Things you should

know about auto

and light truck

tire care

and safety

Tire CareandSafetyGuide

Published by the Rubber Manufacturers Association

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Inflation Pressure 4The benefits of proper inflation 4Your own tire pressure gauge 5Inflation tips 6Underinflation 6Proper vehicle loading 6

Inspect Your Tires Regularly 7

Good Driving Habits 8When you’re stuck 8Highway hazards 8Spare care 9Run low tires 9Aerosol inflators 9

Vehicle Conditions Affecting Tires 10Balance 10Alignment 10Rotation 10

The Sidewall Story 12Passenger tires 12Treadwear 12Traction 12Temperature 13Light truck tires 13

Replacement Tire Selection 14Tire registration 14What tire is right for your vehicle 14Speed ratings 15Types of tire construction 16

Cold-Weather Driving 17How cold temperature affects tires 17Winter tires 17

Service Assistance 18Loss of tire pressure 18Plugs vs. patches 18Serviceable tire injuries 18

Storage Tips 19

2

This booklet provides an understandingof the many factors essential to propercare and service of automobile and lighttruck tires. However, the RMA makes nopretense that this booklet is all inclusive.Questions pertaining to specific productshould be addressed to the tire dealer ortire manufacturer.

5

failure due to underinflation or overloading. Motorists are stronglyadvised to follow the vehicle owner’s manual or the tire placard inthe vehicle for proper inflation and loading.

Only specially trained persons should mount or demount tires.An explosion of a tire and wheel assembly can result from improperor careless mounting procedures.

Persons who do mount tires must have the right equipment, the righttraining and the right information before proceeding. Never exceed40 psi to seat the beads. Always use a restraining device whenmounting a tire on a rim, and be sure to stay back from the tirewhen inflating it. Make sure to follow the inflation instructions.Contact the Rubber Manufacturers Association at (202) 682-4800 for proper mounting and demounting information.

Remember, mounting and demounting tires and wheels shouldbe left to skilled professionals who are aware of the safety hazardsinvolved and who have the proper tools and equipment to do thejob safely.

There is a danger of serious injury or death if a tire of one bead diameter is installedon a rim or wheel of a different rim diameter.

Always replace a tire with another tire of exactly the same bead diameter designation and suffix letters.

For example: A 16" tire goes on a 16" rim. Never mount a 16" tire on a 16.5" rim. A16.5" tire goes on a 16.5" rim. Never mount a 16.5" tire on a 16" rim.

While it is possible to pass a 16" diameter tire over the lip or flanges of a 16.5" sizediameter rim, it cannot be inflated enough to position itself against the rim flange. Ifan attempt is made to seat the tire bead by inflating, the tire bead will break withexplosive force and could cause serious injury or death.

Your Own Tire Pressure GaugeIt is difficult to tell just by looking at radial tires whether they

are underinflated. It is important that tires be properly inflated.Failure to maintain correct inflation pressures may result inrapid wear and uneven tread wear, improper vehicle handling andexcessive heat buildup which may result in tire failure.(Evidence of air loss or repeated underinflation requires

tire removal and expertinspection.)

Air pressure enables atire to support the load,so proper inflation iscritical. It is impossibleto determine whethertires are properlyinflated just by

looking at them (see photo). That’s why it’s important tocheck your tires using an accurate tire gauge whichcan be purchased at your tire dealer, auto supplystore or other retailer.

Purchase an accurate tire

gauge from your tire

dealer, auto supply store

or otherretailer.

30 psi 20 psi

4

The Benefits of Proper InflationWith the right amount of air pressure, you will achieve optimum

tire performance. This means your tires wear longer, save fuel andhelp prevent accidents. The“right amount” of air is thepressure specified by the vehiclemanufacturer, which may bedifferent on the front than therear tires on your particularmodel car or light truck. Thecorrect air pressure is shownon the tire placard (or sticker)attached to the vehicle dooredge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. If your vehicle doesn’t have a placard, check the owner’s manual or consult with thevehicle manufacturer, tire manufacturer or your local tire dealer forthe proper inflation.

