The correct maintenance of your tires is a priceless operation. Air is totally free and correct inflation pressure is the main secret for a longer 'lifetime' for your tires.
Insufficient inflation pressure is the main cause of tire damage.
Extended lifetime and, as a result, excellent performance for a longer period of time, means concrete economic benefits, due to savings in tire replacement costs and lower fuel consumption.
Correct inflation pressure also improves vehicle manoeuvrability, reducing the 'braking distance'.
A monthly check up is sufficient to keep the tires at the correct inflation pressure.
It is a quick, yet fundamental way to control the health of your tires and is important for your driving safety.

 

Check the inflation pressure on 'cold' tires. Here are the steps to follow:

• Remove the tire valve cap
• Press the pressure gauge firmly onto the valve and control the pressure
• Add air until the recommended pressure level is reached
• If too much air is put in, let some air out by pressing the metal stem with your nail or the tip of a pen. Then repeat step 2.
• Replace the cap on the valve
• Repeat the operation on each tire, including the spare tire (The spare tryes pressure has to be slighty higher than the maximum value used for the tires fitted on the vehicle For radial tires: from +0,2 to 0,3 bar (+3 to +4,5 psi))
• Make sure that there are no nails or other bodies trapped that could make a hole in the tire.
• Check the sidewalls of the tread to make sure that there are no cuts, convexity, nor any other imperfections and irregularities.

Performance and driving safety are two key elements for Pirelli, that’s why we would like to share with you some small actions that will help you drive in total peace of mind and safety.

• Pressures should be periodically checked on cold tires (including the spare).
  Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot from driving, as it is normal for pressure to increase above recommended cold pressures
• Tires must be replaced when worn to the tread wear indicators, even if only in one part of the tread
• Check the car setting periodically and/or following impacts or irregular wear
• Balance the tires periodically and/or when vibration occurs. Then repeat step 2
• When impacts and punctures occur have a check carried out on the inside of the tire too
• Never park over patches of oil, solvents, etc., as they will caused tire damage
• Comply with the speed rating and load index
• Radial tires (even when new) must always be fitted on the rear axle; winter or studded must fitted in complete sets
• Driving style and speed directly affect tire life
• Have the general tire condition checked regularly by a reliable Dealer or by Pirelli Staff

 

Tire rotation is a simple and effective way to prolong the useful life of tires by achieving more uniform wear.

Yes it is possible, although Pirelli strongly recommends that EH2 rims be used because they guarantee improved retention of the tire bead down to zero inflation pressure. In the event of run flat operation at zero pressure with H2 rims, provided that a Pirelli self-supporting run flat tire is used in conjunction with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or air pressure warning system, the tire will maintain its run flat characteristics. A TPMS is absolutely necessary to alert the driver that the tire has lost pressure.

Standard tires can be fitted to EH2 rims but they will not have run flat features.

Pirelli does not recommend mixing run flat tires and standard tires on the same vehicle, even if paired in axle sets. If you have a puncture, the run flat tires are designed to permit you to reach a tyre dealer where you can have the tire checked and replaced if necessary with another run flat tire. In exceptional and emergency circumstances a normal tire with identical dimensions, load index and speed code can be fitted for a very limited period and distance. It must be noted that standard tires do not have the same run flat characteristics as the other tires on your vehicle and must be removed at the earliest opportunity.

Yes, but Pirelli recommends that in a run flat condition you should not exceed 80km (50 miles) at a maximum speed of 80km/h (50 mph). Pirelli strongly recommends that the different tire brands should be fitted in axle sets and the tire pressure monitoring system must be controlled to make sure that the pressure settings are compatible.

Run Flat tires have been developed based on the specifications of the vehicles on which they are mounted. Accordingly, Run Flat tires may only be mounted on vehicles specifically manufactured to accommodate Run Flat tires, therefore you must contact the vehicle manufacturer if you are in doubt.

