Mastercraft wants you to do more than own your tires - Mastercraft wants you to love them. While not everyone can share their passion for tires, we believe that a little information can help with tire safety, lifespan, and overall driving enjoyment. The following information will help you get to know your specific tires.
Mastercraft recommends that all tires, including full-size spares, that are 10 or more years from their date of manufacture be replaced with new tires.
Under no circumstances should a "maximum" service life recommendation for a tire be considered an "expected" service life. Tires must be removed from service for several reasons, including tread worn down to minimum depth, signs of damage (cuts, cracks, bulges, impact damage, vibration, etc.), or signs of abuse (under inflation, overloading, improper repair, etc.).
Tire service life is not determined by chronological age. The useful life of a tire is a function of service and storage conditions. For each individual tire, this service life is determined by many elements, such as temperature, storage conditions, and conditions of use (e.g. load, speed, inflation pressure, impacts, and road hazard damage), to which a tire is subjected throughout its life. Since service and storage conditions vary widely, accurately predicting the service life of any specific tire based on calendar age is not possible.
Mastercraft® is not aware of scientific or technical data that establishes or identifies a specific minimum or maximum service life for passenger and light truck tires. However, Cooper Tire recognizes a consumer benefit from a more uniform, global industry wide approach to the tire service life issue. Accordingly, Cooper recommends that all tires, including full-size spares, that are 10 or more years from their date of manufacture be replaced with new tires. Tires 10 or more years old should be replaced even if the tires appear to be undamaged and have not reached their tread-wear limits. Most tires will need replacement before 10 years due to service conditions. This may be necessary even if the tire has not yet reached its tread-wear limits.
In some cases, a vehicle manufacturer may make a recommendation for tire replacement earlier than 10 years for their products based on their understanding of the specific vehicle characteristics and application. If so, the consumer should follow the vehicle manufacturer's specific recommendations for their vehicle.
Tires are designed and built to provide many thousands of miles of excellent service. For continued, safe use throughout the service life of the tire, consumers must properly maintain their tires and have them regularly inspected for signs of damage and abuse that can result in tire disablement. The end of the service life of a tire is affected by many factors that are independent of the chronological age of the tire. The following information and recommendations are provided to assist the public in maximizing tire service life and to define conditions and practices affecting the service life of a tire.
The useful life of a tire is a function of service and storage conditions. For each individual tire, this service life is determined by many elements such as temperature, storage conditions, and conditions of use (e.g., load, speed, inflation pressure, impacts and road hazard damage) to which a tire is subjected throughout its life. Since service and storage conditions vary widely, accurately predicting the service life of any specific tire based on calendar age is not possible.
Cooper Tire is not aware of scientific or technical data that establishes or identifies a specific minimum or maximum service life for passenger and light truck tires. However, Cooper recognizes a consumer benefit from a more uniform, global industry-wide approach to the tire service life issue. Accordingly, Cooper recommends that all tires, including full-size spares, that are 10 or more years from their date of manufacture, be replaced with new tires. Tires 10 or more years old should be replaced even if the tires appear to be undamaged and have not reached their tread wear limits. Most tires will need replacement before 10 years due to service conditions. This may be necessary even if the tire has not yet reached its tread wear limits.
Under no circumstances should a “maximum” service life recommendation for a tire be considered as an “expected” service life. Tires must be removed from service for several reasons, including tread worn down to minimum depth, signs of damage (cuts, cracks, bulges, impact damage, vibration, etc.) or signs of abuse (under inflation, overloading, improper repair, etc.). In some cases a vehicle manufacturer may make a recommendation for tire replacement earlier than 10 years for their products based upon their understanding of the specific vehicle characteristics and application. If so, the consumer should follow those vehicle manufacturer’s specific recommendations for their vehicle.
A tire’s date of manufacture is located on each tire. A consumer can determine the date of manufacture by examining the series of letters and numbers called the Tire Identification Number (TIN) which follow the letters “DOT” on the tire sidewall.
