Tire Fitment Safety Precautions and Instructions
For safety and good performance, you must take care when selecting replacement tires.
Disregarding any of these safety precautions and instructions may result in tire failure or
explosion and serious personal injury or death.
You are Responsible
You are always responsible for the tires installed on your vehicle.
Ultimately, you are responsible for the tires installed on your vehicle. The fitments listed
here are only general guidelines. Never assume you can simply substitute the tires
shown in these charts. Using the wrong size tire – whether too big or too small for your
vehicle – can lead to sudden tire failure and may result in loss of vehicle control and
serious personal injury or death. If you have any questions, please contact your local tire
dealer or call Cooper Tire at 1-800-854-6288.
Original Equipment Requirements
When replacing tires, always consult the vehicle manufacturer to determine original
equipment requirements.
When replacing tires, consult the vehicle placard (normally located on a door frame, door
edge, or glove box door) or owner's manual for the original tire size(s), speed rating and
recommended operating pressures.
Load Carrying Capacity
The load carrying capacity of the replacement tires must always equal or exceed the
load carrying capacity of the original equipment tires.
The replacement tire must have a maximum load carrying capacity equal to or greater
than the maximum load carrying capacity of the original equipment tire. Refer to the tire
placard on the vehicle for the recommended operating pressures of the original
equipment size tires. These pressures must be maintained as a minimum. Do not
exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. Tires which are loaded
beyond their maximum allowable loads will build up excessive heat that may result in
sudden tire destruction.
Do not exceed the gross axle weight ratings for any axle on your vehicle. Consult the
vehicle placard and/or vehicle owner's manual to determine the gross axle weight rating.
Following the loading instructions of the vehicle manufacturer should insure that the tires
are not overloaded.
Speed Capability
The speed capability of the replacement tires must always equal or exceed the original
equipment tires.
When replacing tires, 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 tires shown on the
vehicle placard do not have speed ratings, the appropriate size tire with any speed rating
may be applied.
When the placard tire size contains a speed symbol, for example P205/60HR15 or
P205/60R15 90H, the replacement tire must have the same or higher speed rating
symbol if the speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained. If the replacement tire is
not speed rated, the speed capability of the vehicle is limited by the speed capability of
the replacement tire. A Cooper-produced non-speed rated passenger tire's maximum
speed is 85 mph (137 km/h).
Speed
S
T
U
H
V
*W
*Y
Category
180 km/h (112 mph)
190 km/h (118 mph)
200 km/h (124 mph)
210 km/h (130 mph)
240 km/h (149 mph)
270 km/h (168 mph)
300 km/h (186 mph)
Cooper's speed symbol designations in this table are based upon indoor wheel tests
conducted in accordance with the Procedure for Load/Speed Performance Tests of the
Economic Commission for Europe (ECE-30).
* For tires having a maximum speed capability above 240km/h (149 mph), a "ZR" may
appear in the size designation.
Example:
Tire Designation
P275/40R17 93W
P275/40R17 93Y
P275/40ZR17 93W
P275/40ZR17 93Y
Maximum Speed
270 km/h (168 mph)
300 km/h (186 mph)
270 km/h (168 mph)
300 km/h (186 mph)
While a speed symbol is an indication of the speed capability of the tire, we do not
endorse the operation of any vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner.
Maximum Load
If you replace a light truck tire with a passenger car tire, the replacement tire must
always have a 10% greater "maximum load" rating.
If you replace an original equipment light truck tire with a passenger car tire, you cannot
install a passenger car tire which has the same "Maximum Load" rating as the light truck
tire (which is shown on the sidewall of the light truck tire identified on the vehicle
manufacturer's tire placard). The replacement passenger tire must have a "Maximum
Load" rating at least a 10% greater than the original equipment light truck tire specified
on the vehicle placard.
Vehicle Modifications
After-market modifications to your vehicle can adversely affect vehicle handling and
stability.
Vehicle modifications such as lift kits and other suspension alterations and/or the use of
tires not recommended by the vehicle manufacturer can adversely affect vehicle
handling and stability.
Approved Rims
Always use approved rims.
Mount tires only on approved rims. If you have any questions about the rims, consult
your dealer.
Tire Construction
Replacement tires should always have the same construction.
Tire mixing can be dangerous. Most passenger tires today are radial tires. For best
performance, we recommend the same size and type of tire be used on all four wheel
positions unless the vehicle manufacturer specified different sizes, front and rear, as
original equipment. Check the vehicle placard.
