Warranty & Support

FOR REPLACEMENT PASSENGER CAR, LIGHT TRUCK AND TEMPORARY SPARE TIRES

This limited warranty/adjustment policy provides for tire replacement under specified conditions. This policy applies to tires used in normal highway service (commercial applications excluded) displaying warrantable conditions. Tires that become unserviceable or wear out because of neglect or mistreatment are excluded from Vakayama warranty coverage.

WARRANTY ELIGIBILITY

This warranty applies to every Vakayama replacement passenger car, light truck and temporary spare tire bearing the Vakayama brand name and complete D.O.T. serial identification number and operated during normal highway use (commercial applications excluded) in the United States. These tires are covered by this warranty for the life of the original usable tread depth [the original tread depth down to the level of treadwear indicator bars molded at 2/32” (1.6mm) or for 60 months from the date of purchase (proof of purchase required) or 72 months from the date of manufacture (if no proof of purchase available), whichever comes first.] This warranty applies only to the original tire purchaser, and is not transferable to any other party. This time period does not represent the expected service life for tires covered by this warranty.

WHAT IS NOT WARRANTED

Tires that have become unserviceable for the following reasons:

Road hazard injuries or damages caused by obstacles or debris, such as cuts, punctures (whether repairable or not), snags, bruises, tears, abrasions or impact breaks.

Improper repairs or repairs that have failed.

Improper inflation or other maintenance abuses.

Improper application of tire size and/or specification.

Improper mounting/dismounting procedures or tire/wheel assembly imbalance.

Mechanical irregularities in the vehicle or wheel, such as bent wheel assemblies, misalignment, worn or faulty components.

Weather checking/cracking or failures resulting from these conditions on tires purchased more than four years (48 months) prior to a warranty claim. If proof of purchase is not provided, the D.O.T. serial number is used.

Accident, corrosion, vandalism, fire or damages caused by nature.

ADDITIONAL EXCLUSIONS

Tires that have had material added after leaving a Vakayama manufacturing plant, such as fillers, sealants, balancing substances or materials of any kind. Additionally, tires that have had external tire treatments which include but are not limited to: tread siping, shaving, carving, regrooving, white sidewall inlay or applying materials or treatments to the tread surface. If the material or treatment is the cause of a failure, vibration, or ride disturbance the tire will not be accepted for warranty, or mileage warranty credit.

Tires submitted for ride disturbance complaints with more than 1/32” (0.8mm) treadwear or 12 months from date of purchase, whichever occurs first.

Tires on vehicles registered or operated outside of the United States.

Tires not sold in the United States by the Vakayama Tire Corporation.

Tires branded by Vakayama to note special classification at time of purchase, such as “NA” (non-adjustable), or tires altered by notching or buffing.

Tires used on vehicles in racing or special applications.

WHAT IS WARRANTED

Tires that have become unserviceable for reasons other than stated above will be replaced in accordance with this warranty.

ADJUSTMENT POLICY

Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires (Other than Temporary Spare Tires)

When the original usable tread is worn 2/32” (1.6mm) or less and a warrantable condition is found, the tire will be replaced with a comparable new Vakayama tire free of charge. During this period, tires will be mounted and balanced without charge. Other service charges such as tire rotation, alignment or applicable taxes are payable by the customer.

When a tire has worn past the above specified period for free replacement and a warrantable condition is found, the customer must pay for the cost of a new comparable Vakayama passenger or light truck tire on a prorated basis. The dealer shall determine this cost by multiplying the percentage of usable tread worn by the dealer’s current retail selling price of that tire at the time of warranty replacement. The cost of mounting, balancing and any other service charges or applicable taxes are payable by the customer.

Passenger Tires Mounted on Light Trucks

Vakayama Tire Corporation’s warranty policy provides coverage for all tires installed on light trucks, minivans or like designs that have or had passenger tires installed as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer, when the Vakayama replacement tire is equal to or greater in load index and speed rating (if applicable) of the originally installed tire. Operation other than described above will be denied coverage under all terms of the Vakayama Standard Limited Warranty for Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires.

Temporary Spare Tires

When the original tread of a Vakayama temporary spare tire used in temporary highway service on the vehicle on which it was originally installed is worn less than 1/32” (0.8mm), the tire will be replaced with a new Vakayama temporary spare tire free of charge, without charge for mounting and balancing the new tire. Additional service charges are payable by the customer.

Temporary spare tires worn in excess of 1/32” (0.8mm), but less than 2/32” (1.6mm), will be replaced and the customer charged 50% of the dealer’s current retail selling price of the tire. The cost of mounting, balancing, and any other service charges are payable by the customer.

LIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY FOR STEEL-BELTED PASSENGER CAR RADIALS AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES

In addition to the Standard Limited Warranty coverage, some Vakayama steel-belted radial tires purchased in the continental United States from authorized Vakayama dealers as replacement tires only are warranted for treadwear during a limit of five years (60 months) from the installation date. This warranty excludes Vakayama snow tires, and passenger tires mounted on vans, pickup trucks or any other utility vehicle used in commercial applications, except as provided by specific warranties. Passenger tires installed as original equipment are not covered by this warranty.

ADJUSTMENT POLICY

If within 60 months from the date of mounting, the tire wears down to the treadwear indicator bars 2/32” (1.6mm) and the tire has not delivered the warranted miles of normal passenger car highway use (commercial applications excluded), Vakayama will provide credit for unused service toward the replacement of a new comparable Vakayama steel-belted radial tire. The customer will be charged a percentage of the warranted miles received multiplied by the dealer’s current retail selling price of the tire at the time of adjustment. Other charges for taxes and dealer services of mounting, balancing, rotation and any others are payable by the customer. This time period does not represent the expected service life for tires covered by this warranty.

LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

All implied warranties, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly limited to the duration of this written warranty.

All obligations or liabilities for loss of time, inconvenience, loss of vehicle use or any other incidental or consequential damages are hereby excluded. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply.

This warranty gives the customer specific legal rights. The customer may also have other rights which may vary from state to state. The customer is advised to determine those rights for their local area and exercise them as required or deemed appropriate.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail due to improper maintenance or service factors. Tire failure may create a risk of property damage and serious or fatal injury. For your safety, please follow the instructions below.

Tire Inspection

Monthly inspections by owner. At least once a month, inspect your tires, including your spare tire, consisting of an inflation check, tread depth check and a visual search for damage from road hazards, such as scrapes, bulges, cuts, nails, irregular wear, etc. Inspect your tires immediately after any known or suspected contact with an object in the road, a pothole, road irregularity or after severe braking. Refer these conditions to a reputable tire service center for repair or replacement. Never drive on a damaged tire.

Annual inspections by a qualified tire service professional. At least once a year, have your tires inspected by a qualified tire service professional to determine whether your tires can continue in service.

Tire Tread

Tires must be replaced when the depth of the tread reaches 2/32” (1.6 mm). Vakayama tires are manufactured with tread wear indicators molded into the tire grooves which indicate tread wear out. As tires wear down to 2/32” (1.6mm), and tread depth is reduced, tire traction is reduced during rainfall and winter road conditions. While the minimum allowable tread depth is 2/32”, tires may lose sufficient wet and snow traction before reaching 2/32” (1.6 mm). The vehicle owner must determine if tires should be replaced prior to reaching 2/32” tread depth based on the conditions under which the vehicle is operating. A visual tire inspection, therefore, becomes more crucial as the tires wear out.

If you detect irregular tire wear or vibration, your vehicle may be out of alignment or your tire/wheel assembly may be out of balance. These conditions shorten the life of your tires and may adversely affect the handling characteristics of your vehicle, which could be dangerous. Tires which have been run underinflated will show more wear on the shoulders than in the center of the tread. If you have any unusual tire wear, performance or ride quality, take your vehicle to a qualified tire service professional.

Tire Loading

Never exceed the maximum vehicle load limit listed on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. Never exceed the load carrying limits molded into the tire’s sidewall. Maximum load can only be carried at the maximum cold inflation pressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall. Overloading can cause excessive heat buildup, internal structural damage and may cause tire failure.

Speed

Regardless of the speed capability of your tires, never exceed lawful speeds or speeds dictated by driving conditions. Exceeding a tire’s speed capacity could cause overheating and sudden tire failure.

Road Hazards

Objects on the road that could damage your tires should be safely avoided. These objects include: potholes, glass, metal, rocks, wood debris, curbs and the like. Damage from impact can occur to the inner portions of your tire without being visible to the outside and can result in tire failure. If you suspect a tire has been damaged, immediately replace it with a properly inflated spare tire, and have the damaged tire removed from the rim and inspected both inside and out by a qualified tire technician.

WARNING

Safely avoid road hazards, including, potholes, curbs and objects on the road. This may cause a tire failure, including a tread/ belt separation, even at a later date, which can lead to an accident and serious personal injury or death.

Tire Spinning

Do not allow the reading on the speedometer to exceed 35 mph if tires are spinning because the vehicle becomes stuck in mud, snow, ice, etc. When only one tire on an axle is spinning, its speed can be double what is indicated on the speedometer and can quickly exceed the capability of the tire

Never allow anyone to stand behind a spinning tire while attempting to push a vehicle. Speed and force can cause a tire to disintegrate and explode and may cause property damage, serious personal injury or death to you or a bystander.

Recommended Tire Rotation

Front and rear tires perform differently and, consequently, Vakayama recommends tire rotation to ensure even wear and lengthen tread life. Rotate your tires according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation in your owner’s manual. In the absence of the vehicle manufacturer’s instruction, Vakayama recommends that its tires be rotated every 5,000 miles for normal applications. If your vehicle has a matching full-size spare tire, it is recommended that it be included in the tire rotation. After the tires are rotated, make sure they are inflated to the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Repair & Maintenance

All passenger and light truck tires require regular maintenance to assure safe operation and maximum service lifetime. Tire repairs should only be completed by a qualified tire service professional. Improper repairs are dangerous and may cause a tire to fail. Vakayama endorses all service guidelines defined by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association. Visit ustires.org or call 202-682-4800 for their service publications. Vakayama does not allow repair of injury to temporary spare tires and Vakayama ZPS runflat tires.

WARNING

VIBRATION/RIDE DISTURBANCE: Many tire failures are preceded by vibrations, bumps, bulges, or irregular wear. If while driving your vehicle you experience any unusual vibration, pull, ride disturbance or noise, DO NOT continue to drive. Pull over as soon as possible and inspect your tires. A tire failure may lead to loss of control, which may create a risk of serious personal injury or death.

If the vehicle experiences a sudden vibration, ride disturbance or tire failure and/or there is a possibility the tires and/or vehicle have been damaged, gradually reduce speed. DO NOT ABRUPTLY BRAKE OR TURN. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tire. If the tire is underinflated or damaged, deflate and replace it with a good spare tire. If a cause cannot be detected, the vehicle should be towed to the nearest vehicle or tire dealer for an inspection.