factors such as inflation pressure, load, tire
condition, wear, and driving conditions.
** Any tire having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) may, at the tire manufacturer’s discretion, include
a “Z” in the size designation (i.e. P275/40ZR17).
*** For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186
mph (300 km/h), a “Z” must appear in the size designation
and a “Y” marked in brackets (as shown) in the service
description.
**** Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed
capability.
TIRE SPINNING
SAFETY WARNING
Spinning a tire to extract a vehicle stuck in mud, ice, snow, or
wet grass can be dangerous. A tire spinning at a speedometer
reading above 35 mph (55 km/h) can in a matter of seconds
reach a rotation speed capable of disintegrating a tire with
explosive force. Under some conditions, a tire may be spin-
ning at a speed twice that shown on the speedometer. This
could cause serious personal injury or death to a bystander or
passenger. Never spin a tire above a speedometer reading of
35 mph (55 km/h).
RADIAL TIRE ROTATION
The purpose of tire rotation is to minimize irregular or uneven
wear caused by maintaining a tire in one rotation direction and
one position over an extended period. Rotate tires as rec-
ommended by the vehicle manufacturer or every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km). Individual tire pressures must be checked after
rotation and adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer’s recom-
mendation for the tire’s new location on the vehicle. Vehicle
alignment should be checked if irregular wear is evident.
For vehicles with a “temporary use” spare tire, follow the
vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pattern for rotation,
or, if not provided, the following may be used:
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. For vehicles with a “full-size” spare, the following
rotation patterns may be used:
Speed
Symbol
Speed Category*
mph km/h
M 81 130
Q 99 160
R 106 170
S 112 180
T 118 190
U 124 200
H 130 210
V 149 240
Z** >149 >240
W 168 270
Y 186 300
(Y)*** >186 >300
18 19
Note:
Never include a “temporary use” spare tire in the rotation.
Tires with directional tread patterns must be rotated so the
direction of revolution does not change; this may require
demounting/mounting the tires.
Special attention should be given if your vehicle is equipped
with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Rotation of
your tires may affect the system; consult your vehicle own-
er’s manual or a qualied tire service professional.
Some vehicles may have different size tires/wheels on front
and rear which would restrict rotation. Always check and
follow the vehicle manufacturer’s rotation recommendation.
To use a full-size spare in the rotation pattern on vehicles
with dual rear wheels, consult your vehicle owner’s manual
for the recommend
ed procedures or consult the vehicle
manufacturer.
TIRE REPLACEMENT AND TIRE MIXING
SAFETY WARNING
Driving your vehicle with an improper mix of tires is danger-
ous. Your vehicle’s handling characteristics may be seriously
affected. You could have an accident resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual, tire
information placard, and a qualied tire service professional
for proper tire replacement.
Unless otherwise specied by the vehicle manufacturer, it is
recommended that all road tires be the same size, type, and
speed rating. Never mix different size tires on an axle, except
for temporary use of a spare (see “Your Spare Tire,” the next
section in this manual).
When it is necessary to replace one or more tires, consider
that applying new tires in pairs on an axle, or to all wheel
positions, helps to optimize vehicle performance and avoid
malfunction of mechanical or electronic vehicle systems (i.e.
drive-train/transmission, anti-lock brakes, traction control).
Replacing Fewer Than Four Tires: Whether your vehicle is
front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive, if your rear tires lose traction
because of hydroplaning on a wet road, an oversteer skidding
condition may result and lead to loss of control, particularly in
a turn. Generally, new tires provide increased resistance to hy-
droplaning due to their full tread depth. With the new tires on
the rear, the oversteer skidding condition may be more easily
avoided. Therefore, if replacing only one or two tires at a time:
• Two new tires should be placed on the rear axle.
One new tire should be paired with another tire from the
vehicle with the deepest tread depth, and then both should
be placed on the rear axle.
Winter Tires: See “Winter Tires” in this manual.
Speed Rating: See “Tire Speed Ratings” in this manual.
A
ll Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive: Some vehicle manufac-
turers have specic recommendations related to the replace-
ment of tires on All Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive vehicles.
This may include the recommendation to replace more than
one tire or, in some cases, up to all four tires. Please consult
your vehicle owner’s manual or consult your vehicle manufac-
turer for additional information.
Additional or alternate recommendations may apply for some
vehicles. Always refer to and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
tire replacement and tire application recommendations; con-
sult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire information placard.
