Tyre Information

THE SIDEWALL STORY:

Your tyre contains a lot of useful information moulded into the sidewall. It shows the name of the tyre, its size, whether it is tubeless or tube type, the maximum load and the maximum inflation, the important safety warning and much other information.

Shown below on the left (Fig A) is the sidewall of a popular “p-metric” speed-rated auto tyre. “P” stands for passenger, “205“ represents the width of the tyre in millimetres, “60” is the ratio of the height to width, “H” is the speed rating, “R” means radial, and “15” is the diameter of the wheel in inches. Some speed-rated tyres carry a Service Description instead of showing the speed symbol in the size designation. The Service Description, 90H in this example, consists of the load index and speed symbol.

The speed on Pro Comp Austs is identified by the letters: “S,” “T,” “H” or “V” and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre when properly loaded and inflated.

A “B” in the place of the “R” means the tyre has a belted bias construction. A “D” in place of the “R” means diagonal “bias” construction.

The maximum load is shown in lbs. (pounds) and in kg. (kilograms). The maximum pressure is shown in PSI (pounds per square inch) and in KPA (kilopascals). Kilograms and kilopascals are metric units of measurement.

The letters “DOT” certify compliance with all applicable safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Adjacent to this is a tyre identification or serial number. This serial number is a code with up to eleven digits that is a combination of numbers and letters. The sidewall also lists the type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.

The DOT requires tyre manufacturers to grade passenger car tyres based on three performance factors: Tread wear, Traction, and Temperature Resistance.

TREAD WEAR: The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate on the tyre when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course under specified test conditions as one graded 100. However, it is erroneous to link tread wear grades with your projected tyre mileage. The relative performance of tyres depends upon the actual conditions of their use and may vary due to driving habits, service practices, differences in road characteristics and climate.

TRACTION: The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C. They represent the tyre’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.

TEMPREATURE: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tyre’s resistance to the generation of heat when tested under controlled conditions on specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

The right diagram below (Fig B) shows the typical information on the sidewall of a light truck tyre. On the sidewall on the right, the “LT” stands for Light. “LT235/85R16” is the size designation for a metric light truck tyre. “LOAD RANGE D” identifies the load and inflation limits. “RADIAL” identifies that the tyre has radial construction. “MAX LOAD SINGLE 2623 lbs. AT 65 psi COLD” indicates the maximum load rating of the tyre and corresponding minimum cold inflation pressure for the load when used as a single. For normal operation, follow the pressure recommendations in your owner’s manual or vehicle placard. “MAX LOAD DUAL 2381 lbs. AT 65 psi COLD” indicates the maximum load rating of the tyre and corresponding minimum cold inflation pressure when used in a dual configuration. The other markings on the sidewall have the same meaning as described for the passenger car tyre.

Figure A & Fig B		Figure B

TYRE ROTATION

There is a close working relationship between your tyres and several mechanical systems in your vehicle. Tyres, wheels, brakes, shock absorbers, drive train, steering and suspension systems must all function together smoothly to give you a comfortable ride and good tyre mileage. All of these systems should be checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner’s manual or whenever you have an indication of trouble.

Proper tyre maintenance includes the proper rotation of tyres.

Tyres must be rotated at the first signs of uneven tread wear or up to every 10,000 kilometres in accordance with prescribed rotation patterns. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for rotation recommendations for specific vehicles.

If no rotation pattern is specified use the pattern listed which applies to your vehicle.

Do not include a “Temporary Use Only” spare tyre in any of these rotation patterns. If you have matching full-size tyre as a spare and wish to include it in the rotation process, use the rotation pattern which applies to your vehicle but insert the spare in the right rear position should then become the new spare.

APPROVED TYRE ROTATION PATTERNS

Rear Wheel Drive (front)		Front Wheel Drive (front)
4 - Wheel Drive (front)		Xtreme AT & Xterrain Pattern (front)

 

IMPORTANT!

To avoid damage to your tyre and possible accident:

• Only trained persons using proper tools and procedures should do tyre mounting.
• Check tyres pressures at least once a month when tyres are cold and before long trips.
• Do not under inflate or over inflate.
• Do not overload.
• Drive at moderate speeds and observe legal limit.
• Avoid driving over potholes, obstacles, curbs or edges of pavement.
• Avoid excessive wheel spinning.
• If you see any damage to a tyre, replace with spare and see your tyre dealer.
• If you have any questions, contact your local tyre dealer or call Pro Comp.

SAFETY WARNING!

DRIVING ON ANY TYRE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE CORRECT INFLATION PRESSURE IS DANGEROUS!

Any under inflated tyre builds up excessive heat that may result in sudden tyre destruction. Refer to the tyre placard on the vehicle (check vehicle and/or vehicle owners manual for placard location) for the recommended operating pressures. Do not exceed maximum pressure indicated on the tyre sidewall.

CHECK TYRE INFLATION PRESSURES (INCLUDING THE SPARE) AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH WHEN TYRES ARE COLD AND BEFORE LONG TRIPS.

Failure to maintain correct inflation may result in improper vehicle handling, and may cause rapid and irregular tyre wear, sudden tyre destruction, loss of vehicle control, and serious personal injury or death. Therefore, inflation pressure should be checked at least once a month and always prior to long distance trips. Any tyre is susceptible to losing air pressure if not properly maintained. Pressure should be checked when tyres are cold: in other words, before they have been driven on. Driving, even for a short distance, causes tyres to heat up and air pressure to increase.

HIGH SPEED DRIVING CAN BE DANGEROUS

Correct inflation pressure is especially important. However, at high speeds, even with the correct inflation pressures, a road hazard for example, is more difficult to avoid and if contact is made, there is a greater chance of causing tyre damage than at lower speed. Moreover, driving at high speed reduces the reaction time available to avoid accidents and bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

INSPECT YOUR TYRES. DO NOT DRIVE ON A DAMAGED TYRE OR WHEEL.

Any time you see any damage to your tyres or wheels, replace with a spare at once and immediately see your tyre dealer. When inspecting your tyres, including the spare, check your air pressure. If your pressure check indicates that one of your tyres has lost pressure of two pounds or more, look for signs of penetrations, valve leakage, or wheel damage that may account for the air loss. Always look for bulges, cracks, cuts, penetrations and abnormal tyre wear particularly on the edges of the tyre tread which may be caused by misalignment or under inflation. If any such damage is found, a tyre dealer must inspect the tyre immediately. Use of a damaged tyre could result in sudden tyre destruction. All tyres will wear out faster when subjected to high speeds as well as hard cornering, rapid starts, sudden stops, frequent driving on roads which are in poor condition, and off road use. Roads with holes and rocks or other objects can damage tyres and cause misalignment of your vehicle. When you drive on such roads, drive on them carefully and slowly, and before driving at normal or highway speeds, examine your tyres for any damage, such as cuts or penetrations.

WORN OUT TYRES ARE DANGEROUS

Tyres contain “wear-bars” in the grooves of the tyre tread which show up when only 2/32nds of an inch (1.6mm) tread is remaining. At this stage, your tyres must be replaced. Tyres worn beyond this stage are dangerous.

DO NOT OVERLOAD - DRIVING ON ANY OVERLOADED TYRE IS DANGEROUS

The maximum load rating of your tyres is marked on the tyre sidewall. Do not exceed these ratings. Follow the loading instructions of the manufacturer of your vehicle and this will insure that your tyres are not overloaded. Tyres, which are loaded beyond their maximum allowable loads for the particular application, will build up excessive heat that may result in sudden tyre destruction. Do NOT exceed the gross axle weight ratings for any axle on your vehicle.

TRAILER TOWING

If you anticipate towing a trailer, you should see a tyre dealer for advice concerning the correct size of the tyre and pressures. Tyre size and pressures will depend upon the type and size of trailer and hitch utilised, but in no case must the maximum cold inflation pressure of tyre load rating be exceeded. Check the tyre placard and the owner’s manual supplied by the manufacturer of your vehicle for further recommendations on trailer towing.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING ARE IMPORTANT FOR SAFETY AND MAXIMUM KILOMETRES FROM YOUR TYRES - INSPECT YOUR TYRES REGULARLY

At least once a month inspect your tyres closely for signs of uneven wear. Improper inflation pressures, misalignment, improper balance, or suspension neglect may cause uneven wear patterns. If not corrected, further tyre damage will occur. These conditions not only shorten the life of your tyres, they adversely affect the handling characteristics of your vehicle, which could be dangerous. If any of these conditions exist, the cause may often be corrected at your tyre dealer or other service facility. Your tyres will then last longer.

TYRE ROTATION

If irregular wear becomes apparent or if the rate of wear on the tyres is uneven, the tyres should be rotated to alleviate the problem. Check your vehicle for any mechanical problems and correct if necessary. The rotation pattern or procedure indicated in your limited warranty, and the vehicle manufacture’s owner’s manual should be followed. For tyres on front wheel drive vehicles and/or all season tyres on any vehicle, it is recommended that these tyres be rotated every 10,000 kilometres to equalize the rate of wear.

 

SAFETY WARNING!

TYRE MIXING CAN BE DANGEROUS

Most tyres today are radial tyres and for best performance it is recommended that the same size and type of tyre be used on all 4-wheel positions unless different sizes, front and rear, were specified as original equipment. Check the vehicle placard. If only two radials are mounted with two non-radials, the radials should be mounted on the rear. If tyres of different types are mixed on a vehicle in any configuration, they should not be used for long periods and speeds should be kept at a minimum. Mixing or matching of tyres on 4-wheel drive vehicles may require special precautions. Always check vehicle manufacturer’s owner’s manual for recommendations.

TYRE ALTERATIONS ARE DANGEROUS

Do not perform any alteration on your tyres. Alterations may prevent proper performance, leading to tyre damage, which can result in sudden tyre destruction. Tyres that have been altered are excluded from warranty coverage.