No, for safety reasons, Pirelli chooses not to recommend the repair of self-supporting run flat tyres. A self-supporting run flat tire should always be changed and not repaired after a loss of pressure because it is not always possible to establish the time and conditions under which the tire has been used with insufficient inflation pressure.

Yes.

No. After a puncture you can only travel 80km (50 miles) at a maximum speed of 80km/h (50mph), following which the tire must be replaced.

Provided the vehicle is operated within restricted run flat speed of 80km/h (50 mph), handling is only slightly impaired due to reduced cornering force. Aquaplaning and braking remain almost the same. It is recommended that you avoid sharp driving manoeuvres if a tire is completely deflated, especially if the tires are fitted to H2 standard rims.

No. The maximum condition guaranteed by Pirelli is 80km (50 miles) at zero pressure at a speed not exceeding 80km/h (50mph). For vehicles fitted with Pirelli self-supporting Run Flat tires as original equipment, the tire manufacturer's recommendations indicated in the owners manual apply.

There are a range of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) available so you should consult the vehicle manufacturer if you require a specific explanation. Basically there are two types of system, indirect systems use the fact that reduced air pressure causes the wheel to rotate at a slower speed and when they detect this difference send a warning to the driver. Direct systems directly control tire pressure against pre-set values and send a warning when actual pressure falls below set values.

which appears on the sidewall of the tyre. On tires specifically homologated for BMW vehicles there are also the letters RSC which stand for Run Flat System Component.

Pirelli guarantee a general maximum distance of 80km for all self-supporting run flat tyres. Vehicle manufacturers conduct their own tests based on specific vehicle models, taking into consideration vehicle weight and characteristics and can decide together with the tire manufacturer can suggest an increased distance for that specific vehicle. For vehicles fitted with Pirelli self-supporting Run Flat tires as original equipment, the tire manufacturer's recommendations indicated in the owners manual apply.

In the event of a puncture, the sealant allows the driver to continue driving – not having to stop the vehicle for an immediate replacement of the tyre – until it can be replaced.
The sealant does not guarantee permanent repair of the tyre caused by a puncture. For this reason Pirelli recommends that drivers regularly monitor the tyres in order to identify punctures that are sealed, or the presence of nails or screws on the tread pattern. In such a situation, it is necessary to go to a specialized tyre dealer who can identify the puncture area and remove the object that caused it.
The tyre dealer has to subsequently evaluate the extent of the damage and decide if the tyre can be repaired or not.
Seal Inside tyres can significantly reduce the chance of having a flat tyre but, unlike run flat tyres, are not designed to be driven under inflated or in a flat condition.
In terms of mounting, removing and balancing there are no differences between Seal Inside and standard tyres. Pirelli tyres with Seal Inside technology do not need dedicated rims and for this reason can be mounted on the same standard rims used for standard tyres.
Seal Inside tyres should be stored in the same conditions recommended for standard tyres.

Premise: examination of a damaged tyre and execution of a proper repair are the responsibilities only of a specialized tyre dealer. Pirelli does not assume any liability for operations performed by third parties.
To perform the repair of a tyre with Seal Inside technology it is necessary to remove the layer of sealant in the puncture area within the tyre until you reach the impermeable butyl layer, for an area with the same size as the repair patch to be applied; after removing the sealant the repair operation is equivalent to that of a standard tubeless tyre.
As is evident, this operation to remove the sealant from the puncture area inevitably means that the treated area loses the special technical feature of Seal Inside.

There no difference in terms of driving performance (rolling resistance, comfort, noise, dry and wet performance) between a Seal Inside tire and a standard tire.
The Seal Inside Technology does not need dedicated rims and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) to be used safely on a vehicle; it can be used on any kind of vehicle depending on the tire size.

 

This example shows a typical tubeless radial tire.

 

For all asymmetric products, it is important to fit the tire on the rim in the correct position. Asymmetric tread pattern designs are developed to offer the best performance considering the different behaviors of the external and internal areas of the tread design.