YOUR SPARE TIRE
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for proper application of
your spare tire. Your car may be equipped with a “temporary
use” spare tire; this spare may differ in size and construction
from the other tires on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
Check inflation pressure before use. Failure to have proper
inflation pressure when using your spare tire can result in
serious personal injury or death. See “Tire Inflation Pressure”
in this manual.
SAFETY WARNING
Mounting a “temporary use” tire on a wheel which is not
specically 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.
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.
The spare should be included in regular tire inspections and
inflation pressure checks. In addition, your spare should be
replaced 10 years after date of manufacture, regardless of
condition or tread depth. For more information, see “Tire
Damage, Inspection and Service Life” in this manual.
20 21
TIRE STORAGE
Tires should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place. Water
should not be allowed to 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.
SAFETY 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.
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. 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 avail-
able at locations across the U.S.A. and Canada. For more infor-
mation, visit us on the internet at www.bridgestonetire com, for
tire warranty information call the Technical Service Department:
U.S.A.: (1-800-847-3272) or Canada: (1-800-267-1318).
Additional information on the care and service of
automobile and light truck tires is available from the
following organizations:
U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association
1400 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005-2403
www.ustires.org
Tire and Rubber Association of Canada
A19-260 Holiday Inn Drive
Cambridge, Ontario, N3C 4E8
www.tracanada.ca
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 identication
numbers have been recorded; ll 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.
If your vehicle is equipped with Bridgestone or Firestone brand
RFT tires, this chapter presents specic maintenance and
safety issues associated 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 designed 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 vary according to the specic
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: Bridgestone 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 main-
tenance for safe operation and 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 RFT tires. Because 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 next section in
this manual.
The vehicle or TPMS manufacturer may advise checking the
TPMS regularly to conrm it is in working order. In addition,
a new pressure sensor, certain components, or reprogramming
may be necessary when a tire is serviced. Consult your
vehicle owner’s manual, vehicle manufacturer, or authorized
Tires with Run-Flat Technology
1
And Associated Brands
WARRANTY
MANUAL
REPLACEMENT
MARKET
PASSENGER and
LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
Including
22 23
Bridgestone or Firestone retailer location for questions
regarding TPMS operation and service.
RUN-FLAT or LOW TIRE PRESSURE OPERATION
SAFETY WARNING
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure
or accident due to improper run-
flat or low tire pressure
operation. Read and follow the instructions below, and the
other maintenance and safety recommendations elsewhere
in this manual.
General Instructions
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) required in your
vehicle may have different methods of alerting you when your
tire has lost in
flation pressure. Consult your vehicle owner’s
manual for the details of your TPMS. Once the TPMS has
indicated that a tire has reduced in
flation pressure, the
run-
flat mode of operation has commenced. During this
phase of operation, please follow these instructions:
Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably pos-
sible; do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). The greater the
speed, the less distance the tire can travel.
Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or
cornering maneuvers as much as safely and reasonably
possible. Pot holes and other road hazards should be avoid-
ed. Careful driving limits potential damage to the tire, wheel,
and vehicle.
Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire ser-
vice as soon as possible. Take note of your odometer; your
operation distance is limited. See “Distance—How Far You
Can Drive,” the next section in this manual.
If an unusual vibration or vehicle handling difficulty
arises, stop driving as soon as safely and reasonably
possible. The tire may be about to suddenly fail. Release the
accelerator and gradually reduce speed. The tire must be
replaced before proceeding.
If towing a trailer, stop driving as soon as safely and
reasonably possible. In this condition, it is potentially
dangerous to operate a vehicle/trailer combination. If
possible, disconnect the trailer and proceed as noted
above. Do not continue to tow any trailer until proper tire
service or replacement has been performed.
Do not touch a tire recently run-low or run-flat (it may
be very hot). Allow the tire to cool before handling.
DISTANCE—HOW FAR YOU CAN DRIVE
RFT tires are capable of operating up to the distance of 50
miles (80km) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) in
run-
flat or low pressure operation. However, the distance
capability may be less (or more) depending upon the actual
vehicle application and specic operating conditions.
Factors affecting run-
flat or low tire pressure operating
distance include vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering;
the amount of in
flation pressure loss; the extent of any tire
damage; and ambient temperature. To maximize the distance
capability in a run-
flat or low pressure condition:
Reduce vehicle speed as much as safely and reasonably
possible. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or corner-
ing maneuvers as much as safely and reasonably possible.
Avoid pot holes and other road hazards.
