Most Common Questions
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Bridgestone follows the recommendations of the industry associations regarding tire life and inspection guidelines. We recommend that, in addition to regular tire inspections, customers have their tires inspected by a qualified tire service person after five (5) years of use to determine if the tires can continue in service. It is recommended that spare tires be inspected at the same time. Further, even when tires appear to be usable from their external appearance or the tread depth may have not reached the minimum wear out depth, it is recommended that all tires (including spare tires) that were manufactured more than ten (10) years previous be replaced with new tires.
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Original Equipment tires are engineered to meet specific requirements set by the car maker. Replacement tires are designed to provide the performance and treadwear most drivers expect for a particular type of tire.
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The primary difference for Bridgestone or Firestone-brand tires is that Original Equipment tires are not covered by a limited mileage warranty, while several of the Replacement tires are. An eligible OE tire that becomes unusable for any reason within the manufacturer’s control may be covered up to six (6) years from the date of vehicle purchase. An eligible Replacement tire may be covered up to five (5) years from the date of tire purchase. Several Bridgestone and Firestone Replacement passenger and light truck tires also come with a 90 Day Buy and Try Guarantee. Exclusions from the limited warranty include, but are not limited to, damage from road hazards, improper maintenance, damage from chemicals and improper repairs. For a full list of coverage and exclusions, as well as the complete list of terms and conditions, refer to the applicable Bridgestone Firestone Warranty Manual.
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Check with the tire seller to see if they have a list of approved installers in your area. You may also contact your local Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Wheel Works or Hibdon location. They mount and balance most passenger and light truck tires for a small fee.
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To learn more about this, visit https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/what-is-the-tire-size-for-my-car
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How do I identify directional vs non-directional tires? Directional tires have an arrow symbol on their sidewall to indicate the direction they should roll. Non-directional tires do not. To learn more, visit https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/shop/tire-tread-patterns
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Tires should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat or cold may result in tire damage Temperatures below freezing and above 100 F / 38C should be avoided. Water should not be allowed to collect inside them. Tires should be placed away from electric generators/motors and sources of heat such as hot pipes. Storage surfaces should be clean and free of grease, gasoline or other substances which can deteriorate the rubber.
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This will vary depending on your location. Usually, you can make the switch when temperatures are no longer likely to dip below freezing and snow is no longer in the forecast.
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WS90 & WS80 have similar traction and handling characteristics, but the WS90’s tread rubber is longer wearing. WS90 will provide the average driver with an extra season of wear vs WS80.
Pricing
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We present the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Actual pricing may vary based on retailer, region, tire size and other factors. Each Bridgestone and/or Firestone Retailer solely and independently determines the price at which it advertises and sells Bridgestone and/or Firestone products. Please check with your authorized Bridgestone Retailer for pricing near you.
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Please visit www.bridgestonerewards.com to find and track the status of your reward.
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You can download a full warranty booklet from our “Tire Warranties” section located here.
If you have further questions concerning Tire Warranties please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
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Tire adjustments under this Limited Warranty will only be made at an authorized retailer. Bridgestone and Firestone RFT tire adjustments will only be made at a Certified Bridgestone or Firestone Run-Flat Retailer. Consult a phone directory (often listed in the Yellow Pages under “Tire Dealers”) or this website for the location nearest you. Certified Bridgestone and Firestone Run-Flat Retailers can also be located by calling toll-free: 1-877-BFS-4RFT.
If you have further questions concerning Tire Warranties please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
Run-Flat Tires
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Bridgestone brand Run-Flat Tires are marked on the sidewalls, near the wheel, with the RFT logo.
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Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for inflation pressure settings as indicated on the vehicle tire information placard and/or in the vehicle owner’s manual. Like other tires, RFT tires need proper inflation pressure maintenance for safe operation and to achieve maximum tire life and performance. Check inflation pressures monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight. Use an accurate tire gauge and check pressures when the tires are cold. Tires are considered “cold” when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed.
If you have further questions concerning Tire Pressure please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
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Do not replace or mix RFT with conventional tires, unless on an emergency/temporary basis. Conventional tires do not have run-flat capability and the handling characteristics of the vehicle with these tires may be different. If a conventional tire is used on an emergency/temporary basis, verify that its size, load capacity, inflation pressure, and speed rating specifications meet the requirements of the vehicle. Replace any conventional tire with the proper RFT as soon as possible.
If you have further questions concerning Tire Application please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
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A functioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) must be used with your RFT. Because these tires ride so well even without inflation pressure, the TPMS may be necessary to alert you of an inflation pressure loss condition. When alerted, follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual.
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Your RFT will be marked on the sidewall with run-flat or low tire pressure operating speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). If the sidewall indicates a distance limitation, do not exceed that number. If the sidewall does not specify a distance limitation, consult your vehicle owner’s manual as run-flat or low tire pressure operating limitations vary by tire design and vehicle applications. Note: Maximum distance values are determined under controlled conditions, which may vary in actual use. Your distance capability may be less, or more, depending on your specific operating conditions. If in doubt, do not exceed the 50-mile (80 km) limitation. Seek tire service as soon as possible to minimize tire damage.
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No tire, regardless of its design or quality, is indestructible. RFT can be rendered unusable due to a puncture or other road hazard as well as from improper tire pressure maintenance. Some punctures may be repaired under certain restrictions and prescribed procedures. In addition to low pressure, the factors affecting ability to repair an RFT include: vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation pressure loss; and ambient temperature. In any situation, the extent and location of a puncturing object or other road hazard are also critical factors. Run-Flat Certified Retailers will fully inspect your tire, inside and out, to determine if the tire can be repaired. Tire damage is not always visible from the outside and the tire must be removed from the wheel for a complete inspection. Note: Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using repaired tires. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating a vehicle that has a repaired tire.
If you have further questions concerning repairing run-flats please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
Motorcycle, Kart, Truck & Agricultural Tires
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This site is dedicated to consumer tires for cars, trucks and SUVs. If you are looking for other types of Bridgestone tires, please visit https://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/en/brands-and-products/businesses for more information.
Bridgestone Credit Card
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Please visit http://cfna.com/wps/portal/bf to manage your Bridgestone Credit Card.
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Please visit http://cfna.com/wps/portal/bf for more information regarding Bridgestone and Firestone credit and financing programs.
Careers
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You can learn more about career opportunities with Bridgestone Americas by visiting our career page at bebridgestone.com.
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You can learn more about career opportunities with Bridgestone Americas by visiting our career page at bebridgestone.com.
DriveGuard
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DriveGuard is the first full line of run-flat tires available for coupes, sedans and wagons not originally equipped with run-flat tires and allows drivers to travel up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph after a puncture even with low pressure or complete pressure loss.
Product Maintenance Information
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Removing and replacing tires on wheels can be dangerous. Attempting to mount tires with improper tools or procedures may result in a tire explosion causing serious personal injury or death. This is only a job for a qualified tire service professional. Never perform tire service procedures without proper training, tools, and equipment. For a qualified tire service professional, please contact your nearest authorized Bridgestone Retailer by visiting our store locator here.
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Check the air pressure in your tires (including spares) monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight. Be sure to use an accurate pressure gauge. Check inflation pressure when the tires are “cold.” Tires are considered “cold” when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed.
If you have further questions concerning Tire Pressure please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
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Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure in your tires, including the spare. Check the pressure in your tires monthly and before long trips or carrying extra weight.
If you have further questions concerning Tire Pressure please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
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A tire bearing a letter “speed rating” indicates the tire’s speed capability according to standardized lab tests. The speed rating system is intended to permit comparison of the speed capabilities of different tires. When replacing your tires, consult your vehicle owner’s manual and tire information placard for recommendations, if any, concerning the use of speed rated tires.
If you have further questions concerning Speed Rating please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
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If you see damage or an unusual condition, have your tire inspected by a qualified tire service professional. It may be necessary to have it removed from the wheel for a complete inspection.
If you have further questions concerning Tire Conditions please contact Technical Services at 1-800-847-3272.
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Nitrogen is an acceptable inflation gas for use in Bridgestone and Firestone passenger, light truck, and truck tires. Bridgestone has no comment on the various performance claims made by Nitrogen suppliers.
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Removing and replacing tires on wheels can be dangerous. Attempting to mount tires with improper tools or procedures may result in a tire explosion causing serious personal injury or death. This is only a job for a qualified tire service professional. Never perform tire service procedures without proper training, tools, and equipment. For a qualified tire service professional, please contact your nearest authorized Bridgestone Retailer by visiting our store locator.
Nitrogen in Tires
You may have heard someone recommend filling your tires with nitrogen instead of air. Our recommendation and standard practice at our 2,200 company-owned service centers, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, is to use air, but we want to be sure you are informed when making a choice for your vehicle.
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Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules, which means nitrogen escapes more slowly through the inner liner membrane used to retain air. The process of air escaping is known as permeability. This can mean tires maintain their correct pressure longer with nitrogen.Nitrogen's dryness makes it more stable than standard compressed air. In contrast, the compressed air in your tires contains water vapor. This water vapor might promote corrosion in some wheels (and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) if your vehicle is equipped with one), and water vapor pressure fluctuates with temperature changes. This means tire pressures may vary more as ambient temperatures rise and fall than they would with nitrogen-filled tires.
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There’s nothing wrong with keeping your tires inflated with air. It’s been used for over a century by motorists around the world. Compressed air is easy to find and often free – critical factors for many drivers concerned about maintaining their tires’ pressure.
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If your tires are already filled with nitrogen and their pressure is low, topping them off with air is acceptable. After all, air is 78% nitrogen, so using compressed air in tires that have previously been filled with nitrogen will not harm them.
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In the nitrogen vs. air debate, there’s not necessarily a right or wrong answer. Whether you choose to fill your tires with nitrogen or compressed air, the most important aspect of tire maintenance is maintaining the correct tire pressure. Properly inflated tires wear more evenly, stop and handle better, improve your vehicle’s fuel economy and last much longer. Note: whether your tires are filled with nitrogen or air, it is still important to check tire pressure monthly. Air can be lost through more than just the inner liner – the valve, wheel or a small puncture could allow a drop in pressure – so skipping those monthly checks is never a good idea.
