Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Goodyear Assurance All-Season is a passenger tire designed for year-round traction, comfort, and durability. It is suitable for family sedans and minivans, performing effectively in various weather conditions, including winter. The tread design incorporates features for enhanced handling and wet weather performance.

Figure 1: Goodyear Assurance All-Season tire, front view.

2. Key Features

• All-Season Reliability: Features multiple biting edges for consistent traction in dry, wet, and snowy conditions.
• Enhanced Wet Traction: Wide tread grooves efficiently drain water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
• Reliable Handling: Large, stable shoulder blocks contribute to responsive handling on both wet and dry roads.
• Comfortable Ride: An optimized tread pattern is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
• Durable Construction: Engineered for strength and durability, supported by a 65,000-mile tread life warranty.

Figure 2: Detailed view of the tire's tread pattern.

3. Specifications

Note: Specifications are for the 235/45R18 size. Other sizes may vary.

4. Setup and Installation

Proper installation of your Goodyear Assurance All-Season tires is crucial for safety and performance. It is highly recommended that tire installation be performed by a qualified professional technician.

4.1 Professional Installation

Always have new tires installed by a certified tire professional. They possess the specialized equipment and expertise to:

• Ensure correct tire mounting and bead seating.
• Properly balance the tire and wheel assembly to prevent vibrations.
• Install new valve stems.
• Verify correct tire pressure according to your vehicle's manufacturer specifications (found on the tire placard inside the driver's side door jamb or owner's manual).
• Perform a wheel alignment if necessary.

4.2 Matching Tires

For optimal vehicle performance and safety, it is recommended to install tires of the same size, type, and construction on all four wheel positions. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific recommendations.

4.3 Break-in Period

New tires require a break-in period of approximately 500 miles. During this time, avoid hard acceleration, sudden braking, and aggressive cornering to allow the tire components to settle and achieve optimal performance.

5. Operating Guidelines

Adhering to these operating guidelines will help ensure the longevity and safe performance of your Goodyear Assurance All-Season tires.

5.1 Tire Pressure

Maintain the correct tire inflation pressure as specified by your vehicle manufacturer. This information is typically found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, glove compartment, or in the owner's manual. Check tire pressure at least once a month, and always before long trips, using a reliable tire gauge when tires are cold (driven less than a mile).

• Under-inflation can lead to excessive heat buildup, premature wear, and reduced fuel efficiency.
• Over-inflation can result in a harsher ride, reduced traction, and uneven tread wear.

5.2 Load Limits

Never exceed the maximum load capacity or the maximum inflation pressure stamped on the tire's sidewall. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the vehicle's maximum load capacity.

5.3 Driving Practices

Drive responsibly and avoid aggressive driving habits such as:

• Rapid acceleration and hard braking.
• High-speed cornering.
• Driving over potholes or curbs at high speeds.

These practices can cause damage to tires and suspension components, and reduce tire lifespan.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for maximizing the life and performance of your Goodyear Assurance All-Season tires.

6.1 Tire Rotation

Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Regular rotation helps promote even tread wear across all four tires, extending their lifespan.

6.2 Tread Depth Inspection

Regularly inspect your tire tread depth. The minimum legal tread depth is typically 2/32nds of an inch. You can use a tread depth gauge or the built-in tread wear indicators (small bars molded into the tread grooves) to check. If the tread is worn down to these indicators, the tire should be replaced.

6.3 Visual Inspection

Periodically inspect your tires for any signs of damage, such as:

• Cuts, cracks, or bulges on the sidewall or tread.
• Punctures from nails, screws, or other debris.
• Uneven wear patterns, which may indicate alignment or balancing issues.

Any significant damage should be inspected by a tire professional immediately.

6.4 Cleaning

Clean your tires with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or petroleum-based products, as these can degrade the rubber over time.

7. Troubleshooting

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

7.1 Uneven Tread Wear

If you notice uneven wear (e.g., wear on one side of the tread, center wear, or shoulder wear), it could indicate:

• Incorrect tire pressure (under or over-inflation).
• Misalignment of wheels.
• Unbalanced wheels.
• Worn suspension components.

Action: Check tire pressure, and have your vehicle inspected by a professional for alignment, balancing, and suspension issues.

7.2 Vibration

Vibrations felt through the steering wheel or seat, especially at certain speeds, often point to:

• Unbalanced wheels.
• Damaged tire (e.g., separated tread, bulge).
• Bent wheel.

Action: Have your tires and wheels inspected and balanced by a professional. If a tire is damaged, it may need replacement.

7.3 Loss of Air Pressure

A sudden or gradual loss of air pressure can be caused by:

• Puncture (nail, screw).
• Leaky valve stem.
• Damage to the tire bead or rim.

Action: Inspect the tire for visible punctures. If found, or if the cause is not apparent, have the tire professionally inspected and repaired or replaced. Do not drive on a severely underinflated tire.

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Tread Life Limited Warranty

The Goodyear Assurance All-Season tire comes with a 65,000-mile tread life limited warranty. This warranty covers the tire against premature tread wear under normal operating conditions. Please refer to the official Goodyear warranty documentation for full terms, conditions, and exclusions.

8.2 Customer Support

For further assistance, technical questions, or warranty claims, please contact Goodyear customer service or visit the official Goodyear website. Keep your purchase receipt and tire information readily available.

Goodyear Official Website: www.goodyear.com