The tire placard tells you the maximum vehicle load, the cold tireair pressures and the tire size recommended by the vehicle manu-facturer. (A typical placard is shown below. Your placard may be different.)

If you don’t take proper care of your tires, the results can be serious.Most tire companies are either supplying a handbook or are moldinga safety warning right onto the tire sidewall. A typical warning isshown on this page.

As you see, it points out that serious injury may result from tire

INFLATION PRESSURETires are designed and built with great care to provide thousands of miles of excellent service. But for maximumbenefit they must be maintained properly.

The most important factors in tire care are:• Proper Inflation Pressure • Proper Vehicle Loading

• Proper Tire Wear • Regular Inspection

• Good Driving Habits • Vehicle Condition

Serious injury may result from:• Tire failure due to underinflation/

overloading. Follow owner’s manual or tire placard in vehicle.

• Explosion of tire/rim assembly. Only specially trained persons should mount tires.

Inflation Information On Typical Automobile and Light Truck Placard

DATE: 08/98 GVWR: 6000LB/2721KGFRONT GAWR: 3100LB REAR GAWR: 3200LB1406KG WITH 1451KG WITHP235/7OR165SL TIRES P235/70R16SL TIRES16X7.OJ RIMS 16X7.0J RIMS

AT 221 kPa/32 PSI COLD AT 241 kPa/35 PSI COLD

THIS VEHICLE CONFIRMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTORVEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDSIN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.VIN: 1FTZX172XXNA16414TYPE: TRUCK

F0142T0638

EXT PNT: SU B2 RC: 44 DSO:WB BRK INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR139 C MX E / 9 27 U PF

UTC F858-1520472-AB

DATE: 09/97 GVWR: 4687LB/2125KGFRONT GAWR: 2647LB 1200KGREAR GAWR: 3200LB 936KG

P205/60R1590T TIRES 30 PSI COLD

THIS VEHICLE CONFIRMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTORVEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDSIN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.VIN: 1FAFP52U5WA102602TYPE: PASSENGER F0171

R0048

EXT PNT: FL RC: 44 DSO:BRK INT: TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPRA J2 H 3R L LLHH

UPC F608-5420472-AA

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the loaded trailer transfers to the towing vehicle. This reduces theload that can safely be placed in the towing vehicle. The only sureway to prevent overload is to weigh, axle by axle, the fully-loadedvehicle on reliable platform scales. Vehicle weighing procedures areavailable in the Recreational Vehicle Tire Care and SafetyGuide. Mail a request for this free booklet to RubberManufacturers Association, P.O. Box 3147, Medina, OH 44258.

Load and inflation information for popular auto tire sizes maybe obtained from your local tire dealer.

INSPECT YOUR TIRES REGULARLYAt least once a month, inspect your tires closely for signs of

uneven wear.Uneven wear patterns may be caused by

improper inflation pressures, misalignment,improper balance or suspension neglect. Ifnot corrected, further tire damage willoccur. (See examples at right.)

Most likely, the cause can be correctedat your tire dealer/seller or other servicefacility. If you find a problem and correctit in time, your tires may be able to continue in service.

Certain uneven wear patterns may indicate that the tire has suffered internalstructural damage and requires the immediateattention of your tire dealer/seller.

Always remove tires from servicewhen they reach a remaining tread depthof two thirty-seconds of an inch (2/32").If not corrected, wet weather accidentsare more likely to happen due to skiddingon bald or nearly bald tires. Also, excessivelyworn tires are more susceptible to damagefrom road hazards.

Built-in tread wear indicators, or “wear bars,”which look like narrow stripsof smooth rubber across thetread, will appear on the tirewhen that point of wear isreached. (See illustration.)

When you see these wearbars, the tire is worn out andit’s time to replace it.

Inspect your tires frequently. Look for any stones, bits of glass,metal or other foreign objects wedged in the tread. These maywork deeper into the tire, cause air loss and allow moisture intothe tire structure, both of which can lead to tire failure.

If any tire continually needs more air, have it taken off the vehicleand checked to find out why it is leaking. Damage to the tire, wheelor valve may be the problem.