On front or rear wheel drive vehicles, if different size tires are used on different axles,
always place the lower series tires on the rear axle.
If only two radials are mounted with two non-radials, the radials should be mounted on
the rear. If tires of different types are mixed on a vehicle in any configuration, they
should not be used for long periods and speeds should be kept to a minimum.
Mixing or matching of tires on 4-wheel drive vehicles requires special precautions.
Always check vehicle manufacturers' manual for their recommendations.
Tire Mounting
Tire mounting can be dangerous and should be done only by trained persons using
proper tools and procedures.
Serious injury or death may result from explosion of tire/rim assembly due to improper
mounting. Always have your dealer mount your tires on rims. If you are not thoroughly
familiar with Rubber Manufacturers Association mounting procedures, never attempt to
mount tires.
Passenger & Light Truck Tire Safety
For safety and good performance, you must take care of your tires. Disregarding any of
these safety precautions and instructions may result in tire failure or explosion and
serious personal injury or death.
Correct Tire Pressure
Correct tire pressure is very important. Driving on any tire that does not have the correct
inflation pressure is dangerous. Proper inflation pressure for your tires may be found in
the vehicle owner's manual or the vehicle's tire information placard.
Any underinflated tire builds up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire destruction.
Refer to the tire placard on the vehicle (check vehicle and/or vehicle owners manual for
placard location) for the recommended operating pressures. These pressures must be
maintained as a minimum. Do not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the tire
sidewall of passenger car tires.
If you are replacing the original size tires with tires of a different size, you must consult a
knowledgeable dealer to determine the correct inflation pressure for your new tires. If
you need additional help, or still have questions, call us at 1-800-854-6288.
Checking Tire Pressure
Check tire inflation pressures (including the spare) at least once a month when tires are
cold and before long trips.
Failure to maintain correct inflation may cause rapid and irregular tire wear, sudden tire
destruction and may result in loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
Therefore, inflation pressures should be checked atleast once a month and always prior
to long distance trips. Any tire is susceptible to losing air pressure if not properly
maintained.
Pressures should be checked when tires are cold; in other words, before they have been
driven on. Driving, even for a short distance, causes tires to heat up and air pressure to
increase. Tires run even short distances while severely underinflated may be damaged
beyond repair.
High Speed Driving
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 is more difficult to avoid and if contact is
made, has a greater chance of causing tire damage than at a lower speed. Moreover,
driving at high speed reduces the reaction time available to avoid accidents and bring
your vehicle to a safe stop.
Damaged Tire or Wheel
Driving on a damaged tire or wheel can be dangerous. Always look for bulges, cracks,
cuts, splits, penetrations, and abnormal tread wear. Damage can occur within the tire
body without being visible on the outside. A vibration or ride disturbance may be a sign
of tire damage.
Any time you see any damage to your tires or wheels, replace with spare at once and
immediately see your tire dealer to have the damaged tire inspected.
If while driving, you notice a vibration or ride disturbance, and/or you suspect possible
damage to the tires or vehicle: immediately reduce your speed, drive with caution until
you can safely pull off the road, stop, and inspect the tires. If a tire is damaged, deflate it,
remove it from the vehicle, and replace the tire and wheel with your spare. If you do not
see any tire damage and cannot otherwise determine the source of the vibration, have
the vehicle towed to the nearest vehicle or tire dealer for a thorough inspection.
These conditions may be caused by misalignment, underinflation, overloading, impact
damage, and/or a separation within the tire body. Use of a damaged tire could result in
sudden tire destruction.
When inspecting your tires, including the spare, check your air pressures. If your
pressure check indicates that one of your tires 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.
All tires 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, rocks or other objects can damage tires 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 tires for any
damage, such as cuts or penetrations.
Worn Out Tires
Worn out tires are dangerous.
Tires contain "Wear-Bars" in the grooves of the tire tread which show up when only
2/32nds of an inch (1.6mm) tread remains. At this stage, your tires must be replaced.
Tires worn beyond this stage are dangerous.
Overloaded Tires
Do not overload your tires. Driving on any overloaded tire is dangerous.
The maximum load rating of your tires is marked on the tire sidewall. Do not exceed
these ratings. Tires which are loaded beyond their maximum allowable loads for the
particular application will build up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire
destruction.
Do not exceed the gross axle weight ratings for any axle on your vehicle. Consult the
vehicle placard and/or vehicle owners manual to determine the gross axle weight rating.
