FAILURE TO ADHERE TO ANY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OR WARNINGS CONTAINED HEREIN, ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL OR IN THE VEHICLE OWNER MANUAL MAY RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH

Tires are complex engineered and manufactured products. They are designed and built with great care to provide thousands of miles of trouble free driving. To insure maximum benefits and safety they must be maintained properly.

The most important factors in tire maintenance and care are:

‐Proper tire inflation
‐Proper vehicle loading
‐Tire rotation every 5,000‐8,000 miles
‐Good driving habits
‐Regular inspection
‐Tire age

PROPER TIRE INFLATION/PROPER VEHICLE LOADING

The correct amount of pressure in a tire is critical to proper tire maintenance. Proper tire inflation will increase tire life, save fuel, help maintain control of the vehicle and prevent accidents. The proper tire inflation is specified by the vehicle manufacturer. The correct air pressure is stated on a placard or sticker attached on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or sometimes under the hood of the vehicle. The information may also be found in the owner’s manual. If you cannot find the information, contact the vehicle manufacturer to obtain the information. Always use valve caps to protect the valve core.

The placard will provide you with the recommended tire size, the proper cold inflation pressures for the front and rear tires, and the maximum vehicle load. Severe consequences can arise from using inappropriate size tires. Alternatives to the manufacturer’s recommendations can be found in numerous tire fitment guides. It is recommended that you consult with a professional tire dealer if you are going to use tire sizes that differ from the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Driving on tires that are underinflated (not enough pressure in the tire) may have serious consequences and may cause tires to fail causing accidents and serious personal injury.

Driving on tires that are overloaded likewise may cause tires to fail causing accidents and serious personal injury. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations concerning proper vehicle loading.

Do not overinflate tires. The maximum tire pressure is embossed on the sidewall of the tire.

If the vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the load on the tire must not exceed the tire load capacity based on the inflation pressure at the point of illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

INSPECT YOUR TIRES REGULARLY

It is important to inspect each of your tires regularly. Look for excessive or uneven tread wear. Take tires out ofservice that exhibit excessive tread wear. NEVER drive on tires where the tread wear indicators are visible or where belt or cord material is visible anywhere on the tire. Do not drive on any tire that has less than 2/32 (1.6mm) of an inch of tread left at any place on the tire!

Inspect your tires for any obvious signs of damage including but not limited to, cuts, deep abrasions, bead damage, chunks of rubber missing, holes, nail or screw penetration, slow leak, missing tread, sidewall bubbles, excessive tread wear or

any other abnormal condition. Do not drive on any tire that exhibits any evidence of damage as there is a risk of blow out due to tire damage. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION OR DOUBT AS TO THE CONDITION OF A TIRE, DO NOT DRIVE ON IT!

CHECK your tire pressure at least once per month and before long trips. Check the pressure when the tire is cold.

ROTATE TIRES EVERY 5,000‐8,000 MILES

In order to assure proper tread wear, tires must be rotated on a regular basis. It is suggested that this be done every 5,000‐8,000 miles. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for rotation pattern.

TIRE AGE

The age of a tire affects its performance and safety. Even if a tire appears to be in good shape, a tire that is too old is not safe. It is recommended that you do not drive on a tire that is more than six years old. You can find the date (week and year) that the tire was manufactured on the sidewall of the tire. The DOT code ends with four numbers. The first two represent the week; the second two numbers are the year of manufacturer. A DOT code of XXAABB2610 means that the tire was manufactured during the 26th week of 2010.

SAFTEY WARNINGS

These warnings are not all inclusive. Heed all warnings embossed on the sidewall of the tire as well as those warnings contained in the vehicle owner’s manual.

DRIVING ON ANY TIRE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE PROPER INFLATION IS DANGEROUS. Under inflation causes heat buildup which may result in sudden tire destruction, loss of control and serious personal injury.

CHECK TIRE INFLATION AT LEAST ONCE PER MONTH WHEN TIRES ARE COLD. All tires lose air over time. You can not judge if a tire is properly inflated simply by looking at it. Improper inflation may result in irregular and faster tire wear; increased fuel consumption, improper handling, tire destruction, loss of control and serious personal injury.

INSPECT YOUR TIRES REGULARLY. NEVER DRIVE ON A DAMAGED TIRE OR WHEEL. See above.

