1. Product Overview
The Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 is a premium highway terrain SUV tire designed for all-season performance. It is engineered to provide a comfortable ride, reliable handling, and long-lasting tread life, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of SUVs and light trucks. This tire is often found as Original Equipment (OE) on select vehicles, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
Figure 1.1: Front view of the Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 tire mounted on a wheel.
2. Installation and Setup
Proper installation is crucial for the safety and performance of your Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 tires. It is highly recommended that tire installation be performed by a certified professional technician.
2.1 Pre-Installation Checks
- Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure the tire size (275/50R22) and specifications match your vehicle's requirements as specified in your vehicle owner's manual.
- Wheel Condition: Inspect wheels for any damage, cracks, or corrosion that could affect tire mounting or performance.
- Valve Stems: Always replace old valve stems with new ones during tire installation to ensure proper air retention.
2.2 Mounting and Balancing
Tires must be mounted on approved rims using proper tools and techniques to prevent damage to the tire bead or wheel. After mounting, tires must be balanced to eliminate vibrations and ensure smooth operation. Improper balancing can lead to uneven wear and reduced tire life.
2.3 Inflation
Inflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, which can typically be found on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb, glove compartment, or in the owner's manual. Do not exceed the maximum inflation pressure molded on the tire sidewall.
Figure 2.1: Close-up of the tire's tread pattern and sidewall markings.
3. Operating Guidelines
The Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 tire is designed for highway and all-season use, offering a blend of comfort and performance. Adhering to these operating guidelines will help maximize your tire's lifespan and ensure safe driving.
3.1 Driving Conditions
- Highway Use: This tire is optimized for highway driving, providing stability and a quiet ride.
- All-Season Performance: The tread design offers reliable traction in various weather conditions, including light snow, wet, and dry roads. However, for severe winter conditions, dedicated winter tires are recommended.
3.2 Load and Speed Ratings
The tire has a load index of 111 (indicating a maximum load capacity of 2403 lbs or 1090 kg per tire) and a speed rating of T (indicating a maximum speed of 118 mph or 190 km/h). Never exceed the tire's maximum load capacity or speed rating. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific recommendations.
3.3 Driving Tips
- Smooth Driving: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and sharp turns, as these can accelerate tire wear.
- Road Hazards: Be mindful of potholes, curbs, and other road hazards that can cause tire damage.
Figure 3.1: The Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 tire installed on a vehicle.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance extends the life of your tires and ensures optimal safety and performance.
4.1 Tire Pressure
Check tire pressure monthly, or before long trips, using a reliable tire gauge. Adjust pressure when tires are cold (driven less than a mile). Proper inflation is critical for safety, fuel efficiency, and even tread wear.
4.2 Tire Rotation
Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Regular rotation helps promote even tread wear across all four tires.
4.3 Tread Depth Inspection
Regularly inspect tread depth using a tread depth gauge or the built-in tread wear indicators. When the tread wears down to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm), the tire should be replaced. Uneven wear patterns may indicate alignment or balancing issues.
Figure 4.1: Detailed view of the tire's tread pattern, important for wear inspection.
4.4 Wheel Alignment and Balancing
Have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked annually or if you notice uneven tire wear or steering issues. Re-balance tires if you experience vibrations while driving.
4.5 Cleaning
Clean your tires regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt, grime, and road chemicals. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the rubber.
5. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your tires.
5.1 Uneven Tread Wear
- Cause: Improper inflation, misalignment, worn suspension components, or lack of rotation.
- Solution: Check tire pressure, have alignment inspected, rotate tires regularly, and inspect suspension.
5.2 Vibrations While Driving
- Cause: Unbalanced tires, bent wheel, damaged tire, or worn suspension.
- Solution: Have tires re-balanced, wheels inspected, and check for tire damage.
5.3 Slow Air Leak
- Cause: Puncture, faulty valve stem, or bead leak.
- Solution: Inspect tire for punctures, check valve stem, and have a professional inspect the tire for leaks.
For any persistent or severe issues, consult a certified tire professional immediately.
6. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 tire (Model Number: 7157).
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bridgestone |
| Model | Alenza A/S 02 |
| Model Number | 7157 |
| Size | 275/50R22 |
| Section Width | 275 Millimeters |
| Load Capacity | 5297.7 Pounds (per pair, or 2403 lbs per tire) |
| Tread Depth | 10 32nds |
| Tread Type | Symmetrical |
| Ply Rating | 12-Ply |
| Rim Width | 8.5 Inches |
| Tire Diameter | 32.90 Inches |
| Item Weight | 41.2 Pounds |
| Seasons | Year Round |
| Construction Type | Radial |
| UTQG | 700AB |
Figure 6.1: Side profile of the Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 tire.
7. Warranty and Support
For detailed information regarding the warranty coverage for your Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 tires, please refer to the official Bridgestone website or the warranty booklet provided with your purchase. Warranty terms typically cover manufacturing defects and may include treadwear warranties.
7.1 Customer Support
If you have any questions, require technical assistance, or need to address a warranty claim, please contact Bridgestone customer service or visit an authorized Bridgestone dealer. Contact information can be found on the official Bridgestone website: www.bridgestone.com