Examples Of Uneven Treadwear

Wear on one side

Diagonal wear

Wire showing

Heal toe wear

Tread wear indicators

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Inflation TipsCheck tire inflation pressure (including the spare) at least once

a month and before every long trip. Tires must be checked whenthey are cold; that is, before they have been run a mile. If you mustdrive over one mile for air, before you leave home, measure thecold inflation pressure of each tire and record the actual under-inflation amount for each tire.

Upon arriving at the service station, measure the inflation pressureof each tire again, then inflate the warm tire(s) to a level equal tothe warm pressure plus the underinflated amount you measuredwhen the tire was cold. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches theplacard recommendation, then no further adjustment is necessaryfor the warm tire.

In the example below, add 6 psi to the right rear. When the tirecools down, it should end up at the vehicle placard’s recommendedpressure.

UnderinflationWhen operating a vehicle equipped with radial tires, it is difficult

to notice when a tire has lost air, or is near flat.Tires lose air normally through the process of permeation.

Changes in outdoor temperature can affect the rate in which yourtire loses air. This change is more pronounced in hot weather.Generally speaking, a tire may lose one or two pounds of air permonth in cool weather, and even more in warmer weather.Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure, so check inflation pressure regularly.

Never “bleed”or reduce air pressure when tires are hot. It is normalfor pressures to build up as a result of driving.

Make sure all tire valves and extensions are equipped with valve caps to keep out dirt and moisture. Have a new valve stemassembly installed whenever a tire is replaced.

Underinflation or overloading creates excessive stressesand heat, and can lead to tire failure. This could result in vehicle damage and/or serious injury or death. Proper inflation extends tire life and saves fuel.

Maintain the inflation pressure listed in the vehicle owner’s manualor on the tire placard (See page 4).

Proper Vehicle LoadingIn addition to showing the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended

cold inflation pressure, the tire placard also shows the maximumload of the vehicle. Do not overload your vehicle. Remember,baggage carried on top of any vehicle counts as additional load.

If you are towing a trailer, remember that some of the weight of

LEFT FRONT

Cold 35 psiWarm 38 psi

LEFT REAR

Cold 35 psiWarm 38 psi

RIGHT REAR (add 6 psi)Underinflated

Cold 29 +6 = 35 psiWarm 32 +6 = 38 psi

RIGHT FRONT

Cold 35 psiWarm 38 psi

the nearest vehicle or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for jacking up

the vehicle, taking off the wheel and putting on the spare. Thendrive to a place where the flat tire can be inspected for possiblerepair or replacement.

After a tire has received a severe impact, such as hitting a curbor pothole, you must have it removed from the wheel and inspectedboth inside and out for impact damage.

An impact-damaged tire and rim may appear “normal” on theoutside, but can fail later after the road hazard injury.

Spare CareMany late-model vehicles are equipped with temporary spare

tires and wheels that are different from your regular tires and wheels.Some may require higher inflation pressure, or the use of specialcanisters to inflate the tire.

Do not exceed 50 mph with a temporary spare. You may operatea vehicle with such a tire within the limits indicated on the side-wall of the tire, until it is convenient to repair the disabled tire orreplace it with one of the same size designation and constructionas the other tires on the vehicle.

Consult your vehicle owner’s manual and the tire sidewall forinstructions on proper use of a temporary spare.

Check the inflation in your spare tire every time you check allthe others. A spare tire with no air in it is no help to you in anemergency. If you have an inflatable spare, be sure to check theaerosol air inflation pressure canister to be sure it has not beendamaged. If so, have it checked by an expert.

Remember, improper mounting and overinflation may damagethe tire or wheel and can result in an explosion that could causeserious injury and death. (See safety warning, page 4.)

Run Low TiresCertain new automobiles may be equipped with tires that can be

run with reduced or zero air pressure for a limited number of milesat reduced speeds. Once a tire has been run at reduced or zero pres-sure conditions, it must be replaced or demounted and inspected todetermine if it is reusable, depending on the tire manufacturer.

Aerosol InflatorsDo not depend on tire aerosol sealants and inflators to fix a

damaged tire permanently. These products are designed to provideonly a temporary, emergency repair to help get you off the roadand to the nearest tire repair facility.

