Tires

WARNING: These guidelines do not apply to split rims.

Replacing Tires

When replacing tires, it is suggested that the replacement tires match or exceed the OEM speed rating designation. If tires of different speed rating designations are mixed on the same vehicle, the tires may vary in handling characteristics. Do not mix different speed rating designations on the same axle.

Consult the vehicle owner’s manual or vehicle placard for correct tire size, service description, load index, speed rating and cold inflation pressure of the original tires. Do not exceed the maximum load or
inflation capacity of the tire specified by the Tire and Rim Association (www.us-tra.org)

When replacing fewer than ALL tires on a vehicle, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations as to the placement of the new tires. If it is not possible to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, remember to replace tires on the same axle with the same size, construction, speed rating, and, if possible, similar tread pattern.

Do not mix radials with non-radial tires on the same axle, as this may affect vehicle handling and stability. If radial tires and non-radial tires are mixed on the same vehicle, the radials must be on the rear. If radial and non-radial tires are used on a vehicle equipped with dual rear tires, radial tires may be used on either axle. High-pressure temporary compact spare tires are exempt from this rule.

Do not mix size or type (all season, performance, mud and snow) of tires on the same axle.

When replacing only two tires on front or rear drive vehicles, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations concerning placement. If it is not possible to follow OE recommendations, it is preferable to place the two new tires on the rear for greater stability, greater adhesion affecting steering — on other than dry pavement — and overall safety, regardless of whether the vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.

It is particularly important to match all tire sizes and constructions on 4-wheel (4×4) and all-wheel (AWD) drive vehicles unless otherwise specified by vehicle manufacturer.

Ideally, all four tires should be replaced at the same time. Some vehicle manufacturers restrict replacement of tires to specific brands, types, or sizes.

Mounting Tires

Only specially trained persons should de-mount or mount tires. Explosions of tire and wheel assembly can result from improper mounting, possibly causing serious injury or death.

High pressure temporary compact spare tires should not be used with any other rims or wheels, nor should standard tires, snow tires, wheel covers, or trim rings be used with high pressure compact spare rims or wheels.

Mount tires only on same or approved rim widths.
Attempting to mount a tire of one diameter on a wheel of a different diameter, bead taper or flange type may result in serious injury or death.
If any flammable emergency tire inflation product has been used in a tire, consult inflation
product manufacturer’s product information label for tire deflation procedures to avoid possible serious injury or death.

NOTE: In some vehicles, changing the tire diameter from factory-equipped size can affect driveability, as well as the performance of ABS and other vehicle systems. Consult the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

Condition	Code	Procedure
Air pressure incorrect	B	Require repair.
Bead broken	A	Require replacement.
Bead leaking, caused by tire	A	Require repair or replacement.
Bead wire/cord exposed	A	Require replacement.
Cord or belt material exposed	A	Require replacement.
Cord ply separations	A	Require replacement.
Directional/asymmetrical tires mounted incorrectly	B	Require remounting and/or repositioning.
Irregular tread wear, affecting performance	2	Suggest replacement. NOTE: Determine and correct cause of irregular tire wear.
Load ratings less than OEM specifications	B	Require replacement.
Mixed tread types (all season, performance, mud and snow) on same axle	A	Require replacement.
Number of punctures exceeds manufacturer’s limit	B	Require replacement.
Out of balance	B	Require rebalance of tire/wheel assembly.
Ply separation	A	Require replacement.
Pull or lead, caused by tire	A	Require repair or replacement.
Radial and bias or bias-belted ply tires on same axle	B	Require repair or replacement.
Radials are on the front and not on the rear	B	Require repair or replacement. NOTE: If radials and bias or bias-belted ply tires are on the same vehicle, the radials must be on the rear axle, except for high-pressure temporary spares.
Run flat damage	A	Require replacement.
Shoulder cut	A	Require replacement.
Shoulder puncture	A	Require replacement.
Shoulder with plug	A	Require replacement.
Sidewall bulge	A	Require replacement.
Sidewall cut	A	Require replacement.
Sidewall indentation		No service required or suggested.
Sidewall puncture	A	Require replacement.
Sidewall with plug	A	Require replacement.
Speed rating designations different on same axle	2	Suggest rotation or replacement.
Tire and wheel assembly has excessive run-out	B	Require repair or replacement of appropriate part. NOTE: Excessive is defined as enough to contribute to performance problems. Match mounting may correct run-out. If not, require replacement of appropriate part. Refer to manufacturer’s specifications.
Tires with excessive diameter difference on an all-wheel drive vehicle or four-wheel drive vehicle	B	Require replacement. NOTE: Excessive diameter difference is defined as exceeding manufacturer’s specifications or, if no manufacturer’s specifications exist, with more than 1/4" diameter difference.
Tires with excessive diameter difference on the same side of a dual-wheel application	B	Require replacement. NOTE: Excessive diameter difference is defined as exceeding manufacturer’s specifications or, if no manufacturer’s specifications exist, with more than 1/4" diameter difference.
Tread area puncture larger in diameter than manufacturer’s specifications	B	Require replacement.
Tread missing pieces (chunking), exposing cord	A	Require replacement.
Tread missing pieces (chunking), not exposing cord	1	Suggest replacement.
Tread separations	A	Require replacement.
Tube in tubeless tire	3	Suggest removal of tube. NOTE: Most manufacturers do not recommend tubes in tubeless tires. Inspect tire and wheel assembly to determine the reason for a tube in tubeless tire. Recommendation for repair or replacement should be based upon condition of tires and/or wheel listed in these guidelines.
Weather-checking		No service required or suggested.
Worn to tread wear indicators	B	Require replacement.

 

Required

A – Part No Longer Performs Intended Purpose

B – Part Does Not Meet A Design
Specification (Regardless Of Performance)

C – Part Is Missing

Suggested/Optional

1 – Part Is Close To The End Of Its Useful Life

2 – To Address A Customer Need, Convenience Or Request

3 – To Comply With Maintenance Recommended By The Vehicle’s Original Equipment Manufacture

4 – Technician’s Recommendation Based On Substantial And Informed Experience