Safety Information
YOKOHAMA SAFETY INFORMATION FOR CONSUMER TIRES
(FOR REPLACEMENT AND ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PASSENGER, LIGHT TRUCK, TEMPORARY SPARE AND HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES)
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PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH MAY RESULT FROM:
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail due to improper maintenance or service factors. Tire failure may create a risk of property damage and serious or fatal injury. For your safety, please follow the instructions below.
- Monthly inspections by owner. At least once a month, inspect your tires, including your spare tire, consisting of an inflation check, tread depth check and a visual search for damage from road hazards, such as scrapes, bulges, cuts, nails, irregular wear, etc. Inspect your tires immediately after any known or suspected contact with an object in the road, a pothole, road irregularity or after severe braking. Refer these conditions to a reputable tire service center for repair or replacement. Never drive on a damaged tire.
- Annual inspections by a qualified tire service professional. At least once a year, have your tires inspected by a qualified tire service professional to determine whether your tires can continue in service.
Tire Tread
Tires must be replaced when the depth of the tread reaches 2/32” (1.6 mm). Yokohama tires are manufactured with tread wear indicators molded into the tire grooves which indicate tread wear out. As tires wear down to 2/32” (1.6 mm), and tread depth is reduced, tire traction is reduced during rainfall and winter road conditions. While the minimum allowable tread depth is 2/32”, tires may lose sufficient wet and snow traction before reaching 2/32” (1.6 mm). The vehicle owner must determine if tires should be replaced prior to reaching 2/32” tread depth based on the conditions under which the vehicle is operating. A visual tire inspection, therefore, becomes more crucial as the tires wear out.
If you detect irregular tire wear or vibration, your vehicle may be out of alignment or your tire/wheel assembly may be out of balance. These conditions shorten the life of your tires and may adversely affect the handling characteristics of your vehicle, which could be dangerous. Tires which have been run underinflated will show more wear on the shoulders than in the center of the tread. If you have any unusual tire wear, performance or ride quality, take your vehicle to a qualified tire service professional.
Tire Replacement
Yokohama recommends tire replacement in full sets of the same size, tread design, construction, load index and speed rating. If the decision is made to only apply two new tires, the new tires should be installed on the rear position. To maintain vehicle dynamics and load carrying capacity, replacement tires must always have a load index and speed rating that equals or exceeds that of the original equipment tires of the vehicle. Driving your vehicle with an improper mix of tire sizes, constructions and speed ratings can be dangerous. Your vehicle’s handling characteristics can be adversely affected. Before replacing tires, always consult and follow the vehicle owner’s manual or an authorized Yokohama dealer for proper tire replacement.
Tire changing can be dangerous and should be done using proper tools and procedures. Always use approved tire/rim combinations for rim diameter, width and contour. Always replace a tire on a rim with another tire of exactly the same rim diameter designation.
When changing between P-metric, Euro-metric, LT-metric and flotation sizes, both inflation pressure and load carrying capacity adjustments may be required. Consult your tire service professional.
Proper Inflation
Proper inflation is necessary for tire safety, performance, maximum tread life and best fuel economy. Always keep tires inflated at the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Tire pressures must be checked at least once a month and before long trips, when tires are cold (before operation, cool to the touch). Use an accurate tire gauge to check pressure since it is not possible to tell an underinflated tire just by looking at it. Do not reduce pressure when a tire is hot and do not inflate a cold tire higher than limits molded on the tire’s sidewall. Do not overlook spare tire inflation pressure. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), it does not replace your manual monthly inflation checks.
- Inflation Pressure for Off-Road Use: Inflation pressures for tires used in most off-road situations should be the same as those for highway driving. Off-road driving, especially at low inflation pressure, increases the risk of damaging the structure of the tires due to impacts. Reducing inflation pressure to increase off-road traction can result in over deflection, excessive heat buildup and ultimately tire failure. If a lower inflation pressure is used to gain additional flotation/traction at low speeds, the tires must be re-inflated before resuming driving on the highway or at higher speeds, whether on-or off-road.