Some aerosol products of this type use flammable gases,such as butane, propane orisobutane as propellants.Never, under any circum-stances, introduce a flammable substance into atire. Be sure to inform tireservice personnel if youhave used any aerosolproduct to inflate your tire.

98

GOOD DRIVING HABITSThe way you drive has a great deal to do with your tire mileage

and safety. So cultivate good driving habits for your own benefit.

• Observe posted speed limits.• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.• Avoid potholes and objects on the road.• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking.

When You’re StuckThe forces created by a rapidly spinning tire can cause an explosion

by literally tearing the tire apart. These forces impact the whole tirestructure and can rupture the entire casing. Some vehicles are capableof bringing a tire to this failingpoint in 3 to 5 seconds.

When stuck on ice, snow, mudor wet grass, the vehicle shouldbe rocked gently back and forthby repeatedly shifting the gearlever from drive to reverse onautomatic transmissions, orreverse to second on manualtransmissions. Vehicles withABS systems need to follow theinstructions in their owner’smanual. This should be donewith the least amount of wheelspinning. Never exceed 35 mphindicated on your speedometer.If that doesn’t free the vehicle,get a tow.

Highway HazardsNo matter how carefully you drive, there is always a possibility

that you may eventually have a puncture and wind up with a flat onthe highway. Drive slowly to the closest safe area out of traffic. Thismay further damage the flat tire, but your safety is more important.

If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while drivingor you suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediatelyreduce your speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull offthe road. Stop and inspect the tire. If the tire is underinflated ordamaged, deflate it, remove the tire and rim and replace it withyour spare. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to

The Worst Tire Stresses Occur During Hard Cornering, Fast Starts, Fast Stops.

Avoid tire spinning. Never exceedthe 35 mph point indicated on thespeedometer. Do not allow anyoneto stand near, or directly ahead orbehind, the spinning tire.

Tire explosions can cause death,personal injury or property damage.Excessive speed in a free-runningtire can cause it to “explode” fromextreme centrifugal force.

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VEHICLE CONDITIONS AFFECTING TIRES

There is a close working relationship between your tires and several mechanical systems in your vehicle. Tires, wheels, brakes,shock absorbers, drive train, steering and suspension systems must all function together to give you a comfortable ride and goodtire mileage.

BalanceAn unbalanced wheel and tire assembly may create an annoying

vibration when you drive on a smooth road and may result in irregular treadwear.

AlignmentMisalignment of wheels in the front or rear, improperly operating

brakes or shock absorbers, bent wheels, worn bushings and othermechanical problems cause uneven and rapid treadwear and shouldbe corrected by a qualified mechanic. Front-wheel-drive vehicles,and those with independent rear suspension, require special attentionwith alignment of all four wheels.

These systems should be checked periodically as specified by thevehicle owner’s manual or whenever you have an indication of trouble.

A bad jolt, such as hitting a pothole, can throw your front end outof alignment even if you had it checked an hour earlier. Such animpact can also bend the rim, causing a loss of air pressure, anddamage your tires with little or no visible external indication.

POPULAR TIRE ROTATION PATTERNS(Only Where Tires Are Same Type & Size)

Rear- and Four- Wheel Drive Vehicles

Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles

All Vehicles All Vehicles

VEHICLES WITH DUAL REAR WHEELS

Six-Tire Rotation

Rear Tire Irregular Wear Front Tire Irregular Wear

place the tire that would have gone on the right rear in the trunk asthe new spare.

Some tires cannot be rotated in the manners described.Such tires include uni-directional tires and tires with asymmetrictread designs. Also, some vehicles may have different-sized tiresmounted on the front and rear axles, and these different-sizedtires also have rotation restrictions. Check your owner’s manual,or with your tire dealer or tire manufacturer, for the properrotation recommendations for these special cases.

Tire RotationSometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating your

tires. Consult your car owner’s manual, the tire manufacturer oryour tire dealer for the appropriate pattern for your vehicle.

If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check forand correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanicalproblem involved before rotation.

