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General Information |
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Can
I buy a road hazard policy? |
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We do not provide
road hazard coverage. In some cases tire retailers
may offer and administer their own road hazard
warranty programs. Typically, retailers will offer
a customer the opportunity to purchase a road
hazard warranty only in conjunction with the
purchase of new tires. We play no role in retailer
road hazard warranty programs and do not maintain
any listing of retailers that offer such coverage.
You may wish to contact participating dealers in
your area and inquire if they would be willing to
sell such coverage to you. |
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Where can I find tires for my classic or restored
vehicle? |
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In the United
States, the sole distributor of vintage Michlelin
tires is Coker Tire Co. Coker Tire specializes in
tires for vintage and antique automobiles,
motorcycles and bicycles. Coker Tire can be
reached at 800-251-6336 or on-line at
www.cokertire.com. |
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Promotions |
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Do you currently offer any promotions or rebates? |
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Promotions and/or
rebates are generally offered during the spring
and fall seasons. Check our home page for upcoming
promotions and rebates. |
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Warranty |
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My tire has gone flat. Is this covered by your
warranty? |
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There may be a
circumstance where air loss can be covered by
warranty, however, this can only be determined
when inspected by a tire professional an a
Michelin authorized dealer.
Some common causes of sudden or slow air loss that
are not covered by warranty are:
Road hazard injuries (punctures, cuts, impact
damage to the liner, ply material or sidewall
rubber).
Valve stem or core air loss form damage, loose or
aged rubber stem.
Air loss from the bead seating area (corrosive
buildup on the wheels which prevents a proper seal
between the wheel flange and the tire beads, bead
seating area damage from accidental mounting or
dismounting, foreign material between the rim
flange area and the tire bead seating area, bent
rim flange). |
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Where
can I get a warranty booklet? |
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You
can get a warranty booklet from any authorized
dealer. Click
here to download a PDF version. |
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What is a brief description of your tire warranty? |
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Our passenger and
light truck tires, used in the normal service on
the vehicle on which they were originally fitted
and in accordance with the maintenance
recommendations and safety warnings contained in
the Passenger and Light Truck Limited Warranty are
covered by this warranty against defects in
workmanship and materials for the life of the
original usable tread, or six years from date of
purchase, whichever comes first. At this time, all
warranties, expressed or implied, expire.
Replacement will be made in accordance with the
terms and conditions described below.
A tire which becomes unserviceable due to a
condition covered by this workmanship and
materials limited warranty will be replaced with a
comparable new tire, free of charge, when 2/32nds
of an inch (1.6mm) or less of the original tread
is worn, (or 25% or less, whichever is more
beneficial to the user) and within 12 months of
the date of purchase. Mounting and balancing of
the tire is included. You pay the cost of any
other service charges and applicable taxes. When
more than 2/32nds of an inch of original tread has
been worn (or 25% or less, whichever is more
beneficial to the user) and after 12 months from
the date of purchase, you must pay the cost of a
comparable new replacement tire on a pro rata
basis. The retailer will determine the charge by
multiplying the percentage of the original usable
tread worn, by the current selling price at the
adjustment location or the price in the current
base price List. You pay the cost of mounting,
balancing and any other service charges and
applicable taxes.
When the purchase receipt is not available, the 6
year warranty period commences with the DOT date
found on the sidewall of each tire.
This warranty does not cover tires which become
unserviceable due to road hazard injury, such as a
cut, snag, bruise, impact damage, puncture or
other damages such as improper maintenance, rapid
or uneven wear caused by mechanical irregularity
in the vehicle, accident, fire, tire alteration,
etc. |
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What should I do if I think I have a warranty issue? |
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Our tires have a
limited warranty, which covers defects in
workmanship and material for the life of the
original usable tread or for 6 years from date of
purchase, whichever occurs first. Take the tire(s)
to your local participating tire retailer and have them
properly inspect the tire. Tell the tire dealer what
you are experiencing so they can diagnose the
problem. If you or your tire dealer have any questions
please have them call us while you are there.
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Tire Care and Maintenance |
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What should I look for when inspecting my tires? |
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In addition to
performing regular maintenance, you must also keep
an eye out for potential problems that might
affect your tires. Regular inspections can help
you prevent tire trouble, and keep you rolling
safely down the road.
When inspecting your tires, look for:
Uneven tread wear. This can include more
wear on one tread edge than the other, a rippled
pattern of high and low wear, or exposed steel
wire. Uneven wear can be caused by problems such
as underinflation, misalignment and improper
balancing.
Shallow tread. Bald tires tend to skid and
slide on the pavement, and are more likely to be
damaged by potholes and other road hazards. The
tread on your tire should be at least 1/16 of an
inch deep. If it isn’t, the tire must be replaced.
To help you see tread problems, tires have
built-in “tread wear indicators.” These are narrow
bars of smooth rubber that run across the tread:
When the tread is even with the bars, it is worn
down to the minimum level and must be replaced
immediately.
You can also perform a simple test using a US
penny. Put the edge of the coin into the tread,
with Lincoln going in head first. If the top of
Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, that’s good.
If the top of his head is entirely visible, it’s
time to replace the tire.
Troublemakers. Check for small stones,
pieces of glass, bits of metal and other foreign
objects that might be wedged into the tread, and
carefully pick them out. They can cause serious
problems if they are pushed farther into your tire
as you drive.
Damaged areas. Cracks, cuts, splits,
punctures, holes and bulges in the tread or on the
sides of the tire can indicate serious problems,
and the tire may need to be replaced.
Slow leaks. Tires lose some air pressure (about 2
psi) over the course of a month or so, but if you
find that you have to add air every few days, have
the tire, wheel and valve checked—and if
necessary, repair or replace the tire.
