User Guide

Important Safety Warning
For your safety and protection against serious injury or death,
the following safety precaution and maintenance instruction
must be observed at all times.
IMPORTANT SAFETY CHECK LISTS:
• Check tire air pressure periodically.
• Inspect tire for uneven treadwear, cracks, bulges or any sign of
foreign material or trauma.
• Remember to check your tire load carrying capacity and speed
ratings.
• Check your tire life. Tires must be replaced when tread is worn
down to 2/32
nds
”.
• Never overload your vehicle, check tire load carrying capacity or
vehicle owner’s manual for the maximum recommended load.
TIRE INFLATION
Under inflated and/or overloaded tires pose a
safety risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) estimates that under inflated tires contribute to more
than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year. A tire can lose
up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat! Do you
know your tires are more likely than not under-inflated? Results of
a tire pressure survey conducted by U.S. Tire Manufacturers
Association show:
• 9% of vehicles had all 4 tires properly inflated.
• 50% of vehicles had at least 1 tire under inflated.
• 19% of vehicles had at least 1 tire under inflated by 8 PSI.
• 26% of vehicles had at least 1 tire under inflated by 6 PSI.
• 38% of vehicles had at least 1 tire under inflated by 4 PSI.
Under Inflation
Under inflation (or tire over loading) lead to tire failures, which
often result in serious personal injury or death. Among the modes
of tire failures are tread/belt separations, sidewall flex breaks and
crack formation, among others. Tires run hotter when under
inflated which can lead or contribute to tire failure. Under Inflation
also adversely affect fuel economy, tire wear and vehicle handling.
Proper Inflation
Proper tire inflation is essential for optimum performance and
longevity of the tire. A U.S. Department of Energy study shows
that “properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by 3.3%.”
So, what is the proper inflation for my tires and where can I find
it? For original equipment tires or replacement tires with the same
size and load rating, proper inflation is specified by the vehicle
manufacturer shown on a placard that can be found on the door
edge, door post, glove compartment door or gas tank door. It can
also be found in the owner’s manual. For plus sized replacement
tires consult your local dealer or tire manufacturer. Proper inflation
information is NOT stamped on the sidewall of the tire. The
inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire is the
maximum inflation pressure for that tire.
Check Tire Inflation Pressure Regularly
Tire inflation pressure must be checked at least once a month and
before each and every long trip. The tire air pressure must be
checked when the tires are cold, in the morning, before doing any
driving. At all times visually check tires for nails or other objects
embedded in the tread which can cause air leak. Also never bleed
or reduce inflation pressure when tires are hot. Over inflation must
also be avoided as it can cause uneven wear at the center of tire
tread and make the tire more susceptible to road hazards.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
All new passenger, SUV, and light truck vehicles manufactured on
or after September 1, 2007 are required to be equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system. This system will warn drivers when a
tire is 25% (8 PSI if the recommended inflation pressure is 32 PSI)
under inflated. This warning may be too late to prevent tire
damage caused by under inflation. TPMS units are NOT a
replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a tire gauge.
SPEED RATING
It is recommended that the replacement tire
speed rating be equal to or greater than the OEM tire speed
rating. If a lower speed rated tire is selected, then the vehicle top
speed becomes limited to that of the lower speed rating selected.
The customer must be informed of the new speed restriction &
the vehicle’s handling may be adversely impacted. When replacing
tires, consult the placard or the owner’s manual for correct size
and speed rating. The speed rating of the replacement tires must
be equal to or greater than the speed rating of the tire being
replaced to maintain the speed capability of the vehicle. Speed
ratings do not imply that the vehicle can be safely driven at the
maximum speeds for which the tire is rated.
Serious injury or death may take place if you drive your vehicle in
an unsafe or unlawful manner. Hankook’s speed symbol
designations are verified and comply with regulatory indoor test
in accordance with ECE-R30,54 test (Economic Council for Europe
: Procedure load / Speed performance test for tires). These
symbols are not applicable to repaired tires.
Category Maximum Speed
G 90 km/h 55 mph
J 100 km/h 62 mph
K 110 km/h 68 mph
L 120 km/h 74 mph
M 130 km/h 80 mph
N 140 km/h 87 mph
P 150 km/h 93 mph
Q 160 km/h 99 mph
Speed symbol can be shown from the tire size for example:
P205/60R15 90 H
Category Maximum Speed
R 170 km/h 105 mph
S 180 km/h 112 mph
T 190 km/h 118 mph
U 200 km/h 124 mph
H 210 km/h 130 mph
V 240 km/h 149 mph
W 270 km/h 168 mph
Y 300 km/h 186 mph
TIRE LOAD
The load carrying capacity of the replacement tire must always
equal or exceed the load carrying capacity of the original
equipment tire. Tires that are loaded in excess of allowable
maximum can build up heat to cause sudden air loss.
CHECK TIRE LIFE
Tires have six built-in treadwear indicators that warn you when it
is time to replace your tires. These indicators are raised ribs
2/32
nds
inches height sections spaced intermittently in the
62