FALKEN ZIEX ZE960 A/S All-Season Radial Tire User Manual

1. Product Overview

The FALKEN ZIEX ZE960 A/S is an all-season radial tire designed to provide reliable performance across various weather conditions. Engineered for today's premium vehicles, it offers a balance of wet performance, dynamic handling, and long-lasting tread life.

Falken ZIEX ZE960 A/S tire mounted on a wheel, showing the tread pattern and sidewall.

Figure 1: Falken ZIEX ZE960 A/S tire on a wheel.

2. Key Features

All-Season Performance: Designed for reliable traction in wet, dry, and light snow conditions.
Long-Lasting Wet Performance: Features Flask Sipes that provide exceptional wet performance even as the tire wears.
Dynamic Handling: Optimized tread pattern delivers precise handling and responsiveness.
Durable Construction: Radial construction ensures durability and stability.
Tread Life Warranty: Backed by a tread life warranty (specific mileage varies by speed rating).

Image showing a white car with Falken tires, alongside badges for 65K/45K miles tread life warranty, Road Hazard Protection, 30-day Ride Guarantee, and M+S rating.

Figure 2: Key features and warranty information for the ZIEX ZE960 A/S.

3. Specifications

Specification	Value
Brand	Falken
Model Number	28963725
Size	235/55R17
Load Index / Speed Rating	99W
Section Width	235 Millimeters
Load Capacity	1609 Pounds
Tread Depth	10.16 32nds
Tread Type	Asymmetrical
Maximum Pressure	51 Pound per Square Inch
Tire Diameter	27.2 Inches
Item Weight	27.6 Pounds
Construction Type	Radial
UTQG	540AA
UPC	848983017116

4. Installation (Mounting)

Proper installation of your FALKEN ZIEX ZE960 A/S tires is crucial for safety and performance. It is highly recommended that tire mounting and balancing be performed by a qualified professional using appropriate equipment.

4.1 Pre-Installation Checks

Verify that the tire size, load index, and speed rating match your vehicle's specifications as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Inspect the tire for any visible damage or defects prior to mounting.
Ensure the wheel rim is clean, free of damage, and compatible with the tire size.

4.2 Mounting Procedure (Professional Recommended)

Lubricate the tire beads and rim flanges with an approved tire mounting lubricant.
Mount the tire onto the wheel using a tire mounting machine, ensuring the correct rotational direction if indicated on the tire sidewall.
Inflate the tire slowly to the recommended pressure, ensuring the beads seat properly on the rim. Do not exceed 40 PSI (2.75 bar) to seat beads unless specified otherwise by the tire manufacturer.
Balance the tire and wheel assembly using a wheel balancing machine to prevent vibrations.
Install the balanced wheel assembly onto the vehicle, tightening lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer's specified torque settings.

Note: Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific tire and wheel installation guidelines.

5. Operating Guidelines

To maximize the life and performance of your FALKEN ZIEX ZE960 A/S tires, adhere to the following operating guidelines:

5.1 Tire Pressure

Maintain proper tire inflation pressure as specified by your vehicle manufacturer (found on a placard inside the driver's door jamb, glove compartment, or owner's manual).
Check tire pressure at least once a month, and before long trips, when tires are cold.
Under-inflation or over-inflation can lead to premature wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling.

5.2 Driving Habits

Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and sharp turns, which can accelerate tread wear.
Drive within legal speed limits and adjust speed according to road and weather conditions.
Be mindful of road hazards such as potholes, curbs, and debris that can damage tires.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends the life and ensures the safety of your tires.

6.1 Tire Rotation

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, to promote even tread wear.
Uneven wear can lead to reduced tire life and compromised handling.

6.2 Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked periodically, especially if you notice uneven tire wear or steering issues.
Ensure tires are balanced whenever they are mounted or rotated to prevent vibrations.

6.3 Inspection

Regularly inspect tires for signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, cracks, or punctures.
Check tread depth using a tread depth gauge. Replace tires when the tread wears down to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm), indicated by the tread wear indicators.

Close-up of tire tread showing a yellow tread wear indicator bar.

Figure 3: Tread wear indicator.

7. Troubleshooting

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

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Uneven Tread Wear	Improper inflation, misalignment, unbalanced wheels, lack of rotation.	Check and adjust tire pressure, have alignment checked, balance wheels, rotate tires regularly.
Vibration while Driving	Unbalanced wheels, bent rim, tire damage, worn suspension components.	Have wheels balanced, inspect tires and rims for damage, consult a mechanic for suspension check.
Slow Air Leak	Puncture, faulty valve stem, damaged rim.	Inspect tire for punctures (e.g., nails), check valve stem, have rim inspected. Seek professional repair.
Bulge on Sidewall	Impact damage (e.g., hitting a pothole), internal tire damage.	Do not drive on a tire with a sidewall bulge. This indicates structural damage. Replace the tire immediately.

8. Warranty Information

Falken Tires offers a comprehensive warranty program for the ZIEX ZE960 A/S, including a Tread Life Warranty and Road Hazard Protection.

Tread Life Warranty: The ZIEX ZE960 A/S is backed by a 65,000-mile warranty for H/V rated tires and a 45,000-mile warranty for W rated tires.
Road Hazard Protection: This tire may be eligible for Road Hazard Protection, which covers non-repairable damage from road hazards.
30-Day Ride Guarantee: Falken offers a 30-day ride guarantee, allowing you to return the tires if you are not completely satisfied.

For full details, terms, conditions, and limitations of the warranty, please refer to the official Falken Tires warranty brochure or visit the Falken Tires website. Mounting and balancing are not included in warranty replacements, and applicable taxes, valve stem costs, and disposal fees may apply.

9. Support and Contact Information

For further assistance, technical support, or warranty claims, please contact Falken Tires customer service:

Website: Visit the official Falken Tires website for FAQs, dealer locator, and contact forms.
Customer Service: Refer to the Falken Tires website for current contact numbers and hours of operation.

When contacting support, please have your tire's DOT serial number and purchase information readily available.

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