Valve caps. Those little caps on your
tire’s valve stem keep moisture and dirt out, so
make sure they are on all your tires. Also, when
you have a tire replaced, have a new valve stem
assembly installed at the same time.
Driving on a damaged tire can be dangerous. If you
see something you’re not sure about during your
inspection, have it examined by your tire dealer.
Any time you see damage to a tire, don’t drive on
it—use a spare if you need to go somewhere. And
finally, pay attention to the “feel” of your tires
as you drive. A rough ride may indicate tire
damage or excessive wear. If you notice vibrations
or other disturbances while driving, and/or you
suspect possible damage to your tire or vehicle,
immediately reduce speed, drive with caution until
you can safely pull off the road and stop, and
inspect your tires. If a tire is damaged, deflate
it and replace it with your spare. If you do not
see any tire damage and cannot identify the source
of the vibration, take the vehicle to a
tire dealer for a thorough inspection.
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How long should my original equipment tires last? |
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We do not offer a
written mileage warranty on any tires supplied as
original equipment. Due to the variety of styles,
construction features, tread compounds, vehicle
applications, geographical conditions and driving
habits, it is difficult to provide a specific
mileage expectancy.
However, any tire wear concern should always be
presented to your local authorized dealers for
further evaluation.
Many of our authorized retailers offer specific
mileage warranties on several lines of tires sold
as replacement tires, including some tires that
are used as original equipment. These mileage
warranties are administered based on the retail
outlets verification of proper tire maintenance
having been performed. |
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How should I care for tires I have in storage?
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Tires should be stored
in a cool place away from direct sunlight, sources
of heat and ozone such as hot pipes and electric
generators. Exposure to these elements during
prolonged periods of time will exhaust the tire's
oxidation and weathering agents within the rubber
compounds and result in cracking. Be sure that
surfaces on which tires are stored are clean and
free from grease, gasoline or other substances
that could deteriorate the rubber.
For mounted tires inflate at, but no higher than,
the recommended air pressure. Store vehicle on
blocks to remove load from the tires. |
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Can
I mount my own tire on the wheel? |
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Never try to mount
your own tires. Tire mounting is a job for the
people who have the proper equipment and
experience. If you try to do it yourself, you run
the risk of serious injury to yourself as well as
possible damage to the tire and rim. |
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Is it
safe to repair a flat tire? |
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If a tire loses all
or most of its air pressure, it must be removed
from the wheel for a complete internal inspection
to be sure it's not damaged. Tires that are run
even short distances while flat are often damaged
beyond repair. Most punctures, nail holes, or cuts
up to 1/4 inch -- confined to the tread -- may be
satisfactorily repaired by trained personnel using
industry-approved methods. Don't repair tires with
tread punctures larger than 1/4 inch, or any
sidewall puncture. Also, never repair tires which
are worn below 1/16 inch tread depth. Your best
bet is to make sure your spare tire is always
ready to do the job. Check it regularly for proper
air pressure and be sure that it is in good shape.
If your car is equipped with one of the several
types of temporary spares, be sure to check the
spare tire's sidewall for the correct inflation
pressure, speed, and mileage limitations. See your
dealer for expert tire repair. |
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Must I replace my present tires with the same size
tires? |
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Never choose a
smaller size than those that came with the car.
Tires should always be replaced with the same size
designation -- or approved options — as
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or
authorized dealer. |
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Can I use tire
dressings? |
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We recommend using a
soft brush and mild soap to clean tires. Tire
dressings that contain petroleum products or
alcohol can accelerate the aging process and
contribute to cracking.
Michelin does not endorse the use of after-market
conditioners. The effects of such products are
unknown as it would be impossible to test all of
the products on the market today. |
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Do my new tires require special treatment? |
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Special treatment is
not required for your new tires. However, drive
carefully while you get accustomed to them. You
may feel a difference when accelerating, braking,
cornering or possibly driving in wet conditions. |
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Do you recommend the use of after market
balancing/sealant products and equal? |
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We cannot test all
products being marketed today, and do not certify
or endorse any of these after-market products for
efficiency or compatibility.
Because some of these products may degrade the
inner liner of tires, caution should be taken. The
long term effect of these products is unknown
(chemical reaction when exposed to pressure,
temperature and time).
Because some of these products may be flammable,
we strongly urge you to advise a tire dealer of
the use of these products before having the tire
and wheel serviced. Failure to do so could lead to
serious injury or death.
Please refer to the warnings and instructions
provided by the manufacturers of these products
regarding their use.
We neither approve nor disapprove the use of
these products. |
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How and when should I rotate my tires? |
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To obtain even and
maximum tire wear, it may be necessary to rotate
your tires. (Please note: Tires with a mileage
warranty, tire rotation is required to maintain
its warranty status). Refer to your vehicle
owner's manual for instructions on tire rotation.
Some tires have arrows on the sidewall showing the
direction in which the tire should turn. When
rotating this type of tire, care must be taken to
maintain the proper turning direction as indicated
by the arrows.
Unless otherwise recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer's owner's manual, tires should be
inspected and rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles or
rotated at the first sign of uneven or irregular
wear. Any of the rotation patters shown can be
used.
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How do I remove the Bar code label from the
sidewall? |
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Although bar code
label removal is not necessary for the safe and
efficient use of the tire, it may be necessary to
remove the label for aesthetic reasons. The 16mm
by 40mm bar code label on the lower sidewall may
be difficult to remove from some tires. Please
advise your tire dealer that label removal may be
facilitated by applying with a cotton swab a small
amount of paint thinner (mineral spirits) to the
label on a MOUNTED INFLATED tire. Then, carefully
pry under the center of the label with a
flat-bladed screw driver to remove it. Your dealer
will do this slowly and carefully to avoid
damaging the tire. After the label has been
removed by this procedure, the tire should be
carefully inspected.
