FAQS

Home TYRE CARE FAQS

    Radial Tyre

  • Q. I maintain the OEM recommended tyre air pressure But still radial tyres on my car looks slightly underinflated. Is it Ok?
    • It's natural for radial tyres to have a slight bulge in the sidewall/shoulder area at their proper air pressure. Check or adjust tyre air pressure every fortnight, before any long trip or if traveling with a heavy load. And don't forget to check the spare.
  • Q. I have bought two radial tyres? Can I mix it with Bias tyres on my car?
    • Tyres of different size designations, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. For best all-around performance, it is recommended that all tyres be of the same size, construction (radial, non-radial) load and speed rating. Never mix radial and bais tyres on the same axle. When Radial tyres are used with Bias on the same car, the radials must always be placed on the rear axle. A single new tyre should be paired on the rear axle with the tyre having the most tread depth among the remaining tyres.
  • Q. How do I know the tyre I am buying is a radial tyre ?
    • In tyre designation or size markings “R” is used to denote Radial construction of a tyre. E.g. 165/80R14 – here R indicate Radial tyre for 14 inch rim diameter code. Moreover “Radial” is also embossed on the tyre sidewall.
  • Q. Why Radial tyres are better over Conventional tyres ?
    • By virtue of their inherent design radial tyres have the following advantages over Bias tyres • Longer tyre life • Improved fuel efficiency • Better high speed performance • Better Vehicle handling and driving comfort • Improved braking & cornering • Better puncture resistance
  • Tube Air Pressure

  • Q. Does nitrogen inflation in place of normal inflation help?
    • Yes. Nitrogen being inert, non combustible and non corrosive gas giving us the following advantages: • Nitrogen permeates the tyre significantly lower than the oxygen in the air. It stays in the tyre for longer time, hence tyre pressure stay constant for a longer time. • Improves fuel economy • Reduces tyre oxidation/ wheel corrosion • Reduces running temperatures of tyre.
  • Q. My tyres (tube type /tubeless) are losing air pressure very frequently and there is no puncture? What should I do?
    • There could be many factors for this involving wheel rim, tyre, tube and valve. Would request to get your tyres inspected by our tyre experts for investigation and corrective actions.
  • Q. What is the right way of checking tyre air pressure of my tyres and what should be the frequency?
    • Always check tyre air pressure when tyres are cold after vehicle has stopped or before it has been driven for 2 Kms. Use accurate tyre pressure gauge. If check is made when tyres are hot then inflation pressure above 4 psi than the recommended cold operation air pressure by the vehicle manufacturer is permissible. Check the pressures of your tyres, including spare, once in a fortnight and before any long journey or if traveling with a heavy load. Never bleed when tyres are hot. Ensure a dirt-free valve cap is always fitted.
  • Q. How much air should I put in my tyres?
    • Proper air pressure is the most important part of tyre care & maintenance. Always maintain tyre air pressure as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this tyre air pressure recommendation in your vehicle owner's manual, posted on the edge of the driver's door, on a door post or on the inside of the glove box door.
  • Q. What is Tyre under Inflation / Over inflation and their impact on tyre life?
    • Tyre are underinflated when air pressure is less than the recommended pressure by vehicle Manufacturer and over inflated when air pressure is more than this limit. Under inflation can cause tyre to flex more and there by generating more heat which can deteriorate the characteristics of tyre rubber. It can also make your tyre to wear out faster on shoulders. In sever cases it can cause the rim to slip on the tyre bead , resulting in damage to the tyre and rimand also adversely impacts fuel efficiency. Over inflation may cause tyre to burst and also cause unusual handling characteristics viz. bumpy ride or tyre noise. It can also make tyres to wear faster on its central part of the tread.
  • Tubeless Tyre

