User Manual

16
TEMPORARY TYPE SPARE TIRES
When using any temporary spare tire, be sure to follow the vehicle
manufacturer’s instructions.
READING THE DOT
DOT XXXX XXXX XXX (prior to August 2000)
DOT XXXX XXXX XXXX (after July 2000)
THE DOT
The “DOT” symbol certifies tire manufacturer’s compliance with U.S.
Department of Transportation tire safety standards. Next to the symbol is
the tire identification or “serial number.” The first two characters identify
the plant where the tire was manufactured. The next two characters
reflect the tire size. The following one to four digits may be used at the
tire manufacturer’s option as a descriptive code. The last three characters
are numbers identifying the week and year of manufacture. (Example:
“O25” means second week of the year of decade, e.g.: 1995, 1985, etc.) Tires
produced after July 2000 have an additional digit to identify a given decade.
For example, 2800 means the tire was produced during the 28th week of
2000; 0201 during the 2nd week of 2001. If the last digits of your DOT number
contain three numeric characters and are not marked with a triangle, consult
a qualified tire professional to determine the year of manufacture.
SERVICE LIFE AND SAFETY FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK
TIRES INCLUDING SPARE 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
that passenger car and light truck tires, including spare tires be inspected
regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a Uniroyal 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 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. The code begins with “DOT” and ends with the week and
year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “2214” indicates
a tire made in the 22nd week of 2014.
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