 

 

DOT (Department Of Transportation) is a legal marking required in many countries in order to sell the tires. DOT means that the tires meet or exceed the Department of Transportation’s safety standards.

1) Means tire meets or exceeds Department of Transportation safety standards
2) Manufacturer and Plant Code Number (Assigned by DOT)
3) Tire Size Code Number
4) Group of Optional Symbols for the Manufacturer ( To identify the brand or other significant characteristics of the tire)
5) Date of manufacture

 

When a tire bears the ECE symbol, it has been ECE certified and approved and meets ECE standards for physical dimensions, branding requirements and high speed endurance regulations. The marking is made up of the letter E and a number representing the country releasing the approval sheet, followed by a unique number combination for each product.

 

When a tire bears the European Noise Approved number, it is compliant with Directive 2001/43/EC and adheres to the new noise emission levels set for European countries.

 

UTQG is a standard defined by the DOT of the USA for grading the performances of tires in the areas of TREADWEAR, TRACTION and TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE. It applies only to car tires with a rim diameter larger than 13”, but not to winter tires.

TREADWEAR: The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

TRACTION: The traction grades are AA, A, B, and C, from highest to lowest, respectively. These grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet roads as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Caution: the traction grade assigned to the tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests and does not include acceleration, cornering, aquaplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

TEMPERATURE: The temperature grades, A (the highest), B, and C, represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperatures can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level of performance for which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel. Caution: the temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under inflated tires, or excessive loads, either separately or in combination can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure.

TWI is an important safety feature that indicates how much tread is left on a tire. Narrow bars of rubber are moulded at a height of 1.6 mm (2/32”) across the bottom of the tread grooves. When the tread wears down to these bars, the tire should be replaced.

Winter tires, also called snow, cold weather or thermal tires, are identified by the branding M+S (Mud&Snow) on the side of the tires together with the drawing of a mountain with a snowflake. The M+S marking alone is legally sufficient to identify a winter tire, but the tire industry has adopted the snowflake symbol to differentiate specifically winter tires (M+S and snowflake) from all-season tires (only M+S).

Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) is continuously researching technological advancements towards increased safety on the road. The goal of this section is to facilitate the understanding of product technicalities and to provide useful information about tires and their safety aspects.

It is strongly recommended that Pirelli tires be mounted in sets of four with the same tread type. Pirelli tires should not be mixed with other tire brands. It is necessary to follow this procedure due to varying tire constructions and tire slip angles. When changing only two homogeneously fitted tires on a vehicle, fit the new tires on the rear axle. This applies to all vehicles regardless of their drive axle (Front or Rear Wheel Drive). The rear tires will only be warrantable for one half of the stated mileage for that tire line. Please note that on all wheel drive vehicles, the tires must always be replaced in sets of four.

If a Run Flat tire becomes unserviceable due to workmanship or material irregularities or road hazard injury during the initial warranty period, the tire will be replaced to the owner at no charge. The initial warranty period lasts one year from the date of original retail purchase (purchase receipt required) or within the first 2/32" of original tread, whichever occurs first. After the initial warranty period, if a Run Flat tire becomes unserviceable due to workmanship and material irregularities or road hazard injury, the owner must pay the cost for a comparable new Pirelli brand or PTNA private brand replacement tire on a pro-rated basis. An authorized Pirelli dealer will determine the cost by multiplying the percentage of the original usable tread worn by the current dealer selling price. The owner will be responsible for any associated service charges, including mounting and balancing of the tire. A tire has delivered its original usable tread and is considered 100% worn when the treadwear indicators (2/32" tread remaining) become visible regardless of age or mileage. Run Flat tires have the same mileage warranty as the standard tire line they are part of, up to a maximum of 30,000 miles.

If a Pirelli tire becomes unserviceable due to workmanship or material anomalies during the initial warranty period, which is one year from the date of original retail purchase of the vehicle or one year from the original retail purchase date of the replacement tires or the first 2/32" of original usable tread, whichever occurs first, the tire will be replaced to the owner at no charge for the tire.

If tire is presented for ride related anomalies the initial warranty period is one year from the date of original retail purchase of the vehicle or one year from the original retail purchase date of the replacement tires or within the first 2/32 nd of the original useable tread, whichever occurs first.

The owner must pay for any associated service charges, including mounting and balancing of the tire in both of the aforementioned cases. After the initial warranty period, if a Pirelli tire becomes unserviceable due to workmanship or material anomalies, the owner must pay the cost for a new Pirelli replacement tire on a pro-rata basis. The authorized Pirelli dealer will determine the cost by multiplying the percentage of the original usable tread worn by the current dealer selling price. The owner must pay for any associated service charges, including mounting and balancing of the tire. A tire has delivered its original usable tread and its warranty ends when at least one of the treadwear indicators becomes visible regardless of age or mileage.

Pirelli Tire North America warrants that the tread life of Pirelli manufactured replacement street legal tires, as supplied by Pirelli Tire North America directly or though an authorized dealer, will last for the described vehicle odometer miles from date of original retail purchase. This warranty is only valid to the original consumer purchaser, and do not apply to any tires which are mounted as Original Equipment on a new vehicle.

This Treadwear Warranty only applies if:
You are the original purchaser and have a copy of the original receipt or invoice.

You are the owner of the vehicle on which the tires were originally installed.

You have had the tires rotated every 3000 to 4000 miles with documentation.

All tires worn evenly across the tread, down to the treadwear indicators (2/32") at which time the tires are considered to be legally 100% worn out.

Your servicing Pirelli dealer has completed the Tire Rotation Record.

^* Rotation required every 3,000-4,000 miles
¹ Mileage warranty not valid for Original Equipment
² Mileage warranty not valid for Original Equipment, Eurometric, LT sizes, and commercial use

P-Metric tires used on commercial vehicles or used in commercial applications.
Tires transferred from another vehicle on which they were originally installed.
Tires on any vehicle registered and normally operated outside the United States of America or Canada.
Tires which have been recapped, or retreaded, or regrooved.
Tires used in racing or other competitive events.
Tires improperly repaired or with repairs not conforming to Rubber Manufacturers Association standards, or with section repairs, or with self-vulcanizing plug only.
Tires which have been modified by the addition or removal of material or any tire intentionally altered to change its appearance.
Tires injected with liquid balancer or sealant or in which anything other than air has been used as the support medium.
Tires with weather cracking which were purchased more than four years prior to presentation for adjustment (If no proof of purchase date is available, tires manufactured four or more years prior to presentation for adjustment).
Tire unserviceability caused by tire operation in excess of tire/wheel manufacturers' specifications and recommendations.
Ride related anomalies after the first 2/32" of treadwear.
Tires which are mis-applied due to insufficient speed rating, or undersized, or oversized tires.
Tires which become unserviceable because of a mechanical irregularity in the vehicle such as misalignment, defective brakes, defective shock absorbers, or improper rims.
Tires damaged by fire, chemical corrosion, vandalism, wrecks, chains, theft, run while flat, underinflated, overinflated, or abused during servicing.
Flat Spotting caused by improper transport or storage.
Tires which become unserviceable because of road hazard injuries (e.g., nails, glass, metal objects) or other penetrations or snags, bruises or impact damage.
Tires damaged from improper mounting practices.
Tire dealer/retailer services (e.g., mounting, dismounting, balancing, tire rotation, or wheel alignment).
Mileage warranty is not applicable to tires fitted as Original Equipment.
Tires removed in pairs or sets where no abnormality exists in multiple tires.
Summer tires used at or below 45F (7C) ambient temperature.