- Inflation Pressure for LT Tires on Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Vehicle manufactures utilize load range D and E LT tires to achieve the high load capacities of which heavy duty vehicles are capable. Reducing inflation pressure from that specified by the manufacturer reduces load capacity and changes handling characteristics which can be dangerous. Yokohama always recommends for drivers to follow the placard pressures. If a driver reduces tire inflation pressure, they are solely responsible to ensure that the load capacity of the tires is not exceeded and the vehicle is capable of operating safely.
| WARNING |
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| Underinflation and/or overloading of a tire causes excessive heat build-up and internal structural damage. Overinflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut, punctured or broken by sudden impact. These conditions may cause a tire failure, including a tread/belt separation, even at a later date, which can lead to an accident and serious personal injury or death. |
Tire Loading
Never exceed the maximum vehicle load limit listed on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. Never exceed the load carrying limits molded into the tire’s sidewall. Maximum load can only be carried at the maximum cold inflation pressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall. Overloading can cause excessive heat buildup, internal structural damage and may cause tire failure.
Speed
Regardless of the speed capability of your tires, never exceed lawful speeds or speeds dictated by driving conditions. Exceeding a tire’s speed capacity could cause overheating and sudden tire failure.
Road Hazards
Objects on the road that could damage your tires should be safely avoided. These objects include: potholes, glass, metal, rocks, wood debris, curbs and the like. Damage from impact can occur to the inner portions of your tire without being visible to the outside and can result in tire failure. If you suspect a tire has been damaged, immediately replace it with a properly inflated spare tire, and have the damaged tire removed from the rim and inspected both inside and out by a qualified tire technician.
| WARNING |
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| Safely avoid road hazards, including, potholes, curbs and objects on the road. This may cause a tire failure, including a tread/belt separation, even at a later date, which can lead to an accident and serious personal injury or death. |
Tire Spinning
Do not allow the reading on the speedometer to exceed 35 mph if tires are spinning because the vehicle becomes stuck in mud, snow, ice, etc. When only one tire on an axle is spinning, its speed can be double what is indicated on the speedometer and can quickly exceed the capability of the tire.
Never allow anyone to stand behind a spinning tire while attempting to push a vehicle. Speed and force can cause a tire to disintegrate and explode and may cause property damage, serious personal injury or death to you or a bystander.
Recommended Tire Rotation
Front and rear tires perform differently and, consequently, Yokohama recommends tire rotation to ensure even wear and lengthen tread life. Rotate your tires according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation in your owner’s manual. In the absence of the vehicle manufacturer’s instruction, Yokohama recommends that its tires be rotated every 5,000 miles for normal applications. If your vehicle has a matching full-size spare tire, it is recommended that it be included in the tire rotation. After the tires are rotated, make sure they are inflated to the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Tire Service Life
Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for tire service life. For a tire in use for five or more years, including your spare tire, Yokohama recommends an inspection by a qualified tire service professional at least once a year to determine whether the tire can continue in service. In the absence of instructions from your vehicle manufacturer regarding tire service life, Yokohama recommends the replacement and disposal of all passenger and light truck tires whose D.O.T. production date is 10 or more years old, even if the tire appears to be undamaged and has not reached its tread wear limits. To locate the D.O.T. number, refer to the tire sidewall where the D.O.T. number will appear. D.O.T. numbers are coded, as follows:
D.O.T. CCFCXYZ1923
D.O.T. 1CCFCXYZ1923
Production Date (represents week & year tire was made): 1923 = Tire was made 19th week of 2023. More information can be found at: yokohamatire.com/tires-101/how-to-read-a-sidewall-1/dot-marking
Repair & Maintenance
All passenger and light truck tires require regular maintenance to assure safe operation and maximum service lifetime. Tire repairs should only be completed by a qualified tire service professional. Improper repairs are dangerous and may cause a tire to fail. Yokohama endorses all service guidelines defined by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association. Visit ustires.org or call 202-682-4800 for their service publications. Yokohama does not allow repair of injury to temporary spare tires and Yokohama ZPS runflat tires.
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VIBRATION/RIDE DISTURBANCE
Many tire failures are preceded by vibrations, bumps, bulges, or irregular wear. If while driving your vehicle you experience any unusual vibration, pull, ride disturbance or noise, DO NOT continue to drive. Pull over as soon as possible and inspect your tires. A tire failure may lead to loss of control, which may create a risk of serious personal injury or death. If the vehicle experiences a sudden vibration, ride disturbance or tire failure and/or there is a possibility the tires and/or vehicle have been damaged, gradually reduce speed. DO NOT ABRUPTLY BRAKE OR TURN. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tire. If the tire is underinflated or damaged, deflate and replace it with a good spare tire. If a cause cannot be detected, the vehicle should be towed to the nearest vehicle or tire dealer for an inspection. |
Proper Storage
Tires should be stored indoors in a cool dry place where water cannot collect inside the tires. Do not store in areas that are wet, humid, oily, greasy or in direct sunlight. Do not store in the same area as an electric motor or other ozone generating source. If tires are not stored properly, not only will there be a deterioration in their appearance, there may be a loss in performance and compound integrity that can lead to tire failure.
- The Yokohama high pressure spare tire is designed for temporary use only.
- Speed must not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) for non-speed-rated temporary spare tires.
- Check the tire’s cold inflation pressure monthly and maintain at 60 psi (4.2 kg/cm2) even when not in use. Do not inflate over 60 psi.
- A tread life of up to 3,000 miles (4,800 km) can be expected depending on road conditions and your driving habits. To conserve tire tread life, the spare should be returned to the trunk as soon as the standard tire can be repaired or replaced.
- Because the Yokohama high pressure spare tire was specifically designed for your car, it should not be used on any other vehicle.
- Do not use snow chains on your Yokohama high pressure spare. This could cause damage to your vehicle.
- When the tread wear indicator appears on the tire, replace it only with the same type spare tire.
- The Yokohama high pressure spare tire should not be used with any other rim nor should standard tires, wheel covers, or trim rings be used on the Yokohama high pressure spare tire rim on which the Yokohama high pressure spare tire was originally installed.
Winter/Snow Tires
Winter tires should always be installed on every wheel position. Winter tires on only one axle can lead to unpredictable handling. Many Yokohama winter tires have a snow wear tread indicator at 50% of the total tread depth. This bar is intended as a reminder that deep snow performance may diminish at that level of wear. Never reduce tire pressures in an attempt to increase traction on snow or ice. Slow down and drive carefully in adverse winter driving conditions. Some winter tires are studdable. Use of incorrect studs or improper installation of studs may result in tire or vehicle damage and voids the tire warranty. For more information please see the following USTMA publication: TISB 42 - Application of Winter/Snow Tires and Studded Winter/Snow Tires | U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association https://www.ustires.org/tisb-42-application-wintersnow-tires-and-studded-wintersnow-tires
Zero Pressure System (ZPS) Runflat Tires
Yokohama ZPS runflat tires include special technology to allow the tire to operate at reduced speeds and distances with zero inflation pressure when your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When the TPMS alerts the driver that a tire has lost air pressure, Yokohama recommends the slowest safe speed and the shortest distance to a service facility. In no case should the driver exceed 50 mph or 50 miles. Yokohama ZPS runflat tires are not to be repaired following a puncture or other tire disablement. Never mix ZPS runflat tires with tires that do not have runflat technology. Never mix runflat tires of different brands or technology.
Tire Registration
Registration of your tires is an important safety precaution since it enables the manufacturer to notify you in the event of a recall. Fill out and return the Yokohama registration card provided by your dealer, or register your tires at eco.yokohamatire.com/TireRegistration.
CLOSING:
Failure to follow any of the recommended precautions can lead to erratic vehicle behavior, tire damage and/or tire failure, including tread/belt separation, and may create a risk of property damage and serious or fatal injury.
If you suspect any damage to your tires or wheels, contact your local Yokohama tire retailer or contact Yokohama.