Sometimes front and rear tires on a vehicle use different pressures.After rotation, adjust individual tire air pressure to the figuresrecommended by the vehicle manufacturer for the tire’s new wheelposition–front or rear–as shown on the tire placard in the vehicle.(See page 4.)

The purpose of regularly rotating tires is to achieve more uniformwear for all tires on a vehicle. Before rotating your tires, always referto your individual owner’s manual for rotation recommendations.If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximatelyevery 6,000 miles, or sooner if signs of irregular or uneven tirewear appear. Have the vehicle checked by a qualified technician todetermine the cause of the wear problem. The first tire rotation isthe most important.

Some examples of popular rotation patterns are shown in thediagrams shown here.

Do not include a “Temporary Use Only” spare tire in any of therotation patterns shown. If you have a matching full-size tire as aspare and wish to include it in the rotation process, use one of thepatterns shown. Insert the spare in the right rear position and

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13

Light Truck TiresShown below is typical information on the sidewall of a light truck tire.“LT”stands for Light Truck,“LT235/85R16” is the size designation

for a metric light truck tire.“M+S” with the mountain/snowflake symbol is the designation

that the tire meets the RMA definition for use in severe snowconditions. (See page 17).

“LOAD RANGE D” identifies the load and inflation limits;RADIAL indicates that the tire has a radial construction. “MAXLOAD SINGLE 1192 kg (2623 lbs) AT 1470 kPa (65 psi) COLD”indicates the maximum load rating of the tire and correspondingminimum cold inflation pressure for that load when used as asingle. For normal operation, follow pressure recommendationsin owner’s manual or on vehicle placard; “MAX LOAD DUAL1082 kg (2381 lbs) AT 1470 kPa (65 psi) COLD” indicates themaximum load rating of the tire and corresponding minimumcold inflation pressure when used in a dual configuration. Theother markings on the sidewall have the same meaning asdescribed for the passenger car tire.

Light truck tire

Maximum load& inflation whenused as a single

Maximum load& inflation whenused as a dual

Severe snowconditions

Load inflationlimits

LT23

5/85R16 D 114/111Q

M+SM

AN

UFAC

TURERTIRE

NAM

E

Loadrange

A B C 0 3 0 2•

TR

EA

D4

PL

IES

•2

XX

XX

X

CORD•SIDEWALL2PLIES

2XX

XX

XC

OR

D•

RA

DI A

L•

TU

BE L E S S • D O T M A L 9

MAX. LOADDUAL

1080kg

(23

81

lbs

)•

AT

45

0kP

a(65

psi)COLD•LOADRANGED•MAX.LOADS

ING

LE

11

90

kg

(26

23

lbs)

•A

T45

0kPa (65 psi) COLD •

Typical Light Truck Tire

Rim diameter code

Radial

Passengercar tire

Nominal width of tire in millimeters

Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)

Load index &speed symbol

U.S. DOT tire identification number

Severe snowconditions

Tire ply compositionand materials used

Treadwear, tractionand temperature grades

Max. permissableinflation pressure

P215/65R15 95H

M+S

MA

NU

FACTURERTREADWEAR220TRACTIONA

TEM

PERA

TUR

EA

TIR

EN

AM

E

Max. load rating

ABC0302

•

TREAD

4P

LIE

S•

2X

XX

XX

CO

RD

•SID

EW

ALL

2PLIES

2XXXXXCORD•MAX.LOAD68

5k

g(1

510

lbs)

MA

X.

PR

ES

S240

kP

a(35psi)

•R

ADIA

L•

TUBELESS • DOT MAL9

Typical Passenger Tire

THE SIDEWALL STORYYour tire has very useful information molded into the sidewall.

It shows the name of the tire, its size, whether it is tubeless or tubetype, the maximum load and maximum inflation, the importantsafety warning (see page 4) and much other information.

Passenger TiresShown on page 13 is the sidewall of a popular “P-metric,” speed-

rated auto tire.“P” stands for passenger; “215” represents the widthof the tire in millimeters; “65” is the ratio of height to width; “R”means radial; “15” is the nominal rim diameter code; and “95H” isthe optional service description that consists of the load index (95)and the speed symbol (H). Some older speed-rated tires mayinclude the speed symbol immediately before the “R” instead ofshowing a service description.