For tires manufactured after the year 1999, the last four numbers of the TIN identify the week and year in which the tire was manufactured. The first two numbers identify the week and the last two numbers identify the year of manufacture. Thus, a TIN ending with “3005” indicates that the tire was made during the 30th week of 2005 and would appear as DOTXXXXXXX3005 on the sidewall of the tire.
For tires manufactured prior to 2000, three numbers instead of four indicate the date of manufacture. The first two numbers reflect the week and the last digit reflects the year of manufacture. Thus, a TIN ending in 308 indicates that the tire was made in the 30th week of 1998 (or possibly 1988) and would appear as DOTXXXXXXX308 on the sidewall of the tire.
Consumers have the primary responsibility for the regular care and maintenance of their tires. Tires should be inspected at least once per month. The regular inspection should focus on proper inflation pressure, tread wear and tire/wheel damage as detailed below. Having tread depth above the legal limit does not determine the service life of a tire. Tires must be properly maintained and routinely inspected for continued safe and proper use — even when tread depth remains. Tires may need to be taken out of service even when tread depth above the legal limit remains. Regular inspection becomes particularly important the longer a tire remains in use.
This monthly inspection should be supplemented by periodic rotation, balancing and alignment services. Inspection should occur whether or not the vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
When replacing tires on a vehicle, it is recommended and preferred that all four tires be replaced at the same time for continued optimal vehicle performance. However, for those cases where this is not feasible, below are some general guidelines to consider when replacing less than four tires for a light vehicle, whether it is one or two tires. If the vehicle manufacturer has alternate recommendations, always follow their recommendations.
IMPORTANT In some cases, the vehicle manufacturer may specifically advise against replacing less than all four tires. Always check and follow the recommendations in the vehicle owner’s manual. For 4WD and AWD vehicles, even small differences in outside diameter may cause drive-train damage or mechanical malfunction.
Replacing Two (2) Tires - When a pair of replacement tires is selected in the same size and construction as those on the vehicle, the two newer tires should be installed on the rear axle unless the new replacement tires are of a lower speed rating. Generally, new tires with deeper tread will provide better grip and evacuate water more effectively, which is important as a driver approaches hydroplaning situations. Placing greater traction on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent possible oversteer condition and possible loss of vehicle control, especially during sudden maneuvers.
Replacing One (1) Tire - Replacing a single tire on a vehicle can have an adverse affect on suspension systems, gear ratios, transmission, and tire treadwear. If single tire replacement is unavoidable, it is recommended that the single new tire be paired with the tire that has the deepest tread and both be placed on the rear axle. Placing greater traction on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent a possible oversteer condition and possible loss of vehicle control, especially during sudden maneuvers.
When replacing tires, always consult the vehicle manufacturer to determine original equipment requirements. Consult the tire placard (normally located on a door frame, door edge, or glove-box door) or the owners manual for the original tire size, speed rating, and recommended operating inflation pressures.
When replacing tires on a vehicle, it is recommended and preferred that all four tires be replaced at the same time for continued optimal vehicle performance. However, for those cases where this is not feasible, the new tires should always be placed on the rear axle of the vehicle. Generally, new tires with deeper tread will provide better grip and evacuate water more effectively, which is important as a driver approaches hydroplane situations. Placing greater traction on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent possible oversteer and possible loss of vehicle control, especially during sudden maneuvers.
Mastercraft is the professional’s choice. Mastercraft dedicated to making sure the tire experience is maximized for every driver.
Tires are designed and built with great care to provide thousands of miles of excellent service. But for maximum benefit, they must be maintained properly.
In addition to maintaining proper inflation pressure, regularly inspect the tire tread and sidewalls for irregular tread wear, cracking, scrapes, bulges, cuts, snags, foreign objects or other damage resulting from use. Remove any stones, glass, foreign objects, etc. embedded in the tread to prevent further damage. Even minor damage can lead to further injury and eventual tire failure. Tires with excessive cracking on the tread or sidewall(s) should be removed from service. This is typically caused by underinflation, over loading, improper storage, and/or improper long-term parking.