The owner, when making a claim under the terms of this warranty, must present the tire along with proof of purchase to any authorized Pirelli dealer. To locate an authorized Pirelli Dealer in your area, please check the Dealer Locator on the Pirelli web site at www.us.pirelli.com

This is the only express warranty given by PTNA, applicable to Pirelli original equipment passenger car radial and light truck radial tires. PTNA does not make any other express warranty or any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. PTNA does not authorize any other person, including authorized Pirelli dealers, car manufacturers or car dealers, to change this warranty or create any other obligation in connection with Pirelli tires.

PTNA will not do anything other than what is stated in this warranty if an inconsistency is found in an original Pirelli equipment passenger car or light truck radial tire. All other compensation is excluded, including any obligation or liability on the part of PTNA for consequential or incidental damages (such as the loss of use of car or loss of time) arising from this incident.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply. This warranty provides specific legal rights, and are in addition to those which vary from state to state.

Original New Tire Tread Depths (Top Row)

How to Determine Percent of Tread Worn
Obtain the original tread depth of the new tire
In the groove closest to the center, measure the used tire to determine the tread remaining in 32nds of an inch.
The percentage worn is indicated where the tread remaining line (above chart) meets the original new tread depth column.
To determine the adjustment charge, multiply the percentage of tread worn by the current dealer retail selling price.

SALES SEGMENT: ALL PIRELLI CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK PRODUCT SEGMENTS

SUBJECT: Mounting Pirelli Run Flat tires on EH2 and EH2 plus Run Flat Wheels

SUMMARY: Pirelli Run Flat tires are designed to be mounted on Extended Hump Run Flat Wheels. Therefore Pirelli recommends the EH2 or EH2 plus Run Flat Wheels when mounting Pirelli Run Flat tires.
Accordingly, Pirelli Run Flat tires must be mounted on vehicles that are specifically designed and manufactured to be fitted with Run Flat tires.
Run Flat tires must be mounted in conjunction with a functional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
For detailed information regarding mounting and dis-mounting Pirelli Run Flat tires, refer to Pirelli literature.

DETAILS: When working with Run Flat tires, follow the Warnings and Precautions listed below.

SALES SEGMENT: ALL PIRELLI CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK PRODUCT SEGMENTS

SUBJECT: Pirelli Run Flat tires Road Hazard Warranty

SUMMARY: Pirelli Run Flat tires are covered for Road Hazard damage under the Pirelli Original Equipment and Replacement Limited Warranty

DETAILS: The following change has been made to the PIRELLI ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT LIMITED WARRANTY for Passenger and Light Truck Tires effective July 01, 2005.

SALES SEGMENT: ALL PIRELLI CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK PRODUCT SEGMENTS

SUBJECT: Mileage Warranty on Staggered Size Fitments and Run Flat Tires

SUMMARY: Certain Run Flat tire applications will have a mileage warranty. Vehicles with staggered tire size fitments will have a special mileage warranty.

DETAILS: The following change has been made to the PIRELLI ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT LIMITED WARRANTY for Passenger and Light Truck Tires effective January 01, 2012.

For a "Staggered Fitment" application (different size tires on the front and rear axles) the rear tires will only be warrantable for one half of the stated mileage for that tire line.

For Run Flat tires, they will have the same mileage warranty as the standard tire line they are part of, up to a maximum of 30,000 miles.

Mileage warranties do not apply to any tires which are mounted as Original Equipment on a new vehicle.

Question regarding these changes or any other issue should be directed to Consumer Affairs at 1- 800-747-3554 option # 2.