Higher vehicle loads (such as with more passengers or cargo)
and higher ambient temperatures decrease the distance
capability of an RFT tire in run-
flat or low pressure operation.
Note:
If the sidewall of the RFT tire species a run-flat or low pres-
sure distance limitation, do not exceed the specied distance.
The distance capability of the vehicle is limited to the
distance capability of the specic RFT tire that is operating
in a run-
flat or low pressure condition.
For original equipment specication RTF tires applied to
vehicles originally equipped with these tires, see the vehicle
owner’s manual for distance limitations during run-
flat or low
pressure operation.
If in doubt about the distance capability of an RFT tire, do not
exceed 50 miles (80 km) in run-low or low pressure operation.
Seek tire service as soon as possible to minimize tire damage.
SPECIAL SERVICE and REPAIR ISSUES
Authorized Bridgestone or Firestone Retail Locations
Because of the advanced technology and design of RFT tires
and the required tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS),
only qualied tire service professionals with the proper equip-
ment and training should service RFT tires. For instance, the
use of tire mounting equipment that is unsuitable for an RFT
tire may damage the tire beyond repair. Therefore, it is recom-
mended to go to an authorized Bridgestone or
Firestone brand tire retailer for service and replacement.
Visit Bridgestonetire.com to locate the nearest Bridgestone or
Firestone brand retailer.
24 25
Inspection after Run-Flat or Low Pressure Operation
Following run-flat or low tire pressure operation, or in the
event of any other tire damage or unusual condition, it is very
important to obtain a proper and complete tire evaluation as
soon as possible.
Rotation
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, or rotate
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) per the recommendations in this
manual (see “Radial Tire Rotation”). In some cases, TPMS
devices require reprogramming with each tire rotation.
RFT Tire Replacement
Do not replace or mix RFT tires with conventional tires, unless
on an emergency/temporary basis. Conventional tires do not
have run-flat capability and the handling characteristics of the
vehicle with these tires may be different. If a conventional tire
is used on an emergency/temporary basis, verify that its size,
load capacity, inflation pressure, and speed rating speci-
cations meet the requirements of the vehicle. Replace any
conventional tire with the proper RFT tire as soon as possible.
RFT Tire Damage and Repair
No tire, regardless of its design or quality is indestructible. RFT
tires can be ultimately rendered unusable due to a puncture or
other road hazard as well as from improper low tire pressure
operation. Some punctures may be repaired under certain
restrictions and prescribed procedures. An improper repair is
unsafe and will void the Limited Warranty.
When driven flat or with low pressure, factors affecting rep-
arability include vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the
amount of inflation pressure loss; and ambient temperature. In
any situation, the extent and location of direct damage from a
puncturing object or other road hazard are also critical factors.
RFT tires are not repairable in any of the following situations:
If the tire was operated with inflation pressure less than 15
psi (100 kPa).
Abrasion or other damage is present on the exterior tread,
sidewall or bead areas.
Abrasion, wrinkling, or separation is present on the tire
interior.
Any condition or damage is present that disqualies repair of
a conventional tire.
A qualied tire service professional should fully inspect your
tire, inside and out, to determine if the tire can be repaired.
Tire damage is not always visible from the outside and the tire
must be removed from the wheel for a complete inspection.
For more information, see “Tire Repairs” in this manual.
Note: Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using
repaired tires. Such recommendations apply to RFT tires. Use
of RFT tires deemed non-reparable may result in damage to
vehicle, injury, or death. Consult your vehicle owner’s man-
ual or contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating a
repaired tire on your vehicle.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
A lot can be learned by reading the tire’s sidewall. The
following gures show typical information on the sidewall
of passenger (Figure 3) and light truck tires (Figure 4):
Figure 3: Typical Passenger Tire Markings
Figure 4: Typical Light Truck Tire Markings
26 27
Tire Size, Load Range, Load Index, and Speed Symbol:
DOT Symbol and Tire Identification Number: “DOT” symbol
constitutes a certication that the tire conforms to applica-
ble U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards (for tires). Following the “DOT” symbol is the tire
identication number, also known as the DOT serial number or
code. The DOT TIN is commonly known as the “DOT number”
and is marked in full on at least one sidewall near the bead.
Please refer to the infographic below.
The DOT symbol and tire identication number can be found
on at least one sidewall near the wheel. The other sidewall
may have a partial serial code that excludes (e) and (f) above.
