and associated brands

Tire Maintenance and

Safety Manual REPLACEMENT
MARKET
Replacement Market Passenger and Light Truck
PASSENGER andTires
LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
Including including

Tires with Run-Flat Technology

1

EN
CONGRATULATIONS!

Inflate
YOU HAVE JUST PURCHASED QUALITY
TIRES FROM A BRIDGESTONE DEALER.
To ensure optimum tire performance and reduce the risk of a
tire failure, Bridgestone Canada, Inc. strongly recommends
you read and follow all maintenance and safety information Check your tire pressure monthly.
contained in this manual. In addition, we recommend periodic

Rotate
inspection and maintenance, if necessary, by a qualified tire
service professional.

CONTENTS
Tire Care Basics: Inflate. Rotate. Evaluate ............................ 3
Tire Maintenance and Safety Information ............................. 8 Rotate your tires as recommended
Tire Failure While Driving......................................................... 8 by the vehicle manufacturer
Tire Inflation Pressure.............................................................. 8
Tips For Safe Tire Inflation.................................................... 10 or every 8,000 kilometers.
Tips For Safe Loading........................................................... 11

Evaluate
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
Routinely look for signs of tread
Winter Tires........................................................................... 16
High Speed Driving............................................................... 17 wear or damage.
Tire Speed Ratings................................................................ 17
Tire Spinning......................................................................... 19

TIRE CARE
Radial Tire Rotation............................................................... 19
Tire Replacement and Tire Mixing......................................... 20
Your Spare Tire...................................................................... 21

BASICS
Tire Storage........................................................................... 22
Tire Service Customer Satisfaction....................................... 22
Tire Registration.................................................................... 22
RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology...................................... 23 Quick Reference Guide to Maintenance for
RFT Inflation Pressure........................................................... 23
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS.............................. 23
All Tires, Including the Spare.
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 Inflation Pressure......................... Back Cover
Tire Maintenance Record....................................... Back Cover
*Bridgestone owned by Bridgestone Corporation used under license.
™*Firestone, Fuzion and Primewell owned by Bridgestone Licensing Services, Inc.,
used under license

2 3
 TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE Look for the manufacturer’s recommended
tire pressure listed on the sticker usually
Tires can lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) per
located on the driver’s-side door edge or
month under normal conditions.
door jamb area. Example:
Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi
for every 5° C 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 specification, especially before
long trips or carrying extra weight.

Other factors impacting loss of tire pressure:

• Punctures
• Loose valve stems
• Tire bead/wheel rim interface

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.
Lower pressure increases heat.
Infrared photography of tires tested at high
speed. Damaging heat increases as inflation
pressure drops.

30psi 20psi
4 5
 TIRE PRESSURE TIRE ROTATION
MONTHLY CHECK For maximum mileage, rotate your tires
according to the vehicle manufacturer’s
For accuracy, check your inflation pressure recommendations (consult your vehicle
with a tire gauge when tires are cold. owner’s manual), or if not provided, rotate every
Driving heats up tires and makes the 8,000 kilometers using a rotation pattern such as
reading incorrect. below (see “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual).

a) Remove tire valve cap.

b) Place the end of the tire

gauge over valve.
TIRE WEAR–VISUAL CHECK
Check for obvious signs of wear.

c) Press the tire gauge

straight and firmly until
the scale extends.

Exposed tread bars Irregular shoulder wear

(replace) (have inspected)

d) If needed, increase

pressure and recheck
with the tire gauge.

Shoulder wear Center Wear

(have inspected) (have inspected)

e) Replace valve cap.

Place a ten cent coin with Blue-
nose’s sail facing down into the tire
tread as shown. If you can see the
top of the sails, the tire is worn out
and needs to be replaced.

6 7
TIRE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY WARNING
SAFETY INFORMATION Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.
• Under-inflation causes excessive tire heat build-up and
Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in use as internal structural damage.
a result of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, • Over-inflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut,
overloading, or other conditions resulting from use or misuse. punctured, or broken by sudden impact.
Tire failure may create a risk of property damage, serious
personal injury or death. These situations can cause a tire failure—(even if the tire
is properly inflated later)—which could lead to serious
SAFETY WARNING personal injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire information
placard and/or owner’s manual for the recommended
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure. inflation pressures.
Many tire failures are preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or
irregular wear. If a vibration occurs while driving your vehicle or In addition to tire damage, improper inflation pressure
you notice a bump, bulge or irregular wear, have your tires and may also:
vehicle evaluated by a qualified tire service professional. • Adversely affect vehicle ride and handling.
To reduce the risk of tire failure, Bridgestone Canada, Inc. • Reduce tire tread wear.
strongly recommends you read and follow all safety informa-
tion contained in this manual. In addition, we recommend • Affect fuel economy.
periodic inspection and maintenance, if necessary, by a Therefore, follow these important recommendations for tire
qualified tire service professional. and vehicle safety, mileage, and economy:
• Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
TIRE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING inflation pressure in all your tires, including the spare.
SAFETY WARNING • Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or
It is not often that a properly maintained tire will “blow out” carrying extra weight.
while you are driving. More commonly, if inflation pressure is Your vehicle’s tire information placard and/or owner’s manual
lost, it will be gradual. If you do experience a blowout or sud- will tell you the recommended cold inflation pres- sure for all
den tire failure, the following information should be helpful: your tires, including the spare. Examples of placards are shown
• When the failure occurs, you may hear a loud noise, feel a in Figures 1 and 2. Your placard may look differently and have
vibration, and/or the vehicle may pull toward the side of the different tire and loading information than that shown in either
failed tire. of the figures. You must check the driver’s-side door edge
or door jamb area for the actual placard that applies to
• DO NOT abruptly brake or turn.
your vehicle. For questions about locating or understanding
• Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, hold the steer- the tire information placard, consult your vehicle owner’s
ing wheel firmly, and steer to maintain your lane position. manual or ask a qualified tire service professional.
• 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.
Figure 1: EXAMPLE—Tire and Loading Information Placard