HIGH SPEED DRIVING MAY BE DANGEROUS. PAY ATTENTION TO SPEED RATINGS. Tires contain speed ratings which are found on the sidewall of the tire. Speed ratings are not recommended driving speeds. Never mix tires with different speed ratings. Do not use tires with lower speed ratings than those recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Do not drive speeds in excess of the speed rating. High speed driving also results in shorter driver reaction times and/ as well as increased stopping distances or which may result in an accident. High speed driving also results in faster tire wear. Reduce your speed in poor or inclement weather such as rain, sleet, snow and ice.

PRACTICE GOOD, SAFE DRIVING HABITS. Rapid starts, sudden stops, hard cornering, driving on roads in poor condition, off road driving result in faster tire wear and may damage your tires. Towing vehicles may likewise result in premature tire wear. If you are going to tow a trailer consult with your tire dealer to make sure that you are using the correct sized tires and to determine the required tire pressure. NEVER exceed the maximum tire pressure set forth on the sidewall of the tire. Avoid pot holes, ditches, and road debris. If you have driven in any of these conditions or in any construction site, immediately inspect your tires or have them inspected by a trained tire professional.

DO NOT OVERLOAD‐DRIVING ON OVERLOADED TIRES IS DANGEROUS. The maximum load rating for the tires are embossed on the sidewall. Do not exceed the load rating. Overloading tires may result in sudden destruction, loss of control, serious personal injury or death; loss of vehicle control and premature tread wear. Do not exceed the gross axel weight ratings on your vehicle.

ROTATE YOUR TIRES REGULARLY. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for rotation pattern. If irregular tread wear becomes apparent or if the rate of tread wear is uneven, have the tires inspected by your tire dealer. These may be signs of mechanical problems with your vehicle such as misalignment. It is recommended that you rotate tires every 8000 miles.

DO NOT MIX TIRES. All four tires on your car should be the same size and have the same speed and load ratings and the same construction (radial vs. non‐radial). Some vehicles require different size tires on the front and rear. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. In vehicles where this is not the case, if different size tires must be used, make sure that tires of the same size and specification are used on the same axel. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions concerning the speed rating required.

‐NEVER mix P‐Metric or European metric passenger tires with light truck sized tires.

‐DO NOT MIX TREAD PATTERNS such as “all terrain” and “all season”. If you use winter/snow tires, install on all four tire positions.

‐When replacing tires, it is preferable to replace all four tires at the same time. If replacing less than all four tires, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and do not mix! If replacing two tires, it is preferable to place the new tires on the rear of the vehicle for better performance on wet surfaces. It is not recommended to replace one tire. Doing so may have an adverse impact on vehicle suspension, gear ratios, transmission and tire treadwear. When replacing one tire, it is suggested that it be paired on the axel with the remaining tire with the deepest tread and be placed on the rear axel.

USE THE APPROPRIATE CONSTRUCTED TIRES FOR THE DRIVING THAT YOU DO. There are many different types of construction of tires. Many designs may not be appropriate for many applications. The design of the tire may affect vehicle handling, tread wear, fuel consumption and road feel. Consult with your dealer to make sure that you are using the proper type of tire.

NEVER ALTER YOUR TIRES. Besides voiding all warranties, altering tires may result in serious personal injury or death.

ALL REPAIRS TO A TIRE SHOULD BE DONE BY A TIRE PROFESSIONAL‐SEE YOUR DEALER. Tire professionals are aware of what types of damage can be properly repaired. Even if repaired by a professional, repaired tires should be considered temporary and they should be replace as soon as possible. Failure to follow the RMA recommended procedures for tire repair could lead to sudden tire failure.

STORE TIRES PROPERLY. If you have tires that are not installed on a vehicle, store them is a cool dry place away from any source of ozone such as hot pipes or electric motors. Do not allow water to accumulate in the tire. Store on clean surfaces free from grease, gasoline or other substances that can deteriorate the tire. Such substances, heat, sunlight and ozone may degrade the tire and render it unsafe.

HAVE TIRES MOUNTED AND INSTALLED BY TRAINED TIRE PROFESSIONALS USING PROPER TOOLS AND PROCEDURES.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR TIRES, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT YOUR DEALER. NEVER DRIVE ON TIRES THAT YOU SUSPECT ARE DAMAGED IN ANY WAY.

For additional information, log onto the National Highway Safety Administration websites:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Tires and http://www.safercar.gov/Tire