Maximum Load and Inflation: The maximum load and max-
imum inflation pressure is marked on each sidewall in metric
and English units. For example:
MAX LOAD 685 kg (1510 lbs) AT 240 kPa (35 psi) MAX PRESS
Note:
The load and inflation values marked on the tire side-
wall are maximum permissible values for the tire only. Never
assume that these values are the actual recommended load
capacity or tire pressure values for your vehicle. See “Tire
Inflation Pressure,” “Tips for Safe Tire Inflation,” and “Tips for
Safe Loading” in this manual.
Ply Composition and Materials: The 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 side-wall. For example:
TREAD 2 PLY POLYESTER + 2 STEEL
SIDEWALL 2 PLY POLYESTER
Radial: Radial ply tires will have the word “radial” on at least
one sidewall. An “R” in the tire size designation also indicates
radial ply construction.
Tubeless or Tube Type: Tires are marked as either “tube-less”
or “tube type,” whichever is applicable, on at least one sidewall.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (“UTQG”) standards are
intended to assist you in making an informed choice in your
purchase of passenger car tires by providing information indi-
cating relative performance of these tires in the areas of tread
wear, wet braking traction (straight-ahead), and temperature
resistance. All passenger car tires must conform to federal
safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled condi-tions
on a specied government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one 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 signicantly from the norm
due to variation in driving habits, service practices and differ-
ences 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
specied government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to a tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under con-trolled condi-
tions on a specied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degen-
erate and reduce 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 labora-
tory test wheel than the mini-mum required by law. Warning:
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation,
or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and a possible tire failure.
Examples
Tire
Size
Load
Index
Speed
Symbol
Load
Range
Figure 3 P215/65R15 95 H --
Figure 4 LT235/85R16 114/111 Q D
28 29
Note that the last portion of the TIN is unchanged—identifying the tire
manufacture date using the same format for week and year. (For tires
made before 7/2000, there is one digit for the year.)
025 = 2nd week of 1995 (possibly 1985 or 1975)
2608 = 26th week of 2008
3314 = 33rd week of 2014
1525 = 15th week of 2025
Date of Manufacture
Examples
Since
7/2/2000
DOT XX XX XXXX XXXX
DOT XXX XXXXXX XXXX
By
4/13/2025
Plant
Code
Plant
Code
Manufacturer’s
Code
Either format may be used before April 13, 2025 (DOT date 1525).
Size
Code
Date of Manufacture
Week Year
Week Year
Date of Manufacture
Descriptive Code
(Optional)
Up to 4 characters
LIMITED WARRANTY
Congratulations! You have just purchased quality tires from a
BRIDGESTONE, FIRESTONE, or ASSOCIATED BRANDS dealer
(referred to in this section of the manual as DEALER). This Limit-
ed Warranty covers new BRIDGESTONE, FIRESTONE, FUZION
and PRIMEWELL brand passenger and light truck tires.
The terms and conditions of this limited warranty are avail-
able online at http://www.bridgestonetire.com/customer-care/
tire-warranties/full-warranty.
Additionally, you may obtain a printed copy of the terms and
conditions of this limited warranty, at no cost to you, by calling
1-800-847-3272 in the U.S.A. or 1-800-267-1318 in Canada or
sending a written request, including your return address, by rst
class mail to 201 Bridgestone Parkway, Suite B, Lebanon, TN
37090.
Customer, Vehicle,
and Tire Identification
Tire Brand
Product Information
Mileage Warranty Certificate
Customer Name
Address
1
3
5
2
4
6
City, State, Zip
Invoice #
Tire Size: Speed Rating:
Tire Type: Mileage Warranty:
The dealer must stamp to be valid
Date of Purchase
Year of
Vehicle
Make of
Vehicle
Model of
Vehicle
Beginning
Mileage
Serial Numbers
including
Tires with Run-Flat Technology
1
And Associated Brands
WARRANTY
MANUAL
REPLACEMENT
MARKET
PASSENGER and
LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
Including
Replacement Market Passenger and Light Truck Tires
30
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S
RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE
MAINTENANCE RECORD
J F M A M J J A S O N D
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S
RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE
MAINTENANCE RECORD
Mileage Date Retailer
Inspection
Rotation
Balance
Alignment
6240014
Effective January 1, 2019
SM
Front _________ PSI
Rear _________ PSI
Mileage Date Retailer
Inspection
Rotation
Balance
Alignment
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S
RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE
MAINTENANCE RECORD
Mileage Date Retailer
Inspection
Rotation
Balance
Alignment
6240014
Effective January 1, 2019
SM
Effective January 1, 2020