8 9
 • 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 1.6 km (1 mile) 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 inflation pressure to increase. If you reduce
inflation pressure when your tires are hot, you may danger-
ously under-inflate your tires.
• If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when your tires
are “hot,” set their pressure to 28 kPa (4 psi) above the
recommended cold inflation pressure. Recheck the inflation
pressure when the tires are cold.
Figure 2: EXAMPLE—Tire Information Placard
• If your tires lose more than 14 kPa (2 psi) per month, the tire,
Maximum Pressure Indicated on the Tire Sidewall: This is the valve, or wheel may be damaged. Consult a qualified tire
the maximum permissible inflation pressure for the tire only. service professional for an inspection.
The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressures
may be lower than, or the same as, the maximum pressure • Use valve caps to keep the valves clear of debris and to help
indicated on the tire sidewall. The vehicle manufacturer’s guard against inflation pressure loss.
specification of tire pressure is limited to your particular
vehicle and takes into account your vehicle’s load, ride, and TIPS FOR SAFE LOADING
handling characteristics, among other criteria. Since there may SAFETY WARNING
be several possible vehicle applications for a given tire size, a
vehicle manufacturer may choose a different inflation pressure Driving your vehicle in an overloaded condition is dangerous.
specification for that same size tire on a different vehicle. Overloading causes excessive tire heat build-up and internal
Therefore, always refer to the inflation pressure specifications structural damage. This can cause a tire failure—(even after
on the vehicle tire information placard and/or in your vehicle the load is reduced)—which could lead to serious personal
owner’s manual. injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire information placard,
certification label, and owner’s manual for the recommended
Different Tire Pressures for the Front and Rear Tires: vehicle load limits and loading recommendations.
For some vehicles, the recommended front and rear inflation
pressures may be different (such as in the example shown in • Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
Figure 2). Make sure you take this into account during inflation inflation pressure in all your tires, including the spare.
pressure checks and when rotating tires. • Check their pressure monthly and before long trips or
Pressure Loss: Tires can lose 7 kPa (1 psi) per month under carrying extra weight.
normal conditions and can lose 7 kPa (1 psi) for every 5.6°C • Never exceed the maximum load rating stamped on the
(10°F) temperature drop. A puncture, leaking valve, or other sidewall of your tire.
damage could also cause inflation pressure loss. If a tire loses
• Never exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or
more than 14 kPa (2 psi) per month, have it checked by a
front/rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) of your vehicle.
qualified tire service professional.
• Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for load recommenda-
TIPS FOR SAFE TIRE INFLATION tions and special instructions (such as for trailer/towing and
snow plow installations).
SAFETY WARNING
Inflating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If it bursts, it could TIRE DAMAGE, INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE
be hurled into the air with explosive force resulting in serious
Evaluation and maintenance of your tires is important to
personal injury or death. Never inflate a tire unless it is secured
their performance and the service they provide to you.
to the vehicle or a tire mounting machine.
Over time and/or through use, the condition of a tire can
• Check your tire pressures, including your spare tire, monthly change from exposure to everyday road conditions, the
and before long trips or carrying extra weight. Be sure to use environment, damaging events such as punctures, and
an accurate pressure gauge. other external factors.

10 11
SAFETY WARNING unserviceable from damage or conditions of use, it should
be replaced regardless of when it was produced or placed
Driving on damaged tires is dangerous. A damaged tire
in service.
can suddenly fail causing serious personal injury or death.
Have your tires regularly inspected by a qualified tire The vehicle manufacturer may consider vehicle performance
service professional. characteristics when making tire replacement recommendations.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for any information
You should visually inspect your tires on a regular basis
regarding tire service life and replacement and follow the
throughout their life, and you should have your tires
recommendations applicable to your vehicle.
periodically evaluated by a qualified tire service professional
when your vehicle is serviced such as routine maintenance
intervals, oil changes, and tire rotations. In particular, note the TIRE MANUFACTURE DATE
following tips for spotting tire damage: The tire manufacture date is determined by examining the DOT
• After striking anything unusual in the roadway, have a quali- tire identification number, also known as the DOT serial number
fied tire service professional demount the tire and inspect it or code, which can be found on at least one sidewall near the
for damage. A damaged tire may not show any visible signs wheel. It may be necessary to look on both sides of the tire to
of harm. Yet, the tire may suddenly fail without warning, a find the entire serial code. For more information on DOT serial
day, a week, or even months later. codes, see “Tire Sidewall Labeling” in this manual.

