Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S All Terrain SUV Tire User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, usage, and maintenance of your Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S All Terrain SUV Tire. The Dueler A/T RH-S is designed for light trucks and SUVs, offering a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. It is often supplied as original equipment on vehicles such as Chevrolet, GMC, and Jeep light trucks.

Key features include impressive wet traction and handling, technologies for a good on-road ride and extended tread life, and an aggressive shoulder design for all-terrain traction and appearance.

Figure 1.1: The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S tire, showcasing its all-terrain tread pattern and sidewall branding.

2. Installation

Proper tire installation is critical for safety and performance. It is strongly recommended that these tires be installed by a qualified professional technician using appropriate equipment.

2.1 Safety Precautions

• Do not attempt self-installation without professional training and equipment.
• Ensure the tire size and load index match the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
• Inspect the wheel for damage or corrosion before mounting.
• Use proper lubrication on the tire beads and wheel rim during mounting.
• Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure indicated on the tire sidewall during mounting.

2.2 Mounting Procedure (Professional Only)

1. Remove the old tire from the wheel.
2. Inspect the wheel for any damage or defects.
3. Apply appropriate tire mounting lubricant to the tire beads and wheel rim.
4. Mount the new Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S tire onto the wheel using a tire mounting machine.
5. Inflate the tire to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, not the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall.
6. Balance the tire and wheel assembly using a wheel balancing machine.
7. Install the balanced wheel assembly onto the vehicle, tightening lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.

Figure 2.1: A side profile view of the Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S tire, highlighting the sidewall markings and tread design.

3. Usage Guidelines

Adhering to proper usage guidelines will maximize the life and performance of your Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S tires.

3.1 Tire Pressure

Maintain correct tire inflation pressure as specified by your vehicle manufacturer. This information is typically found on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb, glove compartment, or in the owner's manual. Check tire pressure monthly when tires are cold.

3.2 Tire Rotation

Regular tire rotation helps ensure even wear and extends tire life. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for recommended rotation patterns and intervals, typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

3.3 Driving Conditions

• On-Road: These tires provide good on-road performance. Drive within legal speed limits and adjust speed for road conditions.
• Off-Road: The aggressive tread design is suitable for various off-road conditions. When driving off-road, reduce speed and be mindful of sharp objects that could damage tires. Consider slightly lowering tire pressure for increased traction on soft surfaces, but reinflate to recommended levels immediately upon returning to paved roads.
• Wet Conditions: The tire offers impressive wet traction. However, always exercise caution and reduce speed in wet or slippery conditions to prevent hydroplaning.

Figure 3.1: A Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S tire installed on a light truck, demonstrating its appearance and fitment.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for tire longevity and safety.

4.1 Tread Depth Inspection

Regularly check tread depth. The minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 inch (1.6 mm). Tires have built-in tread wear indicators (small bars molded into the tread grooves) that become flush with the tread surface when this limit is reached. Replace tires when they reach this point.

Figure 4.1: A detailed view of the Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S tire tread pattern, showing the aggressive blocks and grooves designed for all-terrain performance.

4.2 Visual Inspection

Periodically inspect tires for signs of damage, such as cuts, cracks, bulges, or punctures. Remove any embedded objects like nails or stones. If damage is found, have the tire inspected by a professional immediately.

4.3 Cleaning

Clean tires with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or petroleum-based products that can degrade rubber compounds.

5. Troubleshooting

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

5.1 Uneven Tread Wear

• Cause: Incorrect tire pressure, improper wheel alignment, or lack of tire rotation.
• Solution: Check and adjust tire pressure, have wheel alignment inspected, and adhere to recommended tire rotation schedules.

5.2 Vibration

• Cause: Unbalanced wheels, bent rim, or damaged tire.
• Solution: Have tires re-balanced. Inspect wheels and tires for damage.

5.3 Slow Leak or Puncture

• Cause: Nail, screw, or other sharp object embedded in the tire.
• Solution: Do not remove the object. Drive carefully to a professional tire service center for inspection and repair. Not all punctures are repairable.

6. Specifications

Detailed specifications for the Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S tire (Model 5493).

7. Warranty and Support

Bridgestone tires are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. Specific warranty terms and conditions, including coverage details and limitations, can vary. It is important to review the official Bridgestone warranty documentation provided at the time of purchase or available on the Bridgestone website.

7.1 How to Obtain Warranty Service

If you believe your tire qualifies for warranty service, please contact an authorized Bridgestone dealer. They will inspect the tire and guide you through the warranty claim process.

7.2 Customer Support

For further assistance, questions, or to locate an authorized dealer, please visit the official Bridgestone website or contact their customer service department directly. Contact information can typically be found on the Bridgestone corporate website.

Note: Always retain your purchase receipt and any installation records, as these may be required for warranty claims.