DO NOT OVERLOAD: DRIVING
ON ANY OVERLOADED TIRE IS
DANGEROUS
The maximum load rating of your
tires is molded on the tire sidewall.
Do not exceed this rating. Follow
the loading instructions of the
manufacturer of your vehicle and
this will ensure that your tires are
not overloaded. Tires which are
loaded beyond their maximum
allowable loads for the particular
application will build up excessive
heat that may result in sudden tire
destruction. Do not exceed the
gross axle weight rating for any
axle on your vehicle.
TIRE ALTERATIONS
Do not make or allow to be made
any alterations on your tires.
Alterations may prevent proper
performance, leading to tire
damage which can result in an
accident. Tires which become
unserviceable due to alterations
such as truing, whitewall inlays,
addition of balancing or sealant
liquids, or the use of tire dressing
containing petroleum distillates
are excluded from warranty
coverage.
REPAIRS - WHEREVER
POSSIBLE, SEE YOUR TIRE
RETAILER AT ONCE
If any tire sustains a puncture,
have the tire demounted and
thoroughly inspected by a tire
retailer for possible damage that
may have occurred. A tread area
puncture in any passenger or light
truck tire can be repaired provided
that the puncture hole is not more
than 1/4” in diameter, not more
than one radial cable per casing
ply is damaged, and the tire has
not been damaged further by the
puncturing object or by running
underinflated. Tire punctures
consistent with these guidelines
should only be repaired by
following the US Tire
Manufacturers Association
(USTMA) recommended repair
procedures. Plug-only repairs
done on-the-wheel are considered
improper and therefore, not
recommended. Such repairs are
not reliable and may cause further
damage to the tire.
STORAGE
Tires contain waxes and
emollients to protect their outer
surfaces from ozone and weather
checking. As the tire rolls and
flexes, the waxes and emollients
continually migrate to the surface,
replenishing this protection
throughout the normal use of the
tire. Consequently, when tires sit
unused for long periods of time (a
month or more) their surfaces
342
Tire Care