• Inspect your tires for cuts, cracks, splits or bruises in the Tires Produced Since 2000: The last four (4) digits of the serial
tread and sidewall areas. Bumps or bulges may indicate a code identify the week and year of production. In the example
separation within the tire body. If you see damage or unusual below, the tire was produced in the 18th week of 2000. Another
condition, have your tire inspected by a qualified tire service example, a tire with a serial code ending in “2406” would have
professional. It may be necessary to have it removed from been produced in the 24th week of 2006.
the wheel for a complete inspection.
• Inspect your tires for adequate tread depth. When the tire is
worn to the built-in indicators at 1.6 mm (2/32 inch) 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 qualified tire service professional.
Tires Produced Prior to 2000: The last three (3) digits of
• Inspect your wheels also. If you have a bent or cracked the serial code identify the week and year of production. For
wheel, it must be replaced. example, a tire with a code ending in “329” would likely have
• Don’t forget to check the spare tire. been produced in the 32nd week of 1999, but possibly produced
in 1989. If in doubt, consult a qualified tire service professional.
Tire Service Life
TIRE REPAIRS
Make sure your tires, including the spare, continue to be
regularly inspected after 5 years of service to determine SAFETY WARNING
if they can continue in service. Regardless of the tire’s Driving on an improperly repaired tire is dangerous. An
condition or tread depth, it is recommended that tires more improper repair can be unreliable or permit further damage
than 10 years old be taken out of service and replaced with to the tire. The tire may suddenly fail, causing serious
new tires. REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR FULL-SIZE OR personal injury or death. A complete inspection and repair
TEMPORARY SPARE, ALSO. A spare tire over 10 years old of your tire in accordance with Rubber Association of
may look like a new tire, but it should be replaced. See “Tire Canada (RAC) procedures should be conducted by a
Manufacture Date,” the next section in this manual. qualified tire service professional.
The 10 year period after the date of production is not While the comprehensive procedures and recommendations
an indicator of actual service life for any individual tire. for tire repair are beyond the scope of this manual, a proper tire
Some tires will need to be replaced before 10 years due to repair includes the following:
conditions such as punctures, impact damage, improper
inflation, overloading, tread wear or other conditions involving 3
n T  he tire is demounted from the wheel for a complete
use or misuse of the tire. If a tire is worn out or otherwise inspection, inside and out. Some damage to the tire may
only be evident on the interior of the tire.
12 13
3
n The puncture injury is 6 mm (1/4 inch) SAFETY WARNING
or less and must be within the tread Tell the tire service professional if you have used an aerosol
area as shown in the graphic. This fixer to inflate/seal the tire. Aerosol fixers could contain highly
helps ensure long-term tire and repair volatile gas. Always remove the valve core outdoors, away
durability. from sources of excessive heat, flame, or sparks and com-
3
n A patch is applied to the interior of the tire pletely deflate the tire before removing it from the wheel.
and the puncture hole is filled with a suitable plug/stem filler. Speed Rating: The tire’s speed rating is void if the tire is
This helps ensure that the interior of the tire is adequately sealed repaired, retreaded, damaged, abused, or otherwise altered
to prevent inflation pressure loss and prevents contamination of from its original condition. Thereafter, it should be treated as a
the steel belts and other plies from the elements (such as water) in non-speed rated tire. See “Tire Speed Ratings” in this manual.
the outside world.
Improper repair voids the tire Limited Warranty.
PATCH + PLUG/STEM PATCH ONLY PLUG/STEM ONLY See “Limited Warranty” in the Tire Warranty Details Manual
under a separate publication.
RFT (Run-Flat Technology) Tires: In addition to the above,
Additional notes about tire repairs:
there are recommendations specific to the repair of RFT tires;
• Not all punctured or damaged tires can be properly repaired; see “RFT Tires with Run-Flat Technology” in this manual.
consequently, some tires must be replaced. NEVER repair a
tire with any of the following conditions: TIRE MOUNTING AND OTHER SERVICING
– Wear to the tire’s built-in treadwear indicators or to
1.6 mm (2/32 inch) remaining tread depth in any area SAFETY WARNING
of the tread. Removing and replacing tires on wheels can be dangerous.
– With a puncture larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch). Attempting to mount tires with improper tools or procedures
may result in a tire explosion causing serious personal injury or
– With a puncture or other damage outside the repairable
death. This is only a job for a qualified tire service professional.
tread area (as shown in the graphic).
Never perform tire service procedures without proper training,
– With a pre-existing, improper repair. tools, and equipment.
• Any tire repair done without removing the tire from the wheel This manual is not intended to provide proper training
is improper. The tire must be demounted from the wheel and
or service procedures for tire mounting, demounting,
the interior inspected for damage that may not be evident on
the exterior of the tire. balancing, rotation, or repair. Please leave these tasks to
qualified tire service professionals. For your safety and
• Using only a plug/stem, or using only a patch, is not a safe that of others:
or proper repair. A patch must be applied to the interior of
the tire and the puncture hole must be filled with a suitable • Always stand well clear of any tire mounting operation. This
plug/stem filler to prevent inflation pressure loss and con- is especially important when the service operator inflates the
tamination of the steel belts and other plies. tire. If the tire has been improperly mounted, it may burst
• NEVER substitute a tube for a proper repair or to remedy an with explosive force causing serious personal injury or death.
improper repair. • Tires must match the width and diameter requirements of
• Tubes, like tires, should only be repaired by a qualified tire the wheels. For example, 16 inch diameter tires must only
service professional. be mounted to 16 inch diameter wheels. Radial tires must
• Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using only be mounted to wheels approved for radial tires.
repaired tires. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual or • Wheels must be free of cracks, dents, chips, and rust. Tires
contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating a must be free of bead damage, cuts, and punctures.
repaired tire on your vehicle.
• Never inflate a tire beyond 275 kPa (40 psi) to seat the
ASK how your tire will be repaired. ALWAYS insist on a beads. Be absolutely certain beads are fully seated before
proper tire repair.
adjusting inflation pressure to the level recommended for
Emergency/Temporary Sealant or Filler Repairs: An emer- vehicle operation.
gency/temporary sealant or filler injected into the tire, such
as by aerosol can or injection/squeeze-tube, is not a proper • Never put flammable substances in tire/wheel assemblies
repair and voids the tire Limited Warranty. A tire injected with at any time. Never put any flammable substance into a tire/
such sealant/filler must be replaced by a qualified tire service wheel assembly and attempt to ignite to seat the beads.
professional as soon as possible.
14 15
 • 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
• Always stand well away from the work area when tires are
operation. This applies to all passenger cars and light trucks,
being spin balanced either on or off the vehicle.
including front wheel drive, 4x4, and all-wheel-drive vehicles.
HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW ASPECT RATIO TIRES • 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.
Many new vehicles come equipped from the factory with high
performance and/or low aspect ratio tires. Generally, these • It is generally acceptable to apply a tire with a lower speed
tires provide increased vehicle handling capability, but may rating than your original tires for use in winter weather
also have numerous engineering performance trade-offs conditions; however, speed should be reduced accordingly.
associated with their designs. All winter tires should be the same speed rating. See “Tire
Speed Ratings” in this manual.
• Low aspect ratio tires, with reduced sidewall height, may be
more susceptible to damage from potholes, road hazards, • Winter tires used in warm weather conditions may wear
and other objects such as curbs. This is true for the wheels more rapidly.
as well. Therefore, as with all other tires, it is important to • Studded winter tires follow the same recommendations
drive with care and maintain proper inflation pressure and as above; consult a qualified tire service professional for
load conditions. See “Tire Inflation Pressure” and “Tire Dam- information regarding any seasonal restrictions.
age, Inspection and Service Life” in this manual.
• Some sports cars and other vehicles with enhanced han- HIGH SPEED DRIVING
dling performance, including sedans and light trucks/SUVs,
SAFETY WARNING
may be originally equipped with high performance tires that
are more optimized for warmer weather use. Colder, winter Driving at high speed is dangerous and can cause an
weather traction may be reduced for these types of tires. accident, resulting in serious personal injury or death.
