Owners manual

17
SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK
TIRES INCLUDING SPARE TIRES
The following recommendation applies to passenger car and light
truck tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber
compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper
functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time.
For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather,
storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure,
maintenance etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This
service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the
serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible. That is why,
in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance
by consumers, it is recommended to have passenger car and light truck
tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist,
such as a BFGoodrich
®
tire retailer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for
continued service. Tires which have been in use for 5 years or more should
continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually. Consumers are
strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition
and inflation pressure but also of any change in dynamic performance
such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication
that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure. It is
impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar
age alone. However the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need
to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions
found upon inspection or detected during use. While most tires will need
replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any
tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including
spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such
tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear
limit. For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired
by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire
replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10
years). The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall
of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation
or DOT code on the tire which begins with DOT and ends with the week
and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “2204”
indicates a tire made in the 22nd week (May) of 2004.
REMEMBER... TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR TIRES
AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT:
• CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH WHEN TIRES ARE
COLD AND BEFORE LONG TRIPS.
• DO NOT UNDERINFLATE/OVERINFLATE.
• DO NOT OVERLOAD.
• DRIVE AT MODERATE SPEEDS, OBSERVE LEGAL LIMITS.
• AVOID DRIVING OVER POTHOLES, OBSTACLES, CURBS OR EDGES OF
PAVEMENT.
• AVOID EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPINNING.
• IF YOU SEE ANY DAMAGE TO A TIRE, REPLACE WITH THE SPARE AND
VISIT ANY BFGOODRICH TIRE RETAILER AT ONCE.
• IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. CONTACT YOUR BFGOODRICH TIRE
RETAILER.
35297_Text.indd 17 5/11/12 6:01 PM