Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire User Manual

Introduction

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is engineered to provide confident traction in challenging winter conditions, including snow and ice. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Blizzak WS80 tires to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the safety and performance of your Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 tires. It is highly recommended that tire installation be performed by a qualified professional.

Tire Specifications Verification

Before installation, ensure the tires match your vehicle's requirements. The Blizzak WS80 covered by this manual has the following key specifications:

• Size: 245/50R18
• Load Capacity: 1929 Pounds (EXTRA LOAD)
• Maximum Pressure: 50 PSI (Pound per Square Inch)
• Seasons: Winter

Installation Steps (Professional Recommended)

1. Inspection: Inspect tires for any manufacturing defects or shipping damage prior to mounting.
2. Mounting: Mount tires onto appropriate rims, ensuring correct bead seating.
3. Inflation: Inflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, not exceeding the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall (50 PSI for this model).
4. Balancing: Balance all tire and wheel assemblies to prevent vibrations and ensure smooth operation.
5. Alignment: Check and adjust wheel alignment if necessary, especially when installing new tires.

Image: Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 tire mounted on a wheel, showcasing its tread pattern and sidewall markings.

Operating Instructions

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is designed for superior performance in cold weather and winter conditions. Understanding its features will help you maximize its benefits.

Key Technologies for Winter Performance

• Mighty Molecules & Hydrophilic Coating: A new hydrophilic coating reacts to elements for confident stopping power on snow and ice. The Advanced Multicell Compound with Nano Pro-Tech works at a molecular level to remain pliable in cold temperatures, enhancing grip.
• Optimized Construction: The new cavity shape distributes contact pressure uniformly across the entire footprint area, promoting even wear and consistent performance on dry, ice, and snow surfaces.
• Serious Tread Design: Bite particles act like microscopic studs, providing confident road grip and braking on ice. 3D Zigzag Sipes create numerous biting edges without sacrificing block stiffness, improving handling on snow and slush.

Image: A detailed close-up of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 tire tread, highlighting the intricate sipes and block patterns designed for winter traction.

Driving in Winter Conditions

• Reduced Speeds: Always drive at reduced speeds in snowy or icy conditions, even with winter tires.
• Increased Following Distance: Allow for significantly more stopping distance than in dry conditions.
• Smooth Inputs: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering inputs to maintain traction.
• Check Road Conditions: Be aware of changing road conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends the life of your Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 tires and ensures continued safety and performance.

Tire Pressure

• Check tire pressure monthly, or more frequently during significant temperature changes.
• Always inflate to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or in your vehicle's owner's manual. Do not exceed the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall (50 PSI).
• Proper inflation is critical for handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.

Tread Depth and Wear

• The original tread depth is approximately 12/32nds of an inch.
• Regularly inspect your tires for signs of uneven wear, which can indicate issues with alignment or balancing.
• Winter tires should be replaced when tread depth reaches 4/32nds of an inch, as their snow and ice performance significantly diminishes below this point.
• The Blizzak WS80 features tread wear indicators (T.W.I.) that become flush with the tread surface when the tire reaches its minimum safe tread depth.

Image: An overhead view of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 tire tread, showing the full pattern and siping across the contact patch.

Tire Rotation

• Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, to promote even wear across all four tires.
• Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended rotation pattern.

Off-Season Storage

• When storing your Blizzak WS80 tires for the warmer months, clean them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ozone-producing equipment (e.g., electric motors).
• Storing tires on their side or stacked is generally recommended if they are not mounted on rims. If mounted on rims, they can be hung or stacked.

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 tires.

If you experience persistent issues not covered here, or if you suspect a serious problem, consult a certified tire professional or Bridgestone authorized dealer.

Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 (Model 13771).

Warranty and Support

Bridgestone tires are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, including coverage and terms, please refer to the official Bridgestone warranty documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Bridgestone website.

For technical support, product inquiries, or warranty claims, please contact Bridgestone customer service or an authorized Bridgestone dealer. You can find contact information on the Bridgestone official website or through your tire retailer.

Bridgestone Official Website: www.bridgestone.com