Warranty

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pointing to the last three numeric characters. Tires produced after July 2000
have an additional digit to identify a given decade. For example, 2800
means the tire was produced during the 28th week of 2000; 0201 during
the 2nd week of 2001. If the last digits of your DOT number contains three
numeric characters and is not marked with a triangle, consult a qualified
tire technician to determine the year of manufacture.
SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK
TIRES INCLUDING SPARE TIRES
Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber compounds
having performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the
tire itself. These component properties evolve over time. For each tire, this
evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions,
and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance etc.) to
which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution
varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific
tire in advance is not possible. That is why, in addition to regular inspections
and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended
that passenger car and light truck tires, including spare tires be inspected
regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a Michelin tire retailer, who
will assess the tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires which have been
in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist
at least annually. Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only
of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure but also of any change
in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration,
which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from
service to prevent tire failure. It is impossible to predict when tires should
be replaced based on their calendar age alone. However the older a tire
the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-
related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected
during use. While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10
years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the
date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a
precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not
reached the legal wear limit. For tires that were on an original equipment
vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle
manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but
not to exceed 10 years). The date when a tire was manufactured is located
on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of
Transportation or “DOT” code on the tire. The code begins with “DOT”
and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT
code ending with “2204” indicates a tire made in the 22nd week (May)
of 2004.
REMEMBER... TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR TIRES
AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT:
• CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AT LEAST ONCE EACH MONTH WHEN TIRES ARE
COLD AND BEFORE LONG TRIPS.
• DO NOT UNDERINFLATE/OVERINFLATE TIRES.
• DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE AND TIRES.
• DRIVE AT MODERATE SPEEDS, OBSERVE LEGAL LIMITS.
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