Winter tires may be recommended by the vehicle manufac- • Regardless of the speed and handling capabilities of
turer for colder weather application. See “Winter Tires,” in your car and its tires, a loss of vehicle control can result
the next section in this manual. from exceeding the maximum speed allowed by law or
• High performance tires may also wear more quickly, ride warranted by traffic, weather, vehicle, or road conditions.
more firmly, and produce more noise during operation. • High-speed driving should be left to trained professionals
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire information operating under controlled conditions.
placard, or a qualified tire service professional, for more • No tire, regardless of its design or speed rating, has unlimit-
information and specifics regarding these types of tires. ed capacity for speed, and a sudden tire failure can occur if
its limits are exceeded. See “Tire Speed Ratings,” the next
WINTER TIRES section in this manual.
SAFETY WARNING Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for any tire pressure
Winter driving presents special challenges for vehicle mobility. recommendations for high speed driving.
The use of winter tires (including studs and chains)—while
improving traction performance in snow and ice—requires TIRE SPEED RATINGS
special care with regard to acceleration, braking, cornering, A tire bearing a letter “speed rating” designation indicates the
and speed. It is important to drive with care, not only on snow tire’s speed capability according to standardized laboratory
and ice, but on dry and wet roads as well. tests. This speed rating system is intended to permit compar-
In winter driving conditions, vehicle control and safe operation ison of the speed capabilities of different tires. When replac-
under braking and cornering is especially dependent upon ing your tires, consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire
the rear tires. For this reason, winter tires are best applied to information placard for recommendations, if any, concerning
all wheel positions. Some vehicles have specific recommen- the use of speed rated tires.
dations regarding winter tire use; consult your vehicle owner’s • To avoid reducing the speed capability of the vehicle, replace
manual and tire information placard. 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- depend on factors such as inflation pressure, load, tire
ed, damaged, abused, or otherwise altered from its original condition, wear, and driving conditions.
condition. Thereafter, it should be treated as a non-speed ** Any tire having a maximum speed capability above 1 240
rated tire. km/h (49 mph) may, at the tire manufacturer’s discretion,
• Non-speed rated tires are usually for ordinary passenger car include a “Z” in the size designation (i.e. P275/40ZR17).
or light truck service and not for high speed driving. ***For tires having a maximum speed capability above 300
• For winter tires used in cold weather conditions, it is gen- km/h (186 mph), a “Z” must appear in the size designation
erally acceptable to apply a tire with a lower speed rating and a “Y” marked in brackets (as shown) in the service
than your original tires; however, speed should be reduced description.
accordingly. All winter tires should be the same speed rating. **** C
 onsult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed
Some vehicles have specific recommendations regarding capability.
winter tire use; consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire
information placard. See “Winter Tires” in this manual.
TIRE SPINNING
These speed ratings are based on standardized laboratory
tests under specific, controlled conditions. While these tests SAFETY WARNING
may relate to performance on the road, real-world driving is Spinning a tire to extract a vehicle stuck in mud, ice, snow, or
rarely identical to any test conditions. Your tire’s actual speed wet grass can be dangerous. A tire spinning at a speedometer
capability may be less than its rated speed since it is affect- reading above 55 km/h (35 mph) can in a matter of seconds
ed by factors such as inflation pressure, load, tire condition reach a rotation speed capable of disintegrating a tire with
(including damage), wear, vehicle condition (including align- explosive force. Under some conditions, a tire may be spin-
ment), driving conditions, and duration at which the speed is ning at a speed twice that shown on the speedometer. This
sustained. Use the following chart to compare the speed rat- could cause serious personal injury or death to a bystander or
ings of tires. Remember: regardless of the tire’s speed rating,
passenger. Never spin a tire above a speedometer reading of
drivers should obey speed limits and adjust their speed based
55 km/h (35 mph).
on traffic, weather, vehicle and road conditions.

Speed Speed Category* RADIAL TIRE ROTATION

Symbol mph km/h The purpose of tire rotation is to minimize irregular or uneven
M 81 130 wear caused by maintaining a tire in one rotation direction and
Q 99 160 one position over an extended period. Rotate tires as recom-
R 106 170 mended by the vehicle manufacturer or every 8,000 km (5,000
S 112 180 miles). Individual tire pressures must be checked after rotation
T 118 190 and adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation
U 124 200 for the tire’s new location on the vehicle. Vehicle alignment
H 130 210
should be checked if irregular wear is evident.
V 149 240 For vehicles with a “temporary use” spare tire, follow the vehi-
Z** > 149 > 240 cle manufacturer’s recommended pattern for rotation, or, if not
W 168 270 provided, the following may be used:
Y 186 300
(Y)*** > 186 > 300

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) **** 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
* In standardized laboratory tests that relate to highway
process. For vehicles with a “full-size” spare, the following
speeds. Actual tire speed and performance capability
rotation patterns may be used:
18 19
 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 skid- ding 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.
Note: All Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive: Some vehicle manufac-
• Never include a “temporary use” spare tire in the rotation. turers have specific recommendations related to the replace-
ment of tires on All Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive vehicles.
• Tires with directional tread patterns must be rotated so the This may include the recommendation to replace more than
direction of revolution does not change; this may require one tire or, in some cases, up to all four tires. Please consult
demounting/mounting the tires. your vehicle owner’s manual or consult your vehicle manufac-
• Special attention should be given if your vehicle is equipped turer for additional information.
with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Rotation of Additional or alternate recommendations may apply for some
your tires may affect the system; consult your vehicle own- vehicles. Always refer to and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s
er’s manual or a qualified tire service professional. tire replacement and tire application recommendations; con-
• Some vehicles may have different size tires/wheels on front sult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire information placard.
and rear which would restrict rotation. Always check and
follow the vehicle manufacturer’s rotation recommendation. YOUR SPARE TIRE
• To use a full-size spare in the rotation pattern on vehicles Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for proper application of
with dual rear wheels, consult your vehicle owner’s manual your spare tire. Your car may be equipped with a “temporary
for the recommended procedures or consult the vehicle use” spare tire; this spare may differ in size and construction
manufacturer. from the other tires on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
TIRE REPLACEMENT AND TIRE MIXING
Check inflation pressure before use. Failure to have proper
SAFETY WARNING inflation pressure when using your spare tire can result in
Driving your vehicle with an improper mix of tires is danger- serious personal injury or death. See “Tire Inflation Pressure”
ous. Your vehicle’s handling characteristics may be seriously in this manual.
affected. You could have an accident resulting in serious per- SAFETY WARNING
sonal injury or death. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual, tire
information placard, and a qualified tire service professional Mounting a “temporary use” tire on a wheel which is not
for proper tire replacement. specifically designed for it, or placing another type tire on a
wheel designated for temporary use can be dangerous. Your
Unless otherwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer, it is vehicle’s handling characteristics can be seriously affected.
recommended that all road tires be the same size, type, and You could have an accident resulting in serious personal injury
speed rating. Never mix different size tires on an axle, except or death. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for proper
for temporary use of a spare (see “Your Spare Tire,” the next application of your “temporary use” spare tire.
section in this manual).
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare
When it is necessary to replace one or more tires, consider when needed. The spare tire carrier is not intended to be used
that applying new tires in pairs on an axle, or to all wheel for long term storage, except for “temporary use” tires. If your
positions, helps to optimize vehicle performance and avoid spare is the same size, load rating, and type of tire as your
malfunction of mechanical or electronic vehicle systems (i.e. road tires, it should be included in the tire rotation process;
drive-train/transmission, anti-lock brakes, traction control). see “Radial Tire Rotation” in this manual.
Replacing Fewer Than Four Tires: Whether your vehicle is The spare should be included in regular tire inspections and
front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive, if your rear tires lose traction inflation pressure checks. In addition, your spare should be
because of hydroplaning on a wet road, an oversteer skidding replaced 10 years after date of manufacture, regardless of
condition may result and lead to loss of control, particularly in condition or tread depth. For more information, see “Tire
Damage, Inspection and Service Life” in this manual.
20 21
 LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
Including

TIRE STORAGE
Tires should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place. Water
Tires with Run-Flat Technology
should not be allowed to collect inside them. Tires should be
1
placed away from electric generators/motors and sources of If your vehicle is equipped with Bridgestone or Firestone brand
heat such as hot pipes. Storage surfaces should be clean and RFT tires, this chapter presents specific maintenance and
free of grease, gasoline or other substances which can deteri- safety issues associated with these tires that are in addition
orate the rubber. to those covered elsewhere in this manual.
SAFETY WARNING What is RFT? Run-Flat Technology tires are extraordinary
Improper storage can damage your tires in ways that may not tires that utilize specially designed components to tempo-
be visible and can lead to a failure resulting in serious personal rarily support your vehicle in the event of inflation pressure
injury or death. loss, such as from a puncture. This gives you the ability to
drive to a convenient and safe location to change your tire (if
The spare tire in your vehicle is intended to be used as a spare equipped with a spare) or have it inspected for possible repair
when needed. The spare tire carrier is not intended to be or replacement.
used for long term storage, except for “temporary use” tires.
For more information, see “Your Spare Tire” and “Radial Tire Naturally, certain run-flat and low pressure operating limita-
Rotation” in this manual. tions apply, which vary according to the specific self-support-
ing tire design. Like all tires, during normal operation, they
TIRE SERVICE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION must be properly inflated and maintained. Regardless of the
design or quality, no tire is indestructible.
Normal tire maintenance and Limited Warranty services are
available at locations across Canada. For more information, visit RFT—How to Identify: Bridgestone and Firestone brand tires
us on the internet at www.bridgestonetire.ca. For tire warranty are marked on the sidewalls, near the wheel, with the RFT
information call the Technical Service Department: logo (shown above).

1-800-267-1318. RFT INFLATION PRESSURE

Additional information on the care and service of Like other tires, RFT tires need proper inflation pressure main-
automobile and light truck tires is available from the tenance for safe operation and to achieve the maximum tire
following organizations: life and performance. Check inflation pressures monthly and
Tire and Rubber Association of Canada before long trips or carrying extra weight. Use an accurate tire
A19-260 Holiday Inn Drive gauge and check pressures when the tires are cold. Follow the
Cambridge, Ontario, N3C 4E8 vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for inflation pressure
www.tracanada.ca settings as indicated on the vehicle tire information placard
and/or in the vehicle owner’s manual. Do not forget the spare,
TIRE REGISTRATION if applicable. See “Tire Inflation Pressure” in this manual.
Registration of your tires is an important safety precaution
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
since it enables the manufacturer to notify you in the event of
a recall. When you purchase replacement tires, the retailer A functioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) must be
will provide a registration card on which the tire identification used with your RFT tires. Because these tires ride so well even
numbers have been recorded; fill in your name and address without inflation pressure, the TPMS may be necessary to
on the card and mail it promptly. Some retailers may submit alert you of an inflation pressure loss condition. When alerted,
the registration for you. You do not need to register tires which follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual and see
come as original equipment on new vehicles—the vehicle and “Run-Flat or Low Tire Pressure Operation,” the next section in
tire manufacturers handle that for you. this manual.
The vehicle or TPMS manufacturer may advise checking the
TPMS regularly to confirm 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 an authorized
Bridgestone or Firestone retail location for questions
regarding TPMS operation and service.
22 23
RUN-FLAT or LOW TIRE PRESSURE OPERATION DISTANCE—HOW FAR YOU CAN DRIVE
SAFETY WARNING RFT tires are capable of operating up to the distance of
80 km/h (50 mph) at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph)
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire failure
in run-flat or low pressure operation. However, the distance
or accident due to improper run-flat or low tire pressure
capability may be less (or more) depending upon the actual
operation. Read and follow the instructions below, and the
vehicle application and specific operating conditions.
other maintenance and safety recommendations elsewhere
in this manual. Factors affecting run-flat or low tire pressure operating
distance include vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering;
General Instructions
the amount of inflation pressure loss; the extent of any tire
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) required in your damage; and ambient temperature. To maximize the distance
vehicle may have different methods of alerting you when your capability in a run-flat or low pressure condition:
tire has lost inflation pressure. Consult your vehicle owner’s
manual for the details of your TPMS. Once the TPMS has • Reduce vehicle speed as much as safely and reasonably
indicated that a tire has reduced inflation pressure, the possible. Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph).
run-flat mode of operation has commenced. During this • Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or corner-
phase of operation, please follow these instructions: ing maneuvers as much as safely and reasonably possible.
Avoid pot holes and other road hazards.
• Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably pos-
sible; do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph). The greater the Higher vehicle loads (such as with more passengers or cargo)
speed, the less distance the tire can travel. and higher ambient temperatures decrease the distance
capability of an RFT tire in run-flat or low pressure operation.
• Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or
cornering maneuvers as much as safely and reasonably Note:
possible. Pot holes and other road hazards should be avoid- • If the sidewall of the RFT tire specifies a run-flat or low pres-
ed. Careful driving limits potential damage to the tire, wheel, sure distance limitation, do not exceed the specified distance.
and vehicle.
• The distance capability of the vehicle is limited to the distance
• Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire service capability of the specific RFT tire that is operating in a run-flat
as soon as possible. Take note of your odometer; your or low pressure condition.
operation distance is limited. See “Distance—How Far You
Can Drive,” the next section in this manual. • For original equipment specification RTF tires applied to
vehicles originally equipped with these tires, see the vehicle
• If an unusual vibration or vehicle handling difficulty owner’s manual for distance limitations during run-flat or low
arises, stop driving as soon as safely and reasonably pressure operation.
possible. The tire may be about to suddenly fail. Release the
accelerator and gradually reduce speed. The tire must be If in doubt about the distance capability of an RFT tire, do not
replaced before proceeding. exceed 80 km (50 miles) in run-low or low pressure operation.
Seek tire service as soon as possible to minimize tire damage.
• If towing a trailer, stop driving as soon as safely and
reasonably possible. In this condition, it is potentially
SPECIAL SERVICE and REPAIR ISSUES
dangerous to operate a vehicle/trailer combination. If
possible, disconnect the trailer and proceed as noted Authorized Bridgestone or Firestone Retail Locations
above. Do not continue to tow any trailer until proper tire Because of the advanced technology and design of RFT tires
service or replacement has been performed. and the required tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS),
• Do not touch a tire recently run-low or run-flat (it may only qualified tire service professionals with the proper
be very hot). Allow the tire to cool before handling. equipment 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
recommended to go to an authorized Bridgestone or
Firestone brand tire retailer for service and replacement.
Visit Bridgestonetire.ca to locate the nearest Bridgestone or
Firestone brand retailer.

24 25
Inspection after Run-Flat or Low Pressure Operation Note: Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using
Following run-flat or low tire pressure operation, or in the repaired tires. Such recommendations apply to RFT tires.
event of any other tire damage or unusual condition, it is very Use of RFT tires deemed non-reparable may result in damage
important to obtain a proper and complete tire evaluation as to vehicle, injury, or death. Consult your vehicle owner’s
soon as possible. manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating
a repaired tire on your vehicle.
Rotation
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, or rotate
every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) per the recommendations in this REFERENCE INFORMATION
manual (see “Radial Tire Rotation”). In some cases, TPMS
devices require reprogramming with each tire rotation. TIRE SIDEWALL LABELING
RFT Tire Replacement A lot can be learned by reading the tire’s sidewall. The
Do not replace or mix RFT tires with conventional tires, unless following figures show typical information on the sidewall
on an emergency/temporary basis. Conventional tires do not of passenger (Figure 3) and light truck tires (Figure 4):
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 specifi-
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
reparability 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. Figure 3: Typical Passenger Tire Markings
RFT tires are not repairable in any of the following situations:
• If the tire was operated with inflation pressure less than 100
kPa (15 psi).
• 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 disqualifies repair
of a conventional tire.
A qualified 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.
Figure 4: Typical Light Truck Tire Markings

26 27
Tire Size, Load Range, Load Index, and Speed Symbol: TREAD 2 PLY POLYESTER + 2 STEEL
SIDEWALL 2 PLY POLYESTER
Tire Load Speed Load
Examples
Size Index Symbol Range Radial: Radial ply tires will have the word “radial” on at least
Figure 3 P215/65R15 95 H -- one sidewall. An “R” in the tire size designation also indicates
Figure 4 LT235/85R16 114/111 Q D radial ply construction.
Tubeless or Tube Type: Tires are marked as either “tube-less”
DOT Symbol and Tire Identification Number: “DOT” symbol
or “tube type,” whichever is applicable, on at least one sidewall.
constitutes a certification 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 UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
identification number, also known as the DOT serial number or The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (“UTQG”) standards are
code. The DOT TIN is commonly known as the “DOT number” intended to assist you in making an informed choice in your
and is marked in full on at least one sidewall near the bead. purchase of passenger car tires by providing information indi-
Please refer to the infographic below. cating relative performance of these tires in the areas of tread
Descriptive Code wear, wet braking traction (straight-ahead), and temperature
(Optional)
Plant Size
Up to 4 characters
Date of Manufacture resistance. All passenger car tires must conform to federal
Code Code Week Year
safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Since
7/2/2000 DOT XX XX XXXX XXXX Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
Either format may be used before April 13, 2025 (DOT date 1525). wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire
By
4/13/2025 DOT XXX XXXXXX XXXX graded 150 would wear one and one half (1½ ) times as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
Plant Manufacturer’s Week Year
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions
Code Code Date of Manufacture of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variation in driving habits, service practices and
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 differences in road characteristics and climate.
made before 7/2000, there is one digit for the year.) Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
025 = 2nd week of 1995 (possibly 1985 or 1975) and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
Date of Manufacture 2608 = 26th week of 2008 wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
Examples
3314 = 33rd week of 2014 specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to a tire is based on
1525 = 15th week of 2025
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
The DOT symbol and tire identification number can be found
characteristics.
on at least one sidewall near the wheel. The other sidewall
may have a partial serial code that excludes (e) and (f) above. Temperature
Maximum Load and Inflation: The maximum load and max- The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, repre-
imum inflation pressure is marked on each sidewall in metric senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
and English units. For example: ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
MAX LOAD 685 kg (1510 lbs) AT 240 kPa (35 psi) MAX PRESS high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degen-
Note: The load and inflation values marked on the tire side- erate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead
wall are maximum permissible values for the tire only. Never to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
assume that these values are the actual recommended load performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
capacity or tire pressure values for your vehicle. See “Tire the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.109. Grades B
Inflation Pressure,” “Tips for Safe Tire Inflation,” and “Tips for and A represent higher levels of performance on the labora-
Safe Loading” in this manual. tory test wheel than the mini- mum required by law. Warning:
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly
Ply Composition and Materials: The actual number of plies in
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation,
the sidewall and tread area and the generic name(s) of their cord
or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can
material(s) are marked on at least one side-wall. For example:
cause heat buildup and a possible tire failure.
28 29
LIMITED WARRANTY Customer, Vehicle,
and Tire Identification

Customer Name

Address

ReplacementREPLACEMENT
Market Passenger and Light Truck Tires City, State, Zip
MARKET
Invoice #
PASSENGER and
LIGHT TRUCK TIRES
including
Including Date of Purchase

Tires with Run-Flat Technology Year of Make of Model of Beginning

Vehicle Vehicle Vehicle Mileage
1

Congratulations! You have just purchased quality tires from a

BRIDGESTONE, FIRESTONE, or ASSOCIATED BRANDS dealer Tire Brand
(referred to in this section of the manual as DEALER). This
Limited Warranty covers new BRIDGESTONE, FIRESTONE, and
FUZION brand passenger and light truck tires.
The terms and conditions of this limited warranty are available on-
line at http://www.bridgestonetire.ca/ customer-care/tire-warranties.
Product Information
Additionally, you may obtain a printed copy of the terms and
conditions of this limited warranty, at no cost to you, by calling Tire Size: Speed Rating:
1-800-267-1318 or sending a written request, including your
return address, by first class mail to 201 Bridgestone Parkway,
Suite B, Lebanon, TN 37090 USA. Tire Type: Mileage Warranty:

Serial Numbers

1 2

3 4

5 6

Mileage Warranty Certificate

The dealer must stamp to be valid

30
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S
RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S
RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE
RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE

Front _________ PSI

Rear _________ PSI

J F M A M J J A S O N D

MAINTENANCE RECORD
MAINTENANCE RECORD
MAINTENANCE RECORD
Inspection

Alignment
Alignment
Inspection
Rotation

Balance
Rotation

Alignment
Inspection

Balance
Mileage Date Retailer
Mileage Date Retailer
Rotation
Balance
Mileage Date Retailer

SM

SM

Effective January 1, 2020

6240014 Effective January 1, 2019