A “B” in place of the “R” means the tire is belted bias construction.A “D” in place of the “R” means diagonal bias construction. (Seepage 13.) “M+S” with the mountain/snowflake symbol is the designation that the tire meets the RMA definitions for use in severesnow conditions. (See page 17).

The maximum load is shown in kg (kilograms) and in lbs(pounds), and maximum pressure in kPa (kilopascals) and in psi(pounds per square inch).

The letters “DOT” certify compliance with all applicable safetystandards established by the Department of Transportation (DOT).Adjacent to this is a tire identification or serial number. This serialnumber is a code with up to 12 digits that are a combination ofnumbers and letters. The last characters are numbers identifyingthe week and year of manufacture. (Example: “1501” means fifteenth week of the year 2001.)

The sidewall also shows the type of cord and number of plies inthe sidewall and under the tread.

The DOT requires tire manufacturers to grade passenger cartires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction andtemperature resistance.

TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate

of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specifiedgovernment test track. A tire graded 200 would wear twice as longon the government test course under specified test conditions asone graded 100. It is wrong to link treadwear grades with your projected tire mileage. The relative performance of tires dependsupon the actual conditions of their use and may vary due to drivinghabits, service practices, differences in road characteristics and climate.

TractionTraction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C.

They represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measuredunder controlled conditions on specified government test surfacesof asphalt and concrete.

TemperatureThe temperature grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B and C. These

represent the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat when testedunder controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

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cases, the vehicle manufacturer may require different-sized tires foreither the front or rear axles.

When two radial tires are used with two non-radials, put the radialson the rear axle.

There are three types of tire constructions, as shown on page 16.

Speed RatingsMany of today’s tires are marked, as part of the service description,

with letters to indicate their speed rating, based on laboratory testswhich relate to performance on the road. Tires may be marked withone of these speed symbols, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W and Y toidentify the particular tire’s speed rating. Additionally, the letter Zmay appear in the size designation (see chart below).

When replacement of tires is required, consult the vehicle manualor tire placard for proper size and speed rating (if required).

If the vehicle manual placard specifies speed-rated tires, thereplacement tires must have the same or higher speed rating tomaintain vehicle speed capability.

If tires with different speed ratings are mounted on thesame vehicle, the tire or tires with the lowest rating will limitthe tire-related vehicle speed.

Tire speed ratings do not imply that vehicles can be safely drivenat the maximum speed for which the tire is rated, particularly underadverse road and weather conditions, or if the vehicle has unusualcharacteristics. Never operate a vehicle in an unsafe or unlawfulmanner.

15

*For tires having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph (240km/h), a “ZR” may appear in the size designation. For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186 mph (300 km/h), a “ZR” mustappear in the size designation. Consult tire manufacturer for maximumspeed when there is no Service Description. Example: P275/40R17 93Wat 168 mph (270km/h) or P275/40ZR17 at above 149 mph (240 km/h).Consult tire manufacturer.

**A “ZR” may appear in the tire size designation.

NOTE: For “V”,“W”, or “Y”, and tires with a “ZR” rating, a vehicle loadadjustment (for speed) is required; consult tire manufacturer.

SPEED MAXIMUM APPLIES TO APPLIES TOSYMBOL SPEED Passenger Car Tires Light Truck Tires

*above 149 mph (240 km/h) YES

Y** 186 mph (300 km/h) YES

W** 168 mph (270 km/h) YES

V 149 mph (240 km/h) YES

H 130 mph (210 km/h) YES YES

U 124 mph (200 km/h) YES YES

T 118 mph (190 km/h) YES YES

S 112 mph (180 km/h) YES YES

R 106 mph (170 km/h) YES

Q 99 mph (160 km/h) YES

P 93 mph (150 km/h) YES

N 87 mph (140 km/h) YES

M 81 mph (130 km/h) YESTemporary Spare tires

(with servicedescription)

REPLACEMENT TIRE SELECTIONIMPORTANT: Always check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation before replacing a tire with a different sizeand/or construction.

