1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper use, installation, maintenance, and care of your Bridgestone Blizzak LT Winter/Snow Commercial Light Truck Tire. Designed for commercial light trucks and vans, the Blizzak LT offers reliable traction in challenging winter conditions, including snow, ice, and slush. Adhering to the guidelines in this manual will help ensure optimal performance and longevity of your tires.
Figure 1.1: The Bridgestone Blizzak LT tire, showcasing its robust design for winter performance.
2. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when handling, installing, or operating with tires. Improper use can lead to serious injury or property damage.
- Professional Installation: It is highly recommended that tires be installed by a qualified professional using appropriate equipment.
- Tire Pressure: Maintain correct tire inflation pressure as specified by your vehicle manufacturer. Check pressure regularly, especially before long trips.
- Load Capacity: Do not exceed the maximum load capacity specified on the tire sidewall (3042 pounds for this model). Overloading can cause tire failure.
- Speed Rating: Adhere to the tire's speed rating (R for this model, indicating up to 106 mph or 170 km/h). Do not exceed safe speeds for road conditions.
- Winter Conditions: While designed for winter, exercise caution in severe conditions. Adjust driving habits to suit snow, ice, and slush.
- Tire Inspection: Regularly inspect tires for cuts, bulges, punctures, or uneven wear. Replace damaged tires immediately.
3. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for tire performance and safety. It is strongly advised to have these tires mounted by a certified tire technician.
- Rim Compatibility: Ensure the tire (LT245/75R16) is mounted on a compatible rim with a width of 7 inches.
- Mounting: Use proper tire mounting equipment to avoid damage to the tire bead or rim. Lubricate the bead area adequately.
- Inflation: Inflate the tire to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, typically found on a placard inside the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual. The maximum pressure for this tire is 80 PSI.
- Balancing: After mounting, balance the tire and wheel assembly to prevent vibrations and ensure even wear.
- Lug Nut Torque: Torque lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Re-check torque after the first 50-100 miles of driving.
Figure 3.1: The symmetrical tread pattern of the Blizzak LT, designed for optimal winter traction.
4. Operating Guidelines
The Bridgestone Blizzak LT is engineered for superior performance in winter conditions. Follow these guidelines for optimal operation:
- Winter Use Only: These tires are specifically designed for winter conditions. For best performance and longevity, they should be removed and stored during warmer months.
- Driving in Snow and Ice: Drive cautiously, reduce speed, and increase following distance. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering inputs.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring: Regularly check tire pressure, especially as temperatures fluctuate. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop.
- Load Distribution: Ensure vehicle load is distributed evenly and does not exceed the tire's load capacity.
Figure 4.1: The Blizzak LT tire installed on a light truck, ready for winter driving.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance extends the life of your tires and ensures continued safety and performance.
- Tire Rotation: Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, to promote even wear.
- Tread Depth: Monitor tread depth regularly. The Blizzak LT has a tread depth of 17/32nds when new. Replace tires when tread depth reaches 4/32nds of an inch for winter tires, or sooner if required by local laws.
- Alignment: Ensure your vehicle's wheel alignment is checked periodically, especially if you notice uneven tire wear or steering issues.
- Cleaning and Storage: Clean tires with mild soap and water. When storing for the off-season, clean them thoroughly, ensure they are dry, and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
Figure 5.1: Proper storage of tires helps maintain their integrity and extends their lifespan.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your tires.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven Tread Wear | Improper inflation, misalignment, unbalanced wheels, lack of rotation. | Check and adjust tire pressure. Have alignment and balancing checked by a professional. Implement regular tire rotation. |
| Vibrations While Driving | Unbalanced wheels, bent rim, tire damage, suspension issues. | Have wheels re-balanced. Inspect tires and rims for damage. Consult a mechanic for suspension check. |
| Frequent Loss of Air Pressure | Puncture, leaky valve stem, damaged rim, bead leak. | Inspect tire for punctures. Check valve stem. Have tire and rim inspected by a professional for leaks. |
| Reduced Winter Performance | Worn tread, improper inflation, incorrect tire type for conditions. | Check tread depth and replace if worn. Verify tire pressure. Ensure these are indeed winter tires and not all-season. |
7. Specifications
Key technical specifications for the Bridgestone Blizzak LT tire (Model: 649, Size: LT245/75R16).
- Brand: Bridgestone
- Model: Blizzak LT
- Size: LT245/75R16
- Seasons: Winter
- Section Width: 245 Millimeters
- Load Capacity: 3042 Pounds
- Tread Depth: 17/32nds
- Tread Type: Symmetrical
- Maximum Pressure: 80 Pound per Square Inch (PSI)
- Ply Rating: E
- Rim Width: 7 Inches
- Tire Diameter: 30.50 Inches
- Item Weight: 42.1 Pounds
- Construction Type: Radial
- UPC: 092971299057, 092971276997
- Special Features: Rugged LT Compound, Straight Outer Grooves, Tied Shoulder Lugs, Zig Zag Center Groove.
8. Warranty Information
Bridgestone tires typically come with a limited warranty covering defects in workmanship and materials. Specific warranty terms, conditions, and duration may vary. Please refer to the official Bridgestone website or the warranty documentation provided at the time of purchase for detailed information.
For warranty claims or inquiries, it is recommended to contact the authorized Bridgestone dealer where the tires were purchased or Bridgestone customer service directly.
9. Customer Support
For further assistance, technical support, or to locate an authorized dealer, please contact Bridgestone customer service or visit their official website:
- Bridgestone Official Website: www.bridgestone.com
- Bridgestone Store on Amazon: Visit the Bridgestone Store
- Customer Service: Refer to the Bridgestone website for regional contact numbers and support options.
