Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in use as a result of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, or other detrimental operating conditions. Tire failures, such as a blowout and/or separation of tread from the tire casing, may create a risk of personal injury or property damage. To reduce the risk of tire failure, we strongly recommend the following:

1. Tire failure due to under inflation/overloading. Follow the vehicles owner’s manual or vehicle tire placard for proper inflation and loading. Follow maintenance information provided in the “Tire Owner Obligations” section of this document.

2. Explosion of tire/rim assembly due to improper mounting. Tire mounting and inflation can be dangerous and should be done only by specially trained persons using proper tools and procedures. Always refer to the Rubber Manufacturers Association wall charts and manuals when mounting and inflating tires for proper tire mounting and inflation procedures. The failure to follow these procedures may result in faulty positioning of the tire and/or rim part, which may cause the assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause serious physical injury or death. Always restrain the tire and rim on a mounting machine with a positive lock-down device or in an approved cage when adding air. Never exceed 40 psi when seating beads.

A tire bead diameter must always match the diameter of the rim on which it is being mounted. For example: Mount a 16” tire on a 16” diameter rim. Do not mount a 16” tire on a 16.5” diameter rim. Do not mount a 14” tire on a 14.5” diameter rim. Do not attempt to mount an inch-coded bead diameter tire on a metric-coded rim and do not attempt to mount a metric-coded rim on an inch-coded rim.

When it is possible to pass a tire over the lip or flange of a rim with a different diameter, the bead will not properly seat. If an attempt is made to seat the bead by inflating, the tire bead will break with force sufficient to cause serious injury or death. Never exceed 40 psi when seating beads.

3. Tire failure due to damage. Inspect your tires frequently for scrapes, bulges, separations, cuts, snags, and other damage from road hazards. Damage from impact can occur to the inner portions of your tire without being visible on the outside. If you suspect your tire has been damaged from hitting a curb, a pothole, or debris on the road, you must have the tire removed from the wheel and inspected, both inside and outside, for damage by a qualified person. Air loss or unusual tire wear can also be warning signs that a tire may have internal damage. If you notice these conditions, have your tire inspected by a qualified individual.

You may not always recall hitting an object that can damage or injure your tires. It is also possible that damage to a tire can result in tire failure at a later time. If while driving, your vehicle experiences any unusual vibration, ride disturbance, and/or noise and you suspect that possible damage to the tires or vehicle has occurred, do not jam or lock your brakes! Rather, reduce your speed gently and drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect your tires. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged, deflate, remove the tire and wheel assembly, and replace it with your spare in accordance with the procedures shown in your vehicle owner’s manual. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest vehicle or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected. Please note that these expenses are not covered by warranties of either the tire manufacturer or Central Tire Corp.

4. Tire failure due to improper use of speed-rated high-performance tires. If the vehicle placard calls for a speed-rated tire, it is recommended that the replacement tire have an equal or greater speed rating. Tire 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 occur if you operate your vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner.

“Z” speed-rated high-performance tires must be inspected at least every 1,000 miles for the amount of tread remaining. Be certain that all major tread grooves of all tires have at least the legal minimum of 2/32nds of an inch of tread depth. If a vehicle is operated with worn-out tires (2/32 of an inch or less of tread remaining), handling difficulties may occur, including loss of control of your vehicle.

Damaged, retreaded, or altered speed-rated tires no longer maintain their speed rating. Please consult individual tire manufacturer policies for additional information on the conditions and policies relating to speed ratings for repaired tires.

5. Tire failure due to excessive tire spinning when your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc. Never exceed 35 mph indicated on the speedometer. The centrifugal force generated by a free-spinning tire/wheel assembly may cause a sudden tire explosion, resulting in vehicle damage and/or serious injury. Use a gentle backward and forward rocking motion to free your vehicle for continued driving. Never stand near or behind a tire spinning at high speed while attempting to push a vehicle that is stuck.