  • Q. My car has tube type tyres. I am planning to replace them with tube less tyres? Are there any precondition for tubeless tyre fitment?
    • In tubeless tyre, there is no tube and air is compressed between tyre and rim assembly. There fore it is important that the condition of your wheel rim should be good and should be able to support tyre beads firmly so that there is no air leakage. We recommend to visit our Steel Wheels centers for proper fitment of JK tubeless radial tyres.
  • Q. Do I need to check tyre air pressure more frequently in tubeless tyres?
    • No you do not have to check tyre air pressure more frequently than a tube type tyre provided tubeless tyre is fitted properly on a correct rim with right valve fitment. However if condition of rim is not good (viz. bent, cracked, rusted etc) or tyre or valve is not properly fitted then there are high chances of frequent air loss problem. Since air pressure is the most critical parameter in a tyre for its optimum performance it is advisable to check your tyre on a regular basis irrespective of its construction.
  • Q. Can I use tube type tyre without tube as tubeless tyres or vice versa?
    • By virtue of their construction and design , a tube type tyre must not be used without tube as tubeless. However use of tube in tubeless tyre for limited period in case of emergencies is permissible.
  • Q. How to identify that the tyre I am buying is a tubeless tyre?
    • There is no difference in appearance between tube type and tubeless tyres. However “Tubeless” is written on the sidewall of the tubeless tyre to indicate its construction.
  • Q. What is a tubeless tyre and what are its advantages?
    • Tubeless tyres, as the name suggests, are tyres without the tube. The tubeless tyre is built in such a way that it can contain the air by itself without tube. In Tubeless construction tyre and rim assembly form an air container, to “Seal” and “Contain” the compressed air inside the assembly and have the following advantages:: • Safety – Unlike in tube type tyre there is no sudden air loss (tyre blow outs) in the event of a penetration of sharp object (puncture). Hence there is a better control over vehicle. This is the biggest advantage of a tubeless tyre over tube type particularly on sustained high speed operation. • Convenience :- Since there is not sudden decrease of air pressure during puncture/penetration of sharp objects and tyre wheel assembly continue to perform its function for some time to ensure safety and more time to have tyre repaired. Secondly tubeless tyres can also be repaired by you without demounting from the wheel for small punctures. • Economy -Since tube is eliminated, friction between tyre & tube is not experienced, thus lower rolling resistance, improved fuel efficiency, less vibrations , less heat generation and better comfort.
  • Tyre Buying

  • Q. How to identify that the tyre I am buying is a tubeless tyre?
    • There is no difference in appearance between tube type and Tubeless tyres. However “Tubeless” is written on the sidewall of The tubeless tyre to indicate its construction.
  • Q. How do I know the tyre I am buying is a radial tyre?
    • In tyre designation or size markings “R” is used to denote Radial construction of a tyre. E.g. 165/80R14 – here R indicate Radial tyre for 14 inch rim diameter code. Moreover “Radial” is also embossed on the tyre sidewall.
  • Q. I have purchased tyres from the market. The dealer has not given me any warranty / guarantee card? Should I be worried for the warranty of the tyre?
    • No you should not be worried for the warranty on tyre(s) if you can produce the proof of purchase (bill) at the time of warranty claim and the tyre under claim conforms to the JK Tyre warranty conditions.
  • Q. I have recently bought JK tyres for my car. How do I know the date of manufacture of these tyres?
    • All JK passenger car tyres conforms to the BIS marking of week and year code on tyres. Example “3109”which means this tyre was manufactured during 31st week of year 2009.
  • Q. What are the points should be kept in mind during selection of tyre?
    • First and foremost one should always stick to the tyre specification as per vehicle manufacturer. However some of the critical factors to be considered for correct tyre selection are: • Vehicle type & use (passenger or goods) • Load carried and type of load (Load Index/PR) • Speed and sustained operations (Speed Symbol) • Type /Rim combination (Tyre Size and Rim Profile) • Operating conditions (Type of Roads/Terrain) Tyre pattern design requirements based on the application – In case directional tyres or special tread pattern are recommended by vehicle manufacture then replacement should be of similar tread pattern type.
  • Q. How do I know that my tyres need replacement?
    • When you see any one of the following signs on your tyres : When Tyre is worn out Make sure to regularly check the tread depth of your tyre and replace them when they are worn up to TWI(Tread Wear Indicator) or when there is a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm remaining on tyre . If tyres are not worn upto TWI but have severe uneven /one side wear then also is it time to replace. This will guarantee maximum traction and grip, helping you avoid any unpleasant surprises. Condition of tyre Any damage or injury on the casing(body), tread of the tyre, Sidewall of a tyre will weaken its ability to respond driving inputs such as steering, acceleration and braking and will subsequently result in permanent tyre damage or into tyre blow outs. Replace tyre if you observe any such anomalies on your tyre or seek opinion of our tyre experts. Tyre is over aged If the tyres have been used for prolonged time and have started showing signs of weather cracking or degradation/deformation of casing then replace your tyres as a precautionary measure even if they lookgood/serviceable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator.
  • Tyre Care Maintenance

  • Q. What is TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) and its significance?
    • Most tyres have tread wear indicators, usually six or more small ribs across the bottom of the main tread grooves. For motorist the remaining tread depth of rubber on tyre is one of the important aspect to be closely watched to ensure safety of the vehicle, particularly on wet road conditions and high speeds. In India as per CMVR (Center Motor Vehicle Rule) the non skid depth (NSD) shall not be less than 0.8 mm. in case of two wheeler and three wheeler and 1.6 mm. in case of other motor vehicles below the TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) in the tyre”. And this is the minimum tread depth at which the tyre needs to be removed or replaced for safe driving.
  • Q. What should I do if I notice a vibration?
    • Vibration is an indication that your car needs attention. The tyres, steering system and suspension system should be checked to help determine the possible cause and correction of the vibration. If left unattended, the vibration could cause excessive tyre and suspension wear. We recommend to get your tyre/vehicle checked jointly by our tyre expert and vehicle expert for investigation.
  • Q. Why Tyre Rotation Is important?
    • Rotation of tyre in a vehicle is recommended for a uniform tyre tread wear on all wheel position to achieve optimum tyre life. It is preferred to rotate tyres as per vehicle manufacturers recommendation or in case of any uneven tyre wear noticed. It is suggested to check wheel alignment, wheel balance and suspension before the tyres are rotated.
  • Q. What is tyre wheel balancing and why?
    • A wheel which is not properly balanced may setup vibrations which can affect steering control. Tyre wheel assembly are usually checked for balance before leaving factory. This balance is achieved by positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the tyre wheel assembly. Properly balanced tyres are important for driving comfort and long tyre life. Tyres should be balanced when they are mounted on the wheels for the first time or when they are removed for repair or periodically as per vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Q. Why Vehicle alignment is important?
    • A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when the tyrewheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front-or rear-tyre wear, or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side) can indicate misalignment.
  • Q. What is Tyre under Inflation / Over inflation and their impact on tyre life?
    • Tyre are underinflated when air pressure is less than the recommended pressure by vehicle Manufacturer and over inflated when air pressure is more than this limit. Under inflation can cause tyre to flex more and there by generating more heat which can deteriorate the characteristics of tyre rubber. It can also make your tyre to wear out faster on shoulders. In sever cases it can cause the rim to slip on the tyre bead , resulting in damage to the tyre and rimand also adversely impacts fuel efficiency.
  • Q. What is the right way of checking tyre air pressure of my tyres and what should be the frequency?
    • Always check tyre air pressure when tyres are cold after vehicle has stopped or before it has been driven for 2 Kms. Use accurate tyre pressure gauge. If check is made when tyres are hot then inflation pressure above 4 psi than the recommended cold operation air pressure by the vehicle manufacturer is permissible. Check the pressures of your tyres, including spare, once in a fortnight and before any long journey or if traveling with a heavy load. Never bleed when tyres are hot. Ensure a dirt-free valve cap is always fitted