REPAIRS - SEE ANY TYRE DEALER AT ONCE

If any tyre has sustained a puncture, have the tyre dismounted and inspected internally by any tyre dealer for possible damage that may have occurred. Punctures in the tread of passenger tyres which do not exceed 1/4-inch (6mm) in diameter can be repaired by following the Rubber manufacturer’s Association (RMA) recommended repair procedures. Do not use externally applied plug repairs. If the tyre has a puncture in the tread that exceeds 1/4-inch (6mm) or if more than one radial cable per casing ply is damaged, the tyre must be replaced.

STORAGE

Tyres should be stored in a cool dry place indoors so that there is no danger of water collecting inside them. Serious problems occur with tube-type tyres when they are mounted with water trapped between the tyre and the tube. Due to pressurisation, the liquid can pass through the inner liner into the casing plies. This can result in sudden tyre failure. Most of the problems of this nature, encountered with tube-type tyres, have been due to improper storage, which permitted water to enter the casing between the tyre and tube prior to mounting. When tyres are stored, they should be stored in a cool place away from sources of heat and ozone such as hot pipes and electric motors. Be sure that surfaces of which tyres are stored are clean and free from grease, gasoline, or other substances that could deteriorate the rubber. Tyres exposed to these materials during storage or driving may be weakened and subject to sudden failure.

DRIVING ON STUDDED PASSENGER TYRES (IN STATES WHERE LEGALLY PERMITTED)

Only new passenger tyres should be fitted with studs. For maximum effectiveness all four M+S tyres on a vehicle should be fitted with studs. If only the two rear tyres are studded, maximum efficiency in handling and braking will not be realised. On vehicles with front wheel drive, adverse handling characteristics can be introduced by mounting studded snow tyres on front wheel only.

TYRE SPINNING IS DANGEROUS

Excessive spinning can cause a tyre to explode. Avoid tyre spinning. The centrifugal forces created by a rapidly spinning tyre can cause an explosion by tearing the tyre apart. These forces act on the complete tyre structure and can be of such magnitude as to break beads and rupture the entire carcass. When stuck on ice, snow, mud, wet grass, etc., the vehicle should be rocked gently (alternately using forward and reverse gears) with the least amount of wheel spinning. DO NOT exceed 50 kph as indicated on the speedometer. Never allow anyone to stand near or directly ahead of or behind the spinning tyre. Do not spin if a drive wheel is off the ground. SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH can result from the explosion of a spinning tyre.

SPEED RATED TYRES

When replacement of tyres is desired, consult the placard (normally located on a door frame, door edge, or glove box door) or the owner’s manual for correct size. If the tyres shown on the vehicle placard do not have speed ratings, the appropriate size tyre with any speed rating may be applied. When the placard tyre size nomenclature contains a speed symbol, for example P205/60HR15 or P205/60R15 90H, the replacement tyre must have the same or higher speed rating symbol if the speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained. IF THE REPLACEMENT TYRE IS NOT SPEED RATED, THE SPEED CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE IS LIMITED BY THE SPEED CAPABILITY OF THE REPLACEMENT TYRE.

A Pro Comp Aust-produced non-speed rated tyre’s maximum speed is 137 kmh

TYRE MOUNTING CAN BE DANGEROUS

Tyre mounting can be dangerous and should be done by trained persons using proper tools and procedures. Your tyres should be mounted on wheels that are in good, clean condition. Bent, chipped or rusted wheels may cause tyre damage.

Have your dealer check the size and condition of your wheels before mounting new tyres. Be sure rim/wheel manufacturer’s recommendations are followed. The inside of the tyre must be free of foreign material. Old valves leak. When new tubeless tyres are mounted, have new valves of the correct type installed. Be sure that all of your valves have suitable valve caps. The sidewalls of radial tyres flex more than non-radial tyres. Because of this, tube-type radial tyres require special tubes. Radial tubes should be used with radial tube-type tyres. The use of other tubes, not designed for radial tyres, will result in tube failure causing sudden tyre destruction. Always use a new tube when mounting a new tube-type tyre.

TYRE PLACARD AND SAFETY WARNING

Tyres are designed and built with great care to provide thousands of kilometres of excellent service. But for maximum benefit they must be maintained properly.

The most important factors in tyre care are:

• Proper Inflation Pressure & Regular Inspection
• Proper Vehicle Loading & Good Driving Habits

TYRE INFLATION PRESSURE

With the right amount of air pressure, your tyres wear longer, save fuel and help prevent accidents. The right amount of air is the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer for the front and rear tyres on your particular model car or light truck.

The correct air pressure is shown on the tyre placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle-door edge, doorpost or glove box door. If your vehicle doesn’t have a placard, check the owner’s manual or consult with the vehicle or tyre manufacturer for the proper inflation.

The tyre placard tells you the maximum vehicle load, the cold tyre pressures and the tyre size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

If you don’t take proper care of your tyres, the results can be serious. There is a safety warning moulded on the sidewall of your tyre. As you see, it points out the serious injury may result from tyre failure due to under inflation or overloading. Motorists are strongly advised to follow the vehicle owner’s manual or the tyre placard in the vehicle for proper inflation and loading.

Only specially trained persons should demount or mount tyres. An explosion of a tyre and wheel assembly can result from improper or careless mounting procedures and cause serious injury or death.