SALES SEGMENT: ALL PIRELLI PRODUCT SEGMENTS

SUBJECT: Load Index and Speed Symbol

SUMMARY: To maintain proper vehicle dynamics and load carrying capacity, replacement tires must always have a Load Index and Speed Symbol equal to or greater than the tires fitted as Original Equipment. PIRELLI DOES NOT RECOMMEND, ENDORSE, OR ENCOURAGE IN ANY WAY A REDUCTION IN SPEED SYMBOL AND/OR LOAD INDEX UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

DETAILS: Changing the Load Index or Speed Symbol may adversely change the driving capabilities of the vehicle.
The Load Index must always be equal to or greater than the Load Index for the corresponding Original Equipment tires.
FOR WINTER TIRES ONLY the Speed Symbol may be less than that of the Original Equipment fitment, but the vehicle speed limit is reduced to correspond with the replacement tires’ rating.
The vehicle tire placard and Owner’s manual specify the original equipment size, speed symbol and load index. Never choose a smaller size or lower carrying capacity or speed symbol than the size shown on the placard or specified in the Owner’s manual.
Speed rated tires have an influence on vehicle response and recovery at all speed ranges. Speed rated tires are not just designed for a maximum sustained speed but also for vehicle handling dynamics at all speeds.
Below is the maximum speed each symbol is rated for. Although customers may ask you to fit lower speed rated tires to reduce cost, you must remind them of the potentially adverse effects on handling and guide them to the proper speed symbol.

Set forth below is a LOAD INDEX chart with the applicable load that a tire can support at the maximum pressure.

If you have any questions about a Pirelli branded tire and its acceptable fitment, please contact the Consumer Affairs Group at 1-800-PIRELLI (747-3554) or contact your Pirelli Sales Representative.

SALES SEGMENT: ALL PIRELLI PRODUCT SEGMENTS

SUBJECT: Plus Size Changeover; Brake and Wheel Clearance

SUMMARY: Plus Sizing (increasing the tire section width) is used to change the appearance or handling of a vehicle. When changing from the Original Equipment fitment tires using a Plus Size changeover, there are multiple factors which must be considered to ensure proper vehicle operation.

DETAILS:

Plus Size Changeover
When fitting a Plus Size conversion you must consider the Original Equipment fitment parameters of Load Index/Speed Symbol and Overall Tire Diameter. (The plus concept increases the steering stability by lowering the aspect ratio of the tires and increases the size of the contact patch while maintaining the same overall diameter, load index and speed symbol). Always check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
The following parameters will assist in ensuring proper vehicle operation:
• Overall Diameter: optimum within +/- 1%, acceptable within -3% to +2% of the Original Equipment fitment.
• Load Index / Speed Symbol: must be equal to or higher than that of the Original Equipment fitment.
• Rim Width and Offset: check against OE/rim manufacturer’s recommendations.

Brakes:
Original Equipment brake components must operate according to the manufacturer’s specification when performance package upgrades of wheels and tires are fitted. Brake upgrades may be required depending on the overall diameter of the Tire/Wheel combination, Tread Compounding, Tread Design, Contact Area and amount of Unsprung weight added to the suspension. Unsprung weight is the weight under the suspension, which moves up and down as the vehicle moves over uneven roads/surfaces and leans in corners. Always refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications when upgrading any brake components.

Clearance:
Interference between the tire/wheel and fixed parts of the vehicle must not exist. Check clearance with respect to the maximum range of suspension system (between empty and fully loaded vehicle), the same for the maximum range of the steering system (maximum left and right turns). Allowances must also be considered for the dynamic action of each individual suspension system component.

SALES SEGMENT: PIRELLI LIGHT TRUCK PRODUCTS

SUBJECT: Mileage Warranty on Eurometric Light Truck Tires

SUMMARY: For light truck tire lines which have a mileage warranty, Eurometric sizes are now eligible for coverage.

DETAILS:
Tires meeting the following criteria will be covered under the standard Pirelli mileage warranty:
Scorpion Verde A/S, Scorpion STR and Scorpion ATR tire lines.
• Tires purchased after July 1, 2011 (proof of purchase required)
• Eurometric sizes are now included, in addition to P-metric sizes.
• Rotation and even wear requirements as detailed in Pirelli warranty documents must be met.