Tire RegistrationWhen buying new tires, be sure to ask your dealer for a registration

form. The tire dealer/seller fills out their name, address and theDOT tire identification number (as shown on page 13) of each tiresold. Then you just enter your name and address, apply postage andmail it to the manufacturer or its record-keeping designee. Sometire dealers/sellers fill out the form for you and send it electronically.Tire registration will ensure that you will be notified promptly inthe event the tire manufacturer needs to contact you.

What Tire is Right for Your VehicleWhen tires need to be replaced, don’t guess what tire is right for

your vehicle.For the answer, first look at the tire placard. (See page 4). As you

will see, that placard tells you the size of the tires that were on thevehicle as original equipment.

Tires should always be replaced with the same size designation,or approved options, as recommended by the automobile or tiremanufacturer. Never choose a smaller size, with less load carryingcapacity than the size on the tire placard. Always have tires mountedwith the same size and construction designations on the same axle.

It is recommended that all four tires be of the same size, speed rating, and construction (radial or non-radial). However, in some

14

All Four Tires Same Size, Same Type On Same Vehicle

Radials and Non-Radials On Same Vehicle

Different Series (Profile) On Same Vehicle

(Radial or Non-Radial)

(Front, Rear or 4-Wheel Drive

(Front- or Rear-Wheel-Drive)

• Same size and type on axle.

• Radials on rear axle,non-radials on front axle

(Front- or Rear-Wheel-Drive)

• Same size and type on an axle.

• Place the lower series (profile) tires on rear.

Tire Mixing Applications for Vehicles

17

COLD WEATHER DRIVINGMany parts of the U.S. have cold-weather driving conditions at

least part of the year. Here are some things you should know aboutcold-weather driving.

How Cold Temperature Affects TiresEvery time the outside temperature drops 10 degrees Fahrenheit,

the air pressure inside your tires goes down about one or twopounds per square inch.

You should check your tire pressures frequently during coldweather and add the necessary air to keep them at recommendedlevels of inflation at all times.

Never reduce tire pressures in an attempt to increase traction onsnow or ice. It does not work and your tires will be so seriouslyunderinflated that driving will damage them.

If one of the drive wheels becomes stuck, the centrifugal forces created by a rapidly spinning tire can cause an explosion by literallytearing the tire apart. Never exceed the 35 mph indicated speedometerspeed. Do not stand near the spinning tire.

If your vehicle is stuck and a tow truck is not readily available, gentlyrock your vehicle back and forth, repeatedly shifting the gear leverfrom drive to reverse on automatic transmissions, or reverse to secondon manual transmissions,while applying gentle pressure to the accelerator.Caution: If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) in your car,follow the operational instructions in your owner’s manual.

Winter TiresIn snowy areas, many cities and counties have “snow emergency”reg-

ulations which are invoked during heavy snowfalls. Check with authori-ties for the rules in your area. Under some rules, motorists are subject tofines if they block traffic and do not have snow tires on their vehicles.

You can avoid this by equipping your vehicle with snow tiresmarked with “MS,”“M&S,” or “M + S” on the sidewall.

If you change to snow tires, be sure they are the same size and construction type as the other tires on the vehicle.

Snow tires should be used in pairs (or as duals) on the drive axle(whether front or rear) or on all four wheel positions. Never put non-radial snow tires on the rear if radials are on the front, except whenthe vehicle has duals on the rear. On front-wheel-drive or performancevehicles, it may be advisable to install snow or all season tires on allwheel positions to maintain consistent handling in snowy conditions.

In areas where heavy snowfalls are frequent, many drivers carrychains for use in emergencies, or have their tire dealer apply stud-ded snow tires or install tires for use in severe snow conditions.

Most states have time limits on the use of studs. Before installingstudded tires, check the regulations in your area. If studded tires areapplied to the front axle, they also must be applied to the rear axle.

If you use chains, make sure they are the proper size and type foryour tires, otherwise they may damage the tire sidewall and causetire failure.