We are currently perfecting a more readily
removable bar code label. In the meantime, the
above procedure provides an effective method of
removing the occasional "stubborn" bar code label
from the tires when necessary. |
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Is there a time period on breaking in my new tires?
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New tires have to be
driven a few hundred miles on dry roads to rid the
tread of parting agents and antioxidants applied
during production. Not until the tread has been
slightly roughened will the tire be able to make
its true gripping power felt. |
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Is there a way to tell when I need new tires? |
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Tread wear
indicators ("wear bars") are located at the base
of the main grooves and are equally spaced around
the tire. The tread wear indicators, which look
like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the
tread, will appear on the tire when that point of
wear is reached. When you see these wear bars, the
tire is worn out and it's time to replace the
tire. Always remove tires from service when they
reach a remaining tread depth of two
thirty-seconds of an inch (2/32"). Another easy
way to check is to do the penny test. Take a penny
and place it with Lincoln's head down in the tread
groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head,
then it is time to replace your tires.
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Should my
tires be balanced? |
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Proper balancing is
critical for optimal vehicle performance,
especially at today's higher highway speeds. When
tire and wheel assemblies are unbalanced, a
vibration can result from wheel and assembly
shimmy (shaking from side to side) or wheel
assembly tramp (tire and wheel hopping up and
down). Therefore, it is important that these
assemblies are in both static and dynamic balance. |
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What air pressure do you recommend when using an
Optional tire size? |
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When installing a
different size than the original equipment tire,
all vehicle manufacturer specifications must be
maintained. The replacement tire should be
inflated to provide the same load capability of
the original tire size at the manufacturer’s
recommended pressure.
Please contact one of our Consumer Care agents to
determine the correct pressure for the optional
tire size that you are installing or visit your
local tire retailer for assistance. |
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What is proper
alignment? |
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A vehicle is said to
be properly aligned when all suspension and
steering components are sound and when the tire
and wheel assemblies are running straight and
true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread
wear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear
tire wear, or changes in your vehicle's handling
or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side)
can indicate misalignment. Many vehicles today are
equipped with rear suspensions that can be
adjusted for alignment. Your vehicle many need a
"front-end" alignment or a "four-wheel" alignment,
depending on the symptoms you are experiencing.
The moderate cost of having your vehicle aligned
can more than pay for itself in tire mileage,
performance and comfort. |
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What is the correct air pressure for my tires? |
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The vehicle
manufacturer selects the size and type of tires
for their vehicles. They perform the necessary
testing to establish the vehicles’ optimized
operating tire inflation pressures which can be
found on the vehicle placard (located on the
inside of the driver's door) and in the vehicle
owners’ manual.
If the tires on your vehicle are the same size as
the original equipment tire, inflate them to the
pressures indicated on the placard.
If the size of the tires is different than the
size indicated on the placard, please contact us
via phone or email for a pressure recommendation.
We will need the following information from the
tire and wheel placard:
– the original equipment tire size
– the vehicle manufacturer's inflation pressure. |
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What is the expected service life of tires? |
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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 simple precaution even if such tires appear
serviceable and even if they have not reached the
legal wear limit. |
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What is the lowest Inflation Pressures permitted? |
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Lower inflation
pressures for improved flotation are permitted
ONLY if the tire maintains adequate load-carrying
capacity at the lower pressure. 20 psi is the
minimum recommended pressure for a passenger or
light truck tire. Pressures lower than 20 psi may
be used off the road when speeds are less than 15
MPH and when the tire has adequate load-carrying
capacity at the lower pressure.
The best recommendation for highway use is to
follow the inflation pressure specified by the
vehicle manufacturer which can be found in the
owner’s manual or on the sticker on the inside of
the driver’s door.
When installing a different size than the original
equipment tire, the replacement tire should be
inflated to provide the same load capability of
the original tire size at the manufacturer’s
recommended pressure. |
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What is your opinion on the use of nitrogen in
tires? |
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Nitrogen is an inert
gas. It is simply dry air with the oxygen removed
(air contains nearly 79% Nitrogen). The physical
properties of nitrogen reduce the pressure loss
due to the natural permeability of the materials
of the tire. Unfortunately, there are other
possible sources of leaks (tire/rim interface,
valve, valve/rim interface and the wheel) which
prevent the guarantee of pressure maintenance for
individuals using air or nitrogen inflation. Tires
manufactured by Michelin are designed to deliver
their expected performance when inflated with air
or nitrogen, as long as, the user respects the
pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle's placard or by the tire
manufacturer. Whether they are inflated with air
or nitrogen, regular pressure maintenance remains
critical because under-inflated tires lead to:
- a reduction in road holding
- a reduction in wet traction capability
- an increased sensitivity to road hazards
- a reduction in treadlife
- an increase in fuel consumption
- a reduction in tire life due to excessive heat
from over deflection |
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When
should I check my air pressure? |
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Air pressure in tires,
including the spare, should be checked at least
monthly and always before extended driving. Tires
should be checked when they are cold (at least
three hours after the vehicle has been stopped and
before it is driven more than one mile or two
kilometers). Do not reduce pressure when tires are
hot; use an accurate air pressure gauge to check
pressure and maintain it at the level recommended
on the vehicle tire vehicle placard or in the
vehicle owner’s manual. Under-inflation produces
extreme flexing of the tire and builds up heat to
the point that tire failure may occur. Over- or
under-inflation may adversely affect vehicle
handling. Cold tire pressures should never be
higher than the limit molded on the sidewall. |
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When
should I replace my spare tire? |
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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 simple 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 which 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. |
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When
should worn tires be replaced? |
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Worn tires should be
replaced by trained personnel when 2/32nds of an
inch of tread depth remains, as indicated by tread
wear indicators molded into the tread grooves. Use
of worn out tires [less than 2/32nds inch (1.6 mm)
remaining of tire tread depth] increases the
probability of tire failure, and in wet conditions
can cause the tire to lose traction suddenly. In
most states, it is illegal to drive with less than
2/32nds of an inch of remaining tread depth. |
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Where should I mount the tires if I only purchase
2? |
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For continued
optimized vehicle performance, it is recommended
that all tires be replaced at the same time.
If only two tires are being replaced, the two
newer tires should be installed on the rear axle
except if replacing them with lower speed rated
tires.
The new tires with deeper tread will provide
better wet grip and evacuate water more
effectively—which helps delay the onset of
hydroplaning. Deeper tread tires on the rear axle
will help avoid oversteer and a loss of vehicle
stability on wet surfaces. |
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Why is there a maximum Inflation Pressures on the
sidewall of my tire?. |
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The tire size and
tread design that was originally equipped on your
vehicle may be used on other vehicles, some of
which being heavier than others, therefore
requiring higher air pressure for additional load
carrying capacity.
The maximum pressure on the sidewall of the tire
is the maximum pressure for the tire. The
manufacturer of the vehicle has determined the
appropriate air pressure for the application based
on vehicle weight, to provide the best ride, tread
wear, performance, etc. For applications such as
towing, pulling, hauling, etc., air pressure
should be increased accordingly. |
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Tire Problems |
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What should I do if I notice a vibration? |
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Vibration is an
indication that your car has a problem that needs
attention. The tires, steering system and
suspension system should be checked to help
determine the possible cause and correction of the
vibration. If left unattended, the vibration could
cause excessive tire and suspension wear. It could
even be dangerous. Authorized Dealers offer expert
diagnosis and repair. |
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Are punctures/cuts covered under the warranty? |
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Our warranty covers
defects in workmanship and material for the life
of the tread or 6 years, whichever comes first. We
do not cover tires that are damaged as a result of
road hazards, cuts, punctures, impact, etc.
Some retailers offer extended policies for road
hazard injuries in addition to the manufacturer’s
warranty. Refer to your original sales receipt to
see if such coverage applies. |
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Is a Bubble/ 'Bulge on the sidewall of my tire
covered by your warranty? |
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A bulge or bubble in
the sidewall is sometimes the result of damage
from coming in contact with a curb, pothole or
other object. Evidence of this damage can be:
1) a scuff mark on the sidewall near the bubble
2) a dent or damage on the wheel above the bulge
3) a cut or bruise on the inner liner of the tire
in the vicinity of the bulge (the tire must be
demounted in order to inspect the inner liner).
A tire that sustains any of the above injuries is
damaged and is not covered under warranty.
However, your satisfaction is important to us and
we request that you take the tire into a
participating dealer for inspection to determine
if warranty coverage applies. |
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What are the causes of center tread wear? |
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When the center
tread wears faster than the adjacent tread
surfaces, possible causes include over inflation
for load carried, rim width too narrow,
misapplication, smooth wear after spin-out,
improper tire rotation practices, aggressive
acceleration or under inflation for certain tire
types, such as performance tires.
If the tread depth is at or below 2/32" in any
groove or if cord material or under tread is
exposed, the tire must be replaced. If sufficient
tread remains, verify proper rim width and vehicle
fitment as well as verify/adjust inflation
pressures, then rotate the tires for maximum wear.
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What are
road hazard injuries? |
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Road hazard damage
is damage that occurs when a tire fails as a
result of a puncture, bruise or break incurred
during the course of normal driving on a
maintained road. Nails, glass and potholes are the
most common examples of road hazards.
Avoid running over objects (e.g. chuckholes,
rocks, curbs, metal, glass, etc.) which may cause
internal tire damage. Internal damage, not visible
without demounting the tire, may be caused when a
tire runs over an object. Continued use of a tire
that has suffered internal damage (which may not
be externally visible) can lead to dangerous tire
failure. Determination of suspected internal
damage requires demounting the tire from its rim
and examination by a trained tire personnel.
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What can cause my tire to show One-Sided Shoulder
Wear? |
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When the shoulder of
the tread on one side of a tire wears faster than
the adjacent tread surface, this can result from a
variety of conditions, such as front and/or rear
misalignment (example, toe or camber), loose or
worn suspension components, hard cornering,
improper tire rotation practices, misapplication,
high crown roads or non-uniform mounting.
If the tread depth is at or below 2/32" in any
groove or if either cord or under tread is
exposed, the tire must be replaced. If sufficient
tread remains, verify that the tire has been
properly mounted, then rotate the tires for
maximum wear. |
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What can cause my tire to wear in more than one
spot around the circumference? |
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When tread is worn
in one or more spots around the tire
circumference, this can indicate brake lock/skid,
improper balance, localized underlying separation,
loose/worn suspension components, improper bead
seating/mounting, progression from initial tread
cut/chip/road hazard injury or chemical
contamination. Surface texture may have initially
shown abrasion marks from the tire sliding on the
road, but the surface may have since worn smooth.
When the tires with a flat spot are used in a dual
application. you may consider rotating one tire
180 degrees in relation to the flat spot on the
other tire.
If the tread depth is at or below 2/32" in any
groove or if either cord or under tread is
exposed, the tire must be replaced.
When the cause of the flat spot is not apparent,
your tire dealer should contact our Consumer Care
Department. |
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What can cause my tire tread face to show one rib
higher than the other? |
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Feathering is a
condition when the edge of each tread rib develops
a slightly rounded edge on one side and a sharp
edge on the other. The most common causes of
feathering are incorrect toe-in setting or
deteriorated bushings in the front suspension. The
toe setting should be as close to 0 as possible
for the optimum wear.
The tires should be inflated to the pressure as
indicated on the sticker on the inside of the
driver’s door. The vehicle manufacturer has
determined this pressure is optimal for load,
ride, handling, rolling resistance and tread wear
performance. |
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What can cause the sidewall of my tires to start
turning a brownish color? |
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The brownish color
on the sidewall of your tires is not a defect. The
source of this discoloration can be varied. One
possibility is that the tires contain an
anti-ozone agent in their rubber compounds to slow
down the ill effects of exposure to ozone in the
air. This anti-ozone ingredient will migrate to
the surface of the rubber and leave the appearance
of a brownish dust. This is completely normal and
technically is no cause for concern. In time,
depending on usage, it will disappear.
Other possibilities for discoloration can be
simply dust that is picked up from normal driving
or brake dust which is generated by the abrasion
of the brake pads against the brake rotor. This
latter condition is more prevalent when the brakes
are new or have recently been relined. In all
cases, we recommend that you continue to clean
your tires with a mild soap and water. |
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What
causes a tire to wear out? |
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'Treadwear or life
expectancy is determined by many factors:
Driving habits and style of driving, geographical
location, type of vehicle, type of tire, how
vehicle is maintained, how tires are maintained,
etc.
As a result, mileage expectancy is impossible to
determine.
Our Limited Warranty covers defects in workmanship
and material for the life of the tread or 6 years
from the original date of purchase, whichever
occurs first. We offer no mileage warranty on the
tires that were originally equipped on your
vehicle.
We suggest that you have the tires/vehicle
inspected by a participating tire retailer in your
area to determine if there is perhaps a mechanical
or maintenance issue that could be contributing to
a rapid or irregular wear pattern.
Your satisfaction is important to us. Please have
the dealer contact us with the tire inspection as
we are willing to offer you assistance with your
concern. |
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What causes sidewall Indentations on my tire? |
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The condition,
sometimes referred to as sidewall undulations, is
a common characteristic of radial tire
construction and are purely a visual
characteristic and will not affect the performance
of the tire. These indentations are more
noticeable in larger/wider radial-ply tire sizes
and become more visible with higher inflation
pressures. The joining of the ply material in the
sidewall area may cause a slight indentation or
wavy appearance on the sidewall surface of the
tire when it is inflated. However, if bulges,
rather than indentations appear on the sidewall of
the tire, or if there is any question concerning
any sidewall indentations, please contact a tire
dealer for a tire inspection. |
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What could be the cause of my tires making a loud
noise? |
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Noise is most
commonly due to an uneven or irregular wear
pattern that has developed on the tires.
We suggest that you have the tires inspected by a
participating tire retailer in your area. To find
the dealers near you, refer to the Yellow Pages of
your telephone book or utilize the
Dealer Locator
on our website. |
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What could cause my tire to wear on the Inside and
outside shoulders? |
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The cause of Inside
and Outside shoulder wear is normally due to
improper inflation pressure, hard cornering,
frequent mountain driving, improper tire rotation
practices or a rim width too wide for the tire.
Commercial delivery service vehicle tires
frequently experience this type of wear pattern.
If the tire's tread depth is at or below 2/32" in
any groove or if cord material or under tread is
exposed, the tire must be replaced. If sufficient
tread remains, verify proper rim width and vehicle
fitment as well as verify/adjust inflation
pressures, then rotate the tires for maximum wear.
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What could cause my tire tread to come off? |
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A separation between
the tread rubber and the underlying belt may be
the result of cumulative poor inflation
maintenance, improper inflation pressure, repair
or storage, excessive load, speed or heat, prior
impact damage, tread cut or puncture or run flat.
A tire exhibiting this condition should be
permanently removed from service. |
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What does it mean if my tire has shredded into
pieces? |
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The tire industry
refers to tires in this condition as "run flat"
which refers to a tire that has lost air, whether
it is from a slow loss or an immediate loss, and
then subsequently run on. As the tire continues to
operate or "run" with significant amount of air
loss, it reaches the "runflat" stage, where
serious internal damage is caused by the excessive
deflection of the casing. If the air loss
continues, the inside of the deflected sidewall
can actually rub against itself. When the internal
abrasion weakens the casing sufficiently a blowout
can occur. Additional damage is often done by the
relatively sharp rim flange cutting into the fully
deflated casing as it is driven after the blowout,
even in the short distance it takes to drive the
vehicle to the side of the road.
We are not indicating that the tire was not
maintained, but simply that it lost air. Some of
the many factors which can cause a tire to lose
its inflated air pressure are penetrations, cuts,
snags, impact breaks, valve stem leaks, incorrect
mounting, just to name a few. While it may not be
possible to pinpoint the cause of initial air
loss, we know the outcome is underinflation
damage. |
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What does it mean when my tires start to show
signs of Aging, ozone cracking or weather cracking? |
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The life of a tire
cannot be measured by miles alone. 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 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.
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 simple precaution even if such
tires appear serviceable and even if they have not
reached the legal wear limit.
The warranty covers defects in workmanship and
material for the life of the tread or 6 years from
the date of purchase, whichever occurs first. With
no proof of purchase, the warranty period is for 6
years from the date of manufacture (this is
indicated in the DOT # on the sidewall). |
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What is Cupping? |
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Cupping can be
attributed to bent or worn suspension parts, wheel
misalignment, an imbalance of the tire/wheel
assembly, etc. Once this type of wear pattern has
occurred, it is irreversible and the tires will
continue to wear unevenly. |
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What should I do if my vehicle is pulling to one
side? |
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Incorrect alignment
settings can adversely affect handling. Tolerable
camber, caster and toe settings can be verified by
a print-out from your alignment/tire shop or
vehicle dealer.
If the tires are evenly worn, the alignment is in
order and there is still a pull, the front tires
should be criss-crossed (as long as they are not a
directional tread design) to see if the pull
changes directions.
This should be performed by a participating
dealer. |
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What should I do if the cords on my tires are
visible? |
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Cord material may
become visible at the base of tread grooves or
slots due to under inflation, misalignment,
loose/worn suspension components, hard cornering,
improper tire rotation practices, misapplication,
high crown road or non-uniform mounting.
If cord material is visible, the tire must be
replaced. |
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What should I do if my tires wore too fast? |
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An inspection
of your tires must be performed by a participating
Michelin
Tire dealer. Once the dealer has had the
opportunity to inspect your tires, inform them that
you have been instructed by Michelin Tires to
request that they contact us at the 1-888-871-6666
to discuss their findings "while you are there".
Factors that can affect rapid tire life are:
- tire maintenance (inflation and rotation)
- vehicle maintenance (alignment and suspension)
- driving styles and habits
- materials used in road surfaces
- topography of the area the vehicle is driven in. |
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Technical Info and
Definitions |
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Can you elaborate on why winter Tires have no
Uniform Tire Quality Grade rating? |
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Winter tires are not
assigned tread wear ratings.
Winter tires are designed for cold weather use
only. Usually when average daily temperatures are
at or below 45* F / 7* C. While the tire operates
just fine in warmer conditions, it will wear out
very quickly.
Therefore, the life of the tread is impacted by
the amount of driving performed in warmer
conditions since the rubber compounds that give
this tire winter grip are not designed to
withstand non-winter conditions over the
long-term. In short, winter tires used in the
summer wear out very rapidly. |
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Where can I find the DOT on my tire and what does
it signify? |
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The "DOT" symbol
certifies the tire manufacturer's compliance with
the Transport Canada tire safety
standards. Tires manufactured for use in the
United States have the full DOT serial number
located on one sidewall near the rim. A partial
DOT serial number will appear on the opposite side
of the tire.
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Can I
mix radials and non-radials? |
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Tires of different
size designations, constructions, and stages of
wear may affect vehicle handling and stability.
For best all-around performance, it is recommended
that all tires be of the same size, construction (radial,non-radial)
and speed rating. If tires of different speed
ratings are mounted on a vehicle, the same size,
type and speed ratings need to be placed on the
same axle, the tires with the lower speed rating
will be the determining factor for permissible
tire related vehicle speed. Never mix radial and
bias-ply tires on the same axle. Get specific
information from your Dealer. |
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What
is a Directional tread design? |
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Tires with
directional tread patterns must be mounted so that
the primary direction of rotation matches the
directional arrows on the tire sidewall. If all
four tires are the same size, directional tires
can be rotated front to back.
Tires with tread patterns that are both asymmetric
and directional require left and right specific
tires. Sidewall markings will identify the side of
the vehicle and the primary direction of rotation
for the tire. If all four tires are the same size,
they can be rotated front to back. |
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What is
Excessive Spinning? |
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Excessive wheel
spinning, when freeing a vehicle from sand, mud,
snow, gravel, ice or wet surfaces, can result in
explosive tire failure, causing serious personal
injury or vehicle damage. Do not exceed 35 MPH
(55km/h), as indicated on the speedometer. Never
stand near, or behind, a tire spinning at high
speeds when attempting to push a vehicle that is
stuck. |
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How much load/weight can my tire carry? |
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Never exceed the
load-carrying limits molded on the sidewall of the
tires or the maximum vehicle axle load limit as
shown on the vehicle tire placard, whichever is
less. Overloading builds up excessive heat in the
tire and could lead to failure. |
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What is Speed
ratings? |
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The speed rating of a
tire indicates the speed category (or range of
speeds) at which the tire can carry a load under
specified service conditions. The speed rating
system used today was developed in Europe in
response to the need to categorize tires into
standardized speeds. A letter from A to Z
symbolizes a tire's certified speed rating, ranging
from 5km/h (3 mph) to above 300 km/h (186 mph).
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What guidelines should I follow when mixing tires
on 4WD vehicles? |
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If no instructions
for tire mixing appear in the vehicle owner’s
manual, adhere to the following guidelines:
• Do not mix sizes. All four tires must be branded
with the same tire size.
• Do not mix radial and non-radial tires. All four
tires must be either radial or non-radial.
• Be sure that the outside circumference of all
four tires is within one (1) inch of each other.
• Do not mix tread pattern types such as
all-terrain and all-season. |
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Can I go to a lower speed rated tire than what
came on the vehicle? |
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It is recommended
that the replacement tire size speed rating be
equal to or higher than that of the O.E. tire size
speed rating. If a lower speed rated tire is
selected, then the vehicle top speed becomes
limited to that of the lower speed rating
selected. The customer must be informed of the new
speed restriction. It is quite common and
permissible during winter driving to use a winter
tire with a lesser speed rating than the O.E.
tire. Again the customer must be informed as
mentioned above. |
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Can
I use my summer tires in winter? |
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No. These tires are
specifically designed for warm weather use. When
average daily temperatures are at or below 45* F
/7* C, you should make the switch to winter tires. |
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Do you
support Plus Sizing? |
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Please remember, Plus Sizing must be taken with
proper care. When replacing tires with optional
size designations, be sure to check vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendations (found in owner’s
manual or on door
sticker). Interchangeability is not always
possible because of difference in load ratings,
tire dimensions, wheel well clearance and rim
size.
However, if you can provide the original equipment
tire size and the tire size you wish to install,
we can provide the tire specifications and
differences.
If you need assistance locating a participating
tire retailer, refer to the Yellow Pages of your
local telephone book or the
Dealer Locator on our website. |
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Do you
recommend Used tires? |
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Avoid used tires - you
can never know what hazards and abuse a previously
owned tire has suffered. Internal damage can lead
to dangerous tire failure. |
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How do I determine if my current rim is approved
for your tires? |
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The rim width range
is extremely important. This range represents
proper rim widths that will assist the tire/wheel
assembly in meeting its performance potential. To
achieve the best balance between ride, handling
and tread wear, select a rim width in the middle
of the manufacturer’s range.
To improve cornering traction and steering
response, choose a rim at or near the maximum
recommended width. The wider the rim width, the
straighter the sidewall and the quicker the
steering response. Conversely, using a rim width
at the low end of the range will cause the tire to
balloon or curve out, slowing steering response.
Refer to our
website for tire specifications. |
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How is the overall tire diameter measured? |
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A tire is mounted on
the appropriate rim width as identified by T&RA or
ETRTO then inflated to 1.8 bar (26 psi). A
calibrated measurement tape is run around the
circumference of the tire in the center of the
tread (which represents the largest overall
diameter). This measurement of circumference is
then divided by the mathematical constant known as
PI (3.14126...) to calculate the diameter. |
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How
to read the DOT number? |
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DOT signifies that the
tire complies with the United States Department of
Transportation tire safety standards, and is
approved for highway use.
Example:
DOT M5H3 459X 065
The first two digits following DOT designate the
tire's manufacturer and plant code. The third and
fourth characters denote the tire size. The fifth,
sixth, seventh and eighth (optional) characters
identify the brand and other significant
characteristics of the tire. The ninth and tenth
characters denote the week the tire was produced.
The final number(s) signifies the year in which
the tire was manufactured.
For Michelin brand tires, DOT markings related to
the week and year of production will have an
additional symbol for the decade of the 1990s. It
will be shown as a triangle following these last
three numbers.
Beginning in year
2000, an additional digit was added to the serial
number to allow the year of production to have two
digits.
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How
to read the sidewall of my tire? |
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The side of a tire
contains information needed for your safety and
that of your customer. Being able to read sidewall
markings will help you better understand the
performance of each tire. It will also provide you
with information when mounting and servicing the
tire.
Passenger Tire Sizing
Three primary sizing systems exist for passenger
tires today: P-Metric, European Metric and
Millimetric. Each of these systems evolved from
the first tire sizing system-the Numeric Sizing
system-that is now obsolete. It was developed when
all tires had the same aspect ratio, and it
provided only the nominal cross section width of
the tire and the rim diameter in inches. The
following are examples that identify the three
sizing systems that are commonly seen today.
P-Metric
The P-Metric sizing system was developed to better
align with the European tire sizing system. It
provides a better description of the tire size.
See examples below.
European Metric
Essentially, this system was a conversion of the
Numeric system from inches to millimeters. Aspect
ratio appears in the size designation in most
cases where it is other than 82.
Light Truck Tire
Sizing
Sizing for light truck tires takes the performance
requirements of the vehicle, and the tires, into
account. Light truck tires have evolved along with
the expanded applications of trucks and vans that
have grown to be multi-purpose vehicles that we
use for work, for recreation or as passenger
vehicles. There are three primary light truck tire
sizing systems: Light Truck Metric, Light Truck
High Floatation and Light Truck Numeric.
Light Truck Metric
This sizing system mirrors the P-Metric system for
passenger tires.
Light Truck High
Flotation
Light truck high flotation tires have evolved as
lower aspect ratio tires became more popular on
light trucks. The combination of lower aspect
ratios and high flotation yielded better traction
on sand and soft soil found in off-road
situations.
Light Truck Numeric
This older system is still widely used, mostly on
commercial vehicles.
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What is difference between P-metric and metric? |
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P-metric sized tires
are those with the "P" at the beginning of the
tire size (such as P215/65R16). P-metric sizes
were introduced in the United States in the late
70s and are installed on vehicles primarily used
to carry passengers including cars, station
wagons, sport utility vehicles and even light duty
pickup trucks. Their load capacity is based on an
engineering formula which takes into account their
physical size (the volume of space for air inside
the tire) and the amount of air pressure (how
tightly the air molecules are compressed). Since
all P-metric sizes are all based on the formula
for load, vehicle manufacturers can design their
new vehicles (weights and wheelwell dimensions)
around either existing or new tire sizes.
Metric or Euro metric sized tires are the ones
without the "P" at the beginning, (such as
215/65R16). Using metric dimensions to reflect a
tire's width actually began in Europe in the late
60s. However, since Euro metric sizes have been
added over time based on the load and dimensional
requirements of new vehicles, the tire
manufacturers designed many new tire sizes and
load capacities around the needs of new vehicles.
Not quite as uniform as creating sizes using a
formula, but they got the job done.
Euro metric and P-metric tires in the same size
(i.e. P215/65R16 and 215/65R16) are equivalent in
their dimensions with just slight differences in
their load capacity calculations and inflation
pressure tables. |
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Where
are your tires manufactured? |
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Our strategy is to
manufacture tires in the country where they will
be sold whenever possible. In fact, the vast
majority of our products sold in North America,
are built in the 21 plants we have across the
United States, Canada and Mexico, employing most
of the 23,000 employees of Michelin North America,
Inc. However, we are an international company,
with manufacturing operations at 74 plants across
19 countries around the world. To meet the needs
of our customers by providing more specialized
tire lines in smaller quantities, we import some
tire lines into North America and we export others
from North America.
Please be assured that no matter where your tires
are manufactured, they are built to the standards
that have made our products the benchmark for the
industry. |
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Company Information |
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Who do I contact about a career with Michelin? |
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Please visit our
corporate site at
www.careers.michelin-us.com. There you can
view all the current job openings, build a
profile, and learn what Michelin Tires has to offer you. |
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Where can I obtain pricing information? |
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Our passenger and
light truck tires are sold through our network of
retailers. We do not sell direct to the public.
Our passenger and light truck
tires are sold through our network of retailers. We do
not sell direct to the public.
The selling retailer establishes pricing on tires.
For pricing on our tires please contact your local
participating dealer. A listing of dealers can be
found by utilizing the
dealer locator
link on michelinman.ca or in your local
Yellow Pages under the category – Tire Dealers
Retail. |
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Tire Registration |
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How do
I register my tires online? |
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To register your
tires, please visit the
tire registration
section on our web site. |
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Winter Tires |
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Are winter tires only for snow conditions? |
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Winter tires are
designed for optimal security on any winter road
conditions – dry but frozen, rain, ice and snow.
They should then be mounted on your vehicle as
soon as the temperature goes under 7° C. |
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When should I mount winter tires on my vehicle? |
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It is recommended to
mount winter tires as soon as the temperature
remain under 7° C |
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For security in winter, is it not enough to drive
slowly and carefully? |
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At any given speed, a
winter tire will always be safer than a summer
tire on a wet or cold road. |
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Don’t winter tires wear out faster than summer
tires? |
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Winter tire tread
compounds last as long as summer’s, even though
they are specifically designed for a maximum
efficiency in winter conditions |
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Is it not useless to mobilize additional tire
budget to buy winter tires? |
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The kilometres you
will drive on winter tires are kilometres that
your summer tires will save. Winter tires are
usually of the same price if not lower than
replacement tires. Considering that you will need
to buy at least one set of tires during the life
of your vehicle, buying winter tires right from
the beginning will represent the same money
invested at the end, but you will benefit from a
better performance in winter weather conditions
and increased security. |
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What are the benefits of a winter tire? |
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The rubber compound,
essential tire item, can be compare to chewing
gum. As soon as the outside temperature gets under
7° C, your tires rubber compound hardens like your
chewing gum would. Winter tires are built with a
specific rubber compound designed to keep your
vehicle’s grip, traction and braking qualities and
so of your security on cold, icy and slippery
roads. |
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What is the price of Michelin winter tires?
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The price of a tire
depends on the car needs & the product line
and also the
size of the rims on your vehicle. |
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Do I need to replace all of my 4 all season tires
with 4 winter tires? |
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With only 2 winter
tires, your vehicle handling and your security are
not optimized. The rear axle of a front wheel drive
vehicle (only one drive axle) fitted with only two
winter tires on the front, is out of balance. The
risk of spinning round is much more important. On
the contrary, a rear wheel drive vehicle with only
2 tires mounted on the rear axle will tend to
slide trough in curves. |
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Are braking distances really conditioned by the
weather? |
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Braking distances can
be up to eight times longer on winter roads. On a
dry surface 8 meters will be required to stop a
vehicle running at 50 km/h, 16 meters on wet, 32
meters on dry packed snow & 64 meters on ice.
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Do we have to check air pressure more often with
winter tires? |
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No, as with summer
tires Michelin recommends that air pressure should
be checked ounce a month. The lower the
temperature, the lower the air pressure measured
in a tire. |
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How do
we recognize a winter tire? |
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Winter tire tread will
show numerous sipes that will allow for a better
control on winter driving conditions. They are
marked with the M+S marking on their sidewall. |
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Can two different brands of winter tires be
mounted on my vehicle? |
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There is no legal
obligation to mount 4 tires of the same brand on a
given vehicle. However in order to optimize the
performances of our products and obtain a perfect
homogeneity between the front and rear axles, we
recommend that 4 identical tires be mounted on a
vehicle (same brand, same tread, same load and
speed indexes). |
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Why are Michelin tires are more expensive than
their competitors? |
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Michelin winter
tires are built with the best materials and
advanced technology to insure maximum security and
driving pleasure into winter conditions. |
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The garage mechanic told me that I need to change
my rims to mount winter tires, is it true?
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No, if the size of the
winter tires is the same as the summer tires,
there is no obligation to change rims or wheels.
If the size is different you may have to change
rims. Check the size and diameter recommended for
your car. On the other hand, buying additional
rims can be an investment in reducing future fees
of mounting and demounting. |
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Can we lower down the performance indexes when
mounting winter tires? |
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The speed rating of a
winter tire can be lower than the OE tires on your
car. But driving speed must now be adapted. A
warning sticker will have to be affixed inside
your car. |
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How important is air pressure for winter tires?
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Nothing has a greater
impact on a tire's safety, performance, longevity,
treadwear and even your overall vehicle handling
and gas mileage than tire air pressure! Not only
can the wrong air pressure damage your tires, it
can also be dangerous. Underinflation can increase
friction, causing your tires to generate excessive
heat build up leading to potential failure.
Overinflation makes your tires firmer and more
prone to damage from potholes and other road
hazards. Don't forget: your tires are your only
contact with the road. If you want them to work
well, make sure they're inflated properly! |
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What should be considered when using Winter Tires? |
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It is recommended that
winter tires be applied on all four positions.
Winter tires can be installed only on the rear
axle of a rear wheel drive vehicle. If winter
tires are installed only on the rear axle of a
rear wheel drive vehicle, vehicle stability may be
significantly impacted. In winter conditions, the
front axle will have significantly less traction
and result in increased understeer. In dry and wet
conditions the rear axle may have significantly
less traction and results in increased oversteer.
Winter tires may not be only installed on the
front axle. If they are installed on the front
axle of any vehicle, they MUST also be installed
on the rear axle. Without winter tires on the
rear, vehicle handling can be adversely affected.
This may result in loss of vehicle control that
could cause serious injury or death. |
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