Warning! Driving on damaged tires is dangerous. A damaged tire can suddenly fail, leading to situations that may result in serious personal injury or death. Tires should be regularly inspected by a qualified tire service professional.
Consumers should check their tire tread and sidewall areas during monthly inflation pressure checks, looking for uneven or irregular tread wear or other conditions as noted above. It is recommended that tires, including the spare, be periodically inspected by a tire service professional during routine maintenance intervals such as oil changes and tire rotations.
When inspecting your tires, look for:
Uneven tread wear - This can include more wear on one tread edge than the other, a rippled pattern of high and low wear, or exposed steel wire. Uneven wear can be caused by problems such as underinflation, vehicle misalignment and improper balancing.
Shallow tread
- Well worn or bald tires can result in hydroplaning, loss of traction and are more likely to be damaged by potholes and other road hazards. Replace tires when worn to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) tread depth anywhere on the tread face. To help you see when the tread is worn out, tires have a built in "tread wear indicators." These are narrow bars of smooth rubber that run across the tread. When the tread is even with the bars, a tire is worn down to 2/32 inch and the tire must be replaced immediately. You can also try the penny test: place a penny in the tire's most worn groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tire should be replaced.
Troublemakers
- Check for small stones, pieces of glass, bits of metal and other foreign objects that might be wedged into the tread and carefully remove them. They can cause serious problems if they are pushed farther into your tire as you drive.
Damaged areas
- Cracks, cuts, splits, punctures, holes and bulges in the tread or on the sidewalls of the tire can indicate serious problems, and the tire may need to be replaced.
Slow leaks
- Remember that tires lose inflation pressure when the air temperature gets colder (about 1 psi or 7 kPa for every 10°F drop in temperature). Tires may also lose a certain amount of inflation pressure due to their permeability (about 2 psi or 14 kPa per month). However, if you find that you have to add inflation pressure every few days, have the tire, wheel and valve checked by a tire service professional - and if necessary, repair or replace the tire.
Valve caps
- Those little caps on your tire's valve stem keep moisture and dirt out, so make sure they are on all your tires. Also, when you have a tire replaced, have a new valve stem assembly installed at the same time.
Driving on a damaged tire can be dangerous. If you see something you're not sure about during your inspection, have it examined by your tire service professional. Any time you see damage to a tire, don't drive on it - use a spare if you need to go somewhere. And finally, pay attention to the "feel" of your tires as you drive. A rough ride may indicate tire damage or excessive wear. If you notice vibrations or other disturbances while driving, and/or you suspect possible damage to your tire or vehicle, immediately reduce speed, drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road and stop, and inspect our tires. If a tire is damaged, deflate it and replace it with your spare. If you do not see any tire damage and cannot identify the source of the vibration, have the vehicle towed to a mechanic or tire dealer for a thorough inspection.
Stored tires should be protected against environmental effects such as sunlight, high heat, ozone, and other potentially damaging conditions. Weather checking/ozone cracking can occur during direct and extended exposure to damaging effects of the environment, such as ozone and heat from sunlight. Ozone cracking can also be caused by exposure to electric motors, welding equipment, or other ozone-generating sources. Tires with severe weather checking/ozone cracking or any cracking that extends to the tire casing cords/plies should be removed from service.
Indoor storage is recommended; however, if tires must be stored outdoors:
Tires mounted on a stored vehicle - Store the vehicle such that all weight is removed from the tires. If vehicle weight cannot be removed, unload the vehicle to minimize the weight. Maintain the recommended tire inflation pressure, including the spare. The surface where the vehicle is parked/stored should be firm, reasonably level, well drained, and clean. The vehicle should be moved every three (3) months so that the tire flex area is changed. Returning tires from storage back to service – Before placing stored tires back into service, a tire service professional should conduct a visual and tactile inspection to be sure each tire is clean, dry, free of foreign objects, and/or does not show signs of damage. Once mounted on a rim/wheel, the tire (including the spare tire) should be inflated to the recommended inflation pressure.
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 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 that 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.
When replacing tires, always consult the vehicle manufacturer to determine original equipment requirements. Consult the tire placard, normally located on a door frame, door edge, or glove-box door, or the owner's manual for the original tire size, speed rating, and recommended operating inflation pressures.