Tires designed for use in severe snow conditions generally havetread patterns, structure and materials to givesuperior performance. These tires are markedwith the “M+S” designation plus amountain/snowflake symbol.

Mountain/snowflake symbol

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Types of Tire ConstructionTires should be of the same size, construction (radial,

non-radial) and speed rating, unless specified otherwise bythe vehicle manufacturer. Tires influence vehicle handlingand stability.

Match tire size designations in pairs on an axle (or four tiresin dual application), except for use of a temporary spare tire.

If radial and non-radial tires are used on a vehicle, putradials on the rear. If radial and non-radial tires are used ona vehicle equipped with dual rear tires, the radials may beused on either axle. Never mix radial and non-radial on thesame axle except for use of a temporary spare tire.

Snow tires should be applied in pairs (or as duals) to thedrive axle (whether front or rear) or to all positions. Neverput non-radial snow tires on the rear if radials are on thefront, except when the vehicle has duals on the rear. If studdedtires are used on the front axle, they must also be used on therear axle. On front-wheel-drive or performance vehicles, it maybe advisable to install snow or all season tires on all wheelpositions to maintain consistent handling in snow conditions.

Match all tire sizes and constructions on four-wheel-drivevehicles.

Bias Belted

Radial

The threebasic types

of tire construction

SERVICE ASSISTANCEWhen you have a question about tires, or a problem, consult your

tire dealer. The dealer is the best source of general information andprofessional service on tires.

Your dealer has service manuals, wall charts and other industrypublications on tire load and inflation, tire repair and tire replacement.Your dealer can provide you with the replacement tires your vehicleneeds, balance your tires and repair damaged tires which arerepairable. Let the dealer inspect your tires periodically, and diagnoseany problem you may have.

Loss of Tire PressureWhen you discover a tire losing air, it must be removed from the

wheel by a qualified service person for complete internal inspec-tion to be sure it is not damaged. Tires run even short distanceswhile severely underinflated may be damaged beyond repair.

Punctures up to 1/4 inch, when confined to the tread, may berepaired by trained personnel. These tires must be removed fromthe wheel, inspected and repaired using industry-approved methodswhich call for an inside repair unit (patch and a plug).

Plugs vs. PatchesA PLUG BY ITSELF IS AN UNACCEPTABLE REPAIR. The repair

material used–for example, a “combination patch and plug” repair–must seal the inner liner and fill the injury to be considered apermanent repair. Never use a tube in a tubeless tire as a substitutefor a proper repair.

Individual tire manufacturers may differ on whether the speedcategory applies to speed-rated tires that have been repaired.Consult the tire manufacturer for recommendations.

Serviceable Tire InjuriesInjuries larger than 1/4 inch must be referred to a full-service

repair facility. No repairs to the sidewall of a tire should be madewithout consulting the tire manufacturer. Improper repairs can causesudden tire failure.

Air loss due to punctures can ruin tires that might have beensaved had they been removed in time for proper repair. Gradual airloss raises a tire’s operating temperature. This can cause some of thecomponents to separate, or damage the tire body in ways that createrapid or sudden air loss.

Such internal damage may not always be readily apparent andrapid loss of air may still occur despite later installation of a proper repair.

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STORAGE TIPSTires should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight

and sources of ozone, such as electric motors.If you must store tires flat, (one on top of the other), make sure

you don’t stack too many on top of each other. Too much weight candamage the bottom tire.

Also be sure to allow air to circulate around all sides of the tires,including underneath, to prevent moisture damage.

If storing tires outdoors, protect them with an opaque water-proof covering and elevate them from the ground. Do not storetires on or over black asphalt or other heat-absorbent or reflectivesurfaces, such as snow-covered ground or sand.

For more information on tire care and safety, contact:The Rubber Manufacturers Association1400 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20005(202) 682-4800

Or visit us on the web at www.rma.org.

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©2001 Rubber Manufacturers Association CTG-6/01

Phone: (202) 682-4800 • Fax: (202) 682-4854 • www.rma.org

Rubber Manufacturers Association • 1400 K Street, NW • Washington, DC 20005