Following the loading instructions of the vehicle manufacturer should insure that your
tires are not overloaded.
If you are replacing the original size tires with tires of a different size, the replacement
tires must have a load carrying capacity equal to or greater than the original equipment
tires.
Towing a Trailer
If you anticipate towing a trailer, see your tire dealer for advice.
If you anticipate towing a trailer, you should see your tire dealer for advice concerning
the correct size of tire and inflation pressures. Tire size and air pressure depend upon
the type and size of trailer and hitch utilized, but never exceed the maximum cold
inflation pressure or the maximum tire load rating. The only sure way to prevent overload
is to weigh, axle by axle, the fully-loaded vehicle on a reliable platform scale. Check the
tire placard on the vehicle and the owners manual supplied by the manufacturer of your
vehicle for further recommendations on trailer towing.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment and balancing are important for safety and maximum mileage from
your tires.
Inspect your tires regularly: at least once a month inspect your tires closely for signs of
uneven wear.
Uneven wear patterns may be caused by improper inflation pressure, misalignment,
improper balance or suspension neglect. If not corrected, further tire damage will occur.
These conditions shorten the life of your tires and may result in loss of vehicle control
and serious personal injury.
If any of these conditions exist, the cause may often be corrected at your tire dealer or
other service facility. Your tires will then last longer.
Tire Rotation
Proper tire rotation is important.
If you notice irregular or uneven tread wear, the tires should be rotated to alleviate the
problem. Remember: it is important to check your tires and wheels for signs of possible
damage (as previously discussed), and check your vehicle for any mechanical problems
and correct if necessary. You should follow the rotation pattern or procedure indicated in
your limited warranty and the vehicle owners manual. We recommend you rotate tires on
front wheel drive vehicles and/or all season tires on any vehicle every 8,000 miles to
equalize the rate of wear; however, rotate your tires earlier if signs of irregular or uneven
tire wear arise, and have the vehicle checked by a qualified technician to determine the
cause of the wear condition. The first rotation is the most important.
Sometimes front and rear tires on a vehicle use different inflation pressures. After
rotation, adjust individual tire air pressure to the figures recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer for the new locations - front or rear - as shown on the tire placard on the
vehicle.
Tire Mixing
Tire mixing can be dangerous.
Most passenger tires today are radial tires. For best performance, we recommend the
same size and type of tire be used on all four wheel positions unless the vehicle
manufacturer specified different sizes, front and rear, 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 tires of different types are mixed on a vehicle in any
configuration, they should not be used for long periods and speeds should be kept to a
minimum.
Mixing or matching of tires on four-wheel drive vehicles requires special precautions.
Always check vehicle manufacturers' manual for their recommendations.
Tire Alterations
Tire alterations are dangerous.
Do not perform any alteration on your tires. Alterations may prevent proper performance,
leading to tire damage, which can result in sudden tire destruction. Tires which have
been altered are excluded from warranty coverage.
Repairs
For repairs, see any tire dealer at once. Never use a plug-only or patch-only repair.
If any tire has sustained a puncture, have the tire dismounted and inspected internally by
any tire dealer for possible damage that may have occurred.
Punctures in the tread of passenger tires which do not exceed 1/4-inch (6mm) in
diameter can be repaired by following Rubber Manufacturers' Association (RMA)
recommended repair procedures. A plug by itself or a patch by itself is an unacceptable
repair. The repair material used - for example, a "combination patch and plug" repair must seal the innerliner 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.
If the tire has a puncture in the tread which exceeds 1/4-inch (6mm), any puncture in the
sidewall, or if more than one radial cable per casing ply is damaged, the tire must be
replaced.
Repairs and Speed Ratings
When a Cooper-produced speed rated tire has been repaired, the speed rating no longer
applies.
The speed capability of the vehicle is limited by the speed capability of the repaired tire.
When a Cooper-produced speed rated passenger tire has been repaired, the tire's
maximum speed is 85 mph (137 km/h).
Storing Tires
Use care when storing tires.
When tires are stored they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sources of
sunlight, heat and ozone such as hot pipes and electric motors. Tires should be stored
so there is no danger of water collecting inside them. Be sure that surfaces on which
tires are stored are clean and free from grease, gasoline or other substances which
could deteriorate the rubber. Tires exposed to these materials during storage or driving
may be weakened and subject to sudden failure. Also, be sure to allow air to circulate
around all sides of the tires, including underneath, to prevent moisture damage.
When storing tires flat (one on top of the other), stack so that tires on the bottom retain
their shape.
If storing tires outdoors, protect them with an opaque waterproof covering and elevate
them from the ground. Do not store tires on black asphalt, other heat-absorbent
surfaces, snow-covered ground or sand.
Studded Snow Tires
Driving on studded snow tires. If studded tires are installed on the front of any vehicle,
they must also be installed on the rear.
The beginning of movement and acceleration of any vehicle in snow, ice and other
adverse cold weather conditions is highly dependent on the traction qualities of the tires
on the driving axle. The controlled handling and braking of a vehicle after it is in motion
in adverse weather conditions, however, is highly dependent on the traction of the rear
tires. Consequently, the rear tires of any vehicle must have equal or higher traction
capabilities than the front tires for safe vehicle operation.
Because of the higher traction qualities of studded snow tires under most winter weather
conditions, installation of only two studded snow tires on the front of any vehicle
(especially front wheel drive vehicles) without two studded snow tires on the rear can
cause adverse (unsafe) handling characteristics. Consult tire manufacturer for correct
stud size. If you sell and/or install studded snow tires on vehicles you must follow the
procedures listed below:
Only new tires should be fitted with studs. Never insert studs in a used tire (even if only
slightly used).
Without studded snow tires on the rear, which have the same traction qualities as the
studded front tires, adverse (unsafe) handling and braking characteristics are introduced
into the vehicle. This may result in loss of vehicle control, which could cause serious
injury or death.
If studded snow tires are installed on only the rear of any vehicle, it is recommended (but
not required) that they be installed on the front. Only if studded tires are installed on all
wheel positions of a vehicle will optimum handling characteristics be achieved.
Tire Spinning
Tire spinning is dangerous. Excessive spinning can cause a tire to "explode".
Avoid tire spinning. The centrifugal forces created by a rapidly spinning tire can cause an
explosion by tearing the tire apart. These forces act on the complete tire structure, and
can be of such magnitude as to break beads as well as rupturing the entire carcass.
When stuck on ice, snow, mud, or 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 35 mph as indicated on the speedometer. Never allow anyone to stand
near or directly ahead of or behind the spinning tire.
Do not spin if a drive wheel is off the ground. Serious personal injury or death can result
from the explosion of a spinning tire.
Tire Fitment Safety
When replacing tires and/or wheels, consult Cooper's web page discussing tire fitment
safety precautions and instructions.
Cooper has developed tire fitment safety precautions and instructions when choosing a
replacement tire or rim. For further important information, please consult Cooper's web
page.
Tire Mounting
Tire mounting can be dangerous and should be done only by trained persons using
proper tools and procedures.</P
Serious injury or death may result from explosion of tire/rim assembly due to improper
mounting. Always have your dealer mount your tires on rims. If you are not thoroughly
familiar with Rubber Manufacturers Association mounting procedures, never attempt to
mount tires.
Speed Rated Tires
Speed-rated tires. If the replacement tire is not speed rated, the speed capability of the
vehicle is limited by the speed capability of the replacement tire.
When replacing tires, 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 tires shown on the
vehicle placard do not have speed ratings, the appropriate size tire with any speed rating
may be applied.
When the placard tire size contains a speed symbol, for example P205/60HR15 or
P205/60R15 90H, the replacement tire must have the same or higher speed rating
symbol if the speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained. If the replacement tire is
not speed rated, the speed capability of the vehicle is limited by the speed capability of
the replacement tire. A Cooper-produced non-speed rated passenger tire's maximum
speed is 85 mph (137 km/h).
Speed
*S
*T
*U
*H
*V
*W
*Y
Category
180 km/h (112 mph)
190 km/h (118 mph)
200 km/h (124 mph)
210 km/h (130 mph)
240 km/h (149 mph)
270 km/h (168 mph)
300 km/h (186 mph)
* Based upon indoor wheel tests conducted in accordance with the Procedure for
Load/Speed Performance Tests of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE-30).
** For tires having a maximum speed capability above 240km/h (149 mph), a "ZR" may
appear in the size designation.
Example:
Tire Designation
P275/40R17 93W
P275/40R17 93Y
P275/40ZR17 93W
P275/40ZR17 93Y
Maximum Speed
270 km/h (168 mph)
300 km/h (186 mph)
270 km/h (168 mph)
300 km/h (186 mph)
While a speed symbol is an indication of the speed capability of the tire, we do not
endorse the operation of any vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner.