Warranty

24
TIRES with RUN-FLAT TECHNOLOGY
If your vehicle is equipped with Bridgestone or Firestone
brand RFT tires, this chapter presents speci c maintenance
and safety issues associated with these tires that are in addi-
tion to those covered elsewhere in this manual.
What is RFT? Run-Flat Technology tires are extraordi-
nary tires that utilize specially designed components to
temporarily support your vehicle in the event of in ation
pressure loss, such as from a puncture. This gives you the
ability to drive to a convenient and safe location to change
your tire (if equipped with a spare) or have it inspected for
possible repair or replacement.
Naturally, certain run- at and low pressure operating
limitations apply, which vary according to the speci c
self-supporting tire design. Like all tires, during normal
operation, they must be properly in ated and maintained.
Regardless of the design or quality, no tire is indestructible.
RFT—How to Identify: Bridgestone and Firestone brand
tires are marked on the sidewalls, near the wheel, with the
RFT logo (shown above).
RFT INFLATION PRESSURE
Like other tires, RFT tires need proper in ation pressure
maintenance for safe operation and to achieve the maxi-
mum tire life and performance. Check in ation pressures
monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight.
Use an accurate tire gauge and check pressures when the
tires are cold. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recom-
mendation for in ation pressure settings as indicated on
the vehicle tire information placard and/or in the vehicle
owner’s manual. Do not forget the spare, if applicable. See
“Tire In ation Pressure” in this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
A functioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
must be used with your RFT tires. Because these tires ride
so well even without in ation pressure, the TPMS may be
necessary to alert you of an in ation pressure loss condi-
tion. When alerted, follow the instructions in your vehicle
owner’s manual and see “Run-Flat or Low Tire Pressure
Operation,” the next section in this manual.
The vehicle or TPMS manufacturer may advise checking
the TPMS regularly to con rm it is in working order. In
addition, a new pressure sensor, certain components, or
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Consult your vehicle owner’s manual, vehicle manufactur-
er, or a Certi ed Bridgestone or Firestone Run-Flat Retailer
for questions regarding TPMS operation and service.
RUN-FLAT or LOW TIRE
PRESSURE OPERATION
SAFETY WARNING
Serious personal injury or death may result from a tire fail-
ure or accident due to improper run- at or low tire pressure
operation. Read and follow the instructions below, and the
other maintenance and safety recommendations elsewhere
in this manual.
General Instructions
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) required in
your vehicle may have different methods of alerting you
when your tire has lost in ation pressure. Consult your
vehicle owner’s manual for the details of your TPMS.
Once the TPMS has indicated that a tire has reduced
in ation pressure, the run- at mode of operation has
commenced. During this phase of operation, please follow
these instructions:
• Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably pos-
sible; do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). The greater the
speed, the less distance the tire can travel.
• Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or
cornering maneuvers as much as safely and reason-
ably possible. Pot holes and other road hazards should
be avoided. Careful driving limits potential damage to
the tire, wheel, and vehicle.
• Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire ser-
vice as soon as possible. Take note of your odometer;
your operation distance is limited. See “Distance—How
Far You Can Drive,” the next section in this manual.
• If an unusual vibration or vehicle handling dif culty
arises, stop driving as soon as safely and reason-
ably possible. The tire may be about to suddenly fail.
Release the accelerator and gradually reduce speed. The
tire must be replaced before proceeding.
• If towing a trailer, stop driving as soon as safely and
reasonably possible. In this condition, it is potentially
dangerous to operate a vehicle/trailer combination. If
possible, disconnect the trailer and proceed as noted
above. Do not continue to tow any trailer until proper
tire service or replacement has been performed.
• Do not touch a tire recently run-low or run- at (it
may be very hot). Allow the tire to cool before han-
dling.