When replacing tires on a vehicle, it is recommended and preferred that all four tires be replaced.
When replacing tires on a vehicle, it is recommended and preferred that all four tires be replaced at the same time for continued optimal vehicle performance. However, for those cases where this is not feasible, the new tires should always be placed on the rear axle of the vehicle. Generally, new tires with deeper tread will provide better grip and evacuate water more effectively, which is important as a driver approaches hydroplane situations. Placing greater traction on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent possible oversteer and possible loss of vehicle control, especially during sudden maneuvers.
IMPORTANT: Always check the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation before replacing a tire with a different size and/or construction.
If the vehicle’s tire placard and/or owner's manual specify speed-rated tires, the replacement tires must have the same or higher speed rating to maintain vehicle speed capability. When replacing your tires, consult the vehicle’s tire placard or the owner's manual for the correct size. If the tires shown on the vehicle tire 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, P205/55HR16 or P205/55R16 91H – 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 Mastercraft-produced non-speed-rated passenger tire's maximum speed is 85 mph (137 km/h).
Tire speed ratings do not imply that vehicles can be safely driven at the maximum speed for which the tire is rated, particularly under adverse road and weather conditions, or if the vehicle has unusual characteristics. Never operate a vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner.
If replacement tires have lower speed capability than specified by the vehicle manufacturer, the vehicle's speed must be restricted to that of the replacement tire. Also, vehicle handling could be affected. Consult the vehicle manufacturer for recommendations.
Winter driving requires proper driving techniques. Snow, ice, and slippery conditions affect everything from proper acceleration to turning to braking and all facets of driving.
Winter/Snow Tire Application? – It is always preferable to apply winter/snow tires to all wheel positions, including duals, to maintain vehicle mobility and control.
Studded Winter/Snow Tire Application? – Studded winter/snow tires have higher traction qualities under most winter weather conditions.
It is generally acceptable to apply a winter/snow tire with a lower speed rating than the original equipment tire; however, the vehicle speed is to be restricted to that of the replacement tire.
Warning Installing winter/snow tires (studded or non-studded) only on the front axle may cause the vehicle to experience adverse handling characteristics. This may result in an accident, which could cause serious injury or death.
It is recommended that all four tires be of the same size, load index, speed rating, and construction (radial, non-radial). In some cases, the vehicle manufacturer may require different-size tires for either the front or rear axles. Check your owner’s manual for information.
Speed-rated tire – If the vehicle’s tire placard and/or owner's manual specifies speed-rated tires, the replacement tires must have the same or higher speed rating to maintain vehicle speed capability.
Four-wheel-drive (4WD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles – If no instructions for tire mixing appear in the vehicle owner's manual, follow these guidelines:
DO NOT mix tire sizes. All four tires must be marked with the same tire size, unless otherwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer. This also applies to winter/snow tires.
DO NOT mix radial and non-radial tires. All four tires must be either radial or non-radial.
DO NOT mix tread pattern types, such as all-terrain and all-season.
Aftermarket 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.
Certain vehicle manufacturers may advise against the application of replacement tires other than those of the same size and type of the original equipment tires. For this reason, always check with and follow the vehicle manufacturer's replacement tire recommendations.
Tire mounting can be dangerous and should be done only by trained persons using the proper tools and procedures. Serious injury or death may result from explosion of tire/rim assembly due to improper mounting. Always have your tire service professional mount your tires on rims. If you are not thoroughly familiar with U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association’s mounting procedures, never attempt to mount tires.
Warning Tire changing can be dangerous and should be done by trained personnel using the proper tools and procedures. Always read and understand any manufacturer's warnings contained in owner's manuals, on the equipment, listed on websites, and molded onto tire sidewalls. Failure to comply with these procedures may result in faulty positioning of the tire and/or rim parts and cause the assembly to burst with explosive force sufficient to cause serious physical injury or death. Never mount or use damaged tires or rims. For more information on tire mounting safety and procedures, refer to the USTMA wall chart, "Demounting and Mounting Procedures for Passenger and Light Truck (LT) Tires."
