Service Assistance
When you have a question about tires, or a problem, consult your tire dealer. The
dealer is the best source of general information and professional service on tires.
Your dealer has service manuals, wall charts and other industry publications on
tire load and inflation, tire repair and tire replacement. Your dealer can provide
you with the replacement tires your vehicle needs, balance your tires and repair
damaged tires which are repairable. Let the dealer inspect your tires periodically,
and diagnose any problem you may have.
An unbalanced wheel and tire assembly may create an annoying vibration when you
drive on a smooth road and may result in irregular tread wear.
Loss of Tire Pressure
When you discover a tire losing air, it must be removed from the wheel by a qualified
service person for complete internal inspection to be sure it is not damaged. Tires
run even short distances while severely under inflated may be damaged beyond repair.
Punctures up to 1/4 inch, when confined to the tread, may be repaired by trained
personnel. These tires must be removed from the wheel, inspected and repaired using
industry-approved methods which call for an inside repair unit (patch and a plug).
Plugs vs. Patches
A PLUG BY ITSELF IS AN UNACCEPTABLE REPAIR. The repair material used – for example,
a “combination patch and plug” repair – must seal the inner liner and fill the injury
to be considered a permanent repair. Never use a tube in a tubeless tire as a substitute
for a proper repair.
Individual tire manufacturers may differ on whether the speed category applies to
speed-rated tires that have been repaired. Consult the tire manufacturer for recommendations.
Serviceable Tire Injuries
Injuries larger than 1/4 inch must be referred to a full-service repair facility.
No repairs to the sidewall of a tire should be made without consulting the tire
manufacturer. Improper repairs can cause sudden tire failure.
Air loss due to punctures can ruin tires that might have been saved had they been
removed in time for proper repair. Gradual air loss raises a tire’s operating temperature.
This can cause some of the components to separate, or damage the tire body in ways
that create rapid or sudden air loss.
Such internal damage may not always be readily apparent and rapid loss of air may
still occur despite later installation of a proper repair.