You may not realize it, but the way you drive can have a lot to do with how long your tires will last and how well they perform. As you head down the road, there are a number of things to keep in mind, so cultivate good driving habits for your own benefit.
Spare tire inflation pressure should be checked monthly and before any long trips. Use an accurate gauge. T-type temporary spare tires require 60 psi (420 kPa). When adjusting inflation pressure in T-type tires, do so in small amounts since the tire is smaller and the pressure level changes rapidly. Do not overinflate.
Check the inflation in your spare tire every time you check all the others. A spare tire with no pressure in it is no help to you in an emergency. If you have an inflatable spare, be sure to check the aerosol inflation pressure canister to be sure it has not been damaged. If so, have it checked by an expert.
Inspect the spare tire/rim/wheel periodically (i.e. during tire rotation intervals) for any visible damage to the tire or corrosion on the wheel.
If the vehicle has a matching full-size spare tire, it is recommended that it be included in the tire rotation. Always check and adjust the inflation pressure of the full-size spare when incorporating it into the rotation pattern.
CAUTION T-type temporary spare tires should only be used with rims/wheels specifically intended for them. Rims/wheels intended for use with T-type tires should not be used with any other types of tires. A temporary spare tire and wheel assembly should never be used on a vehicle with which it is not compatible. Never use more than one temporary spare tire at a time.
There are normally restrictions on speed, mileage, and placement of a temporary spare tire. Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for use of a temporary spare tire.
Run-flat tires have specific servicing requirements, such as product-specific puncture repair or demounting/mounting procedures, which vary by vehicle and tire manufacturer. Consult with the tire manufacturers for details. A functioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) must be used with run-flat tires. Never mix run-flat tires with conventional tires unless in an emergency situation on a limited, temporary basis. Once a tire has been run at reduced- or zero-pressure conditions, it must be replaced or demounted and inspected to determine if it is reusable, depending on the tire manufacturer.
A temporary tire mobility kit may be supplied by the vehicle manufacturer as an alternative to a spare or run-flat tire in passenger car and light truck applications. The temporary tire mobility kit is normally composed of a puncture sealant and a small air compressor or container of propellant.
Use of a temporary tire mobility kit:
End users of temporary tire mobility kits supplied as original equipment in a passenger or a light truck vehicle should always follow all instructions provided by the vehicle manufacturer, including limits on the amount of driving at reduced speeds, to safely reach a tire service location.
Do not depend on tire aerosol sealants and inflators to repair a damaged tire permanently. These products are designed to provide only a temporary, emergency repair to help get you off the road and to the nearest tire repair facility. Aerosol, liquid, gel, or other substances injected into a tire through the valve are not considered proper repairs. Such products:
Flammable propellants and/or liquids in aftermarket sealants or aerosol inflators may cause a tire to explode under certain circumstances. Never introduce a flammable substance into a tire. Inform the tire service professional if you have used any aftermarket product to seal or inflate a tire.
You may not realize it, but the way you drive can have a lot to do with how long your tires will last and how well they perform. As you head down the road, there are a number of things to keep in mind:
Take it easy. Avoid hard cornering, rapid accelerations, and abrupt braking and stopping. They put a lot of stress on your tires. Smooth, safe driving is better for your tires - and for you, too.
Watch out for overloading. Driving on an overloaded tire is hazardous. When your car is carrying too much, the weight can create excessive heat inside your tires - and that can cause sudden tire failure. Never exceed the maximum load rating of your tires, which you can find on the sidewall of the tire, in the owner’s manual, or on the vehicle’s placard. When you replace a tire, make sure the new one has a load-carrying capacity equal to or greater than the tires that originally came with your vehicle.
Sudden Vibration or Ride Disturbance? –? If the vehicle experiences a sudden vibration or ride disturbance and/or there is a possibility that the tires and/or vehicle have been damaged, gradually reduce speed. Do not abruptly brake or turn. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect your vehicle and tires. If a tire is underinflated or damaged, deflate and replace it with the spare tire. If a cause cannot be detected, the vehicle should be towed to the nearest vehicle or tire dealer for an inspection.
Warning Driving on a damaged tire is dangerous. A damaged tire can suddenly fail, leading to situations that may result in serious personal injury or death. Tires should be regularly inspected by a qualified tire service professional.
If you find yourself stuck in snow, ice, mud, or wet grass, don't spin your tires rapidly, and never spin them if a drive wheel is off the ground. Doing so can actually cause a tire to explode and seriously injure someone, because if one drive wheel is stuck, and the other is free to spin, all the engine's power goes to the free wheel. If you're in snow, turn off the vehicle, apply the brakes, and shovel snow away from the tires and vehicle. Try sand and gravel to get more traction. If that doesn't work, gently rock (alternately using forward and reverse gears) with the least amount of wheel spinning. Repeatedly shift the gear lever from Drive to Reverse on automatic transmissions, or Reverse to Second on manual transmissions, while applying gentle pressure to the accelerator. Vehicles with ABS or traction control systems may have specific instructions in their owner's manual. Keep people away from your tires and the vehicle as you rock.
The idea is to accelerate slowly; never exceed 35 mph on your speedometer.
The centrifugal forces created by a rapidly spinning tire can cause an explosion by literally tearing the tire apart. These forces act on the complete tire structure, and can be of such magnitude as to break the beads in addition to rupturing the tire. Some vehicles are able to bring a tire to its centrifugal force failing point in just 3 to 5 seconds.
Warning Excessive speed in a free-spinning tire can cause the tire to explode from extreme centrifugal force. The energy released by such an explosion is sufficient to cause serious physical injury or death.** \*_Never spin a tire above a speedometer reading of 35 mph (56 km/h). Never stand near a spinning tire.
Paying attention to road conditions and weather can help ensure safe travels. Snow and wet weather require extra attention and quick response while driving. Driving too fast on wet roads, through standing water, or in the rain can cause your tires to hydroplane. This means that your tires travel on a film of water rather than contacting the road. After a dry spell, rain can further reduce traction from oil and other substances that have collected on the roadway. In addition, leaves can hide moisture on a road surface, even long after the rain has stopped. When roads are wet, slow down and drive carefully.
Obviously, it's best not to hit potholes or objects in the road, so avoid them and other hazards in the road. But if you can't avoid them, remember that the faster you are going when you hit something, the greater the impact on your tires, so slow down as much as you can without endangering yourself or others.
If you can’t avoid a pothole, don’t apply the brakes when you hit it. Instead, apply them as you approach the hole, and release them just before striking it. This slows you down, but allows the tire to roll as it hits, softening the impact. If you hit an object or hole, have your tires checked by a professional. Such collisions can cause internal tire damage that you can’t see — but which can cause problems later on. Sometimes, a tire can be severely damaged and travel hundreds or even thousands of miles before failing. A vibration or rough ride may be a sign of such damage — and that it is time for a replacement.
Remember that tires lose pressure when the air temperature gets colder (about 1 psi or 7 kPa for every 10°F drop in temperature). Tires may also lose a certain amount of pressure due to their permeability (about 2 psi or 14 kPa per month).
Never reduce tire pressures in an attempt to increase traction on snow or ice. It does not work, and your tires will be more susceptible to damage from underinflation. In snowy areas, some locations may have “snow emergency” regulations that are invoked during heavy snowfalls. Check with authorities for the rules in your area. Under some rules, motorists are subject to fines if they block traffic and do not have snow tires on their vehicles. Slow down and drive carefully in all winter conditions.
Mountain-Snowflake Symbol – Tires designed for use in severe snow conditions generally have tread patterns, structure, and materials to give superior performance. These tires are marked with the mountain-snowflake symbol, along with the “M+S” designation.
Chains – Make sure chains are the proper size and type for your tires, otherwise they may damage the tire sidewall and cause tire failure. If you have dual tires on your vehicle, particular care must be taken to assure adequate clearance between loaded tires to avoid damage from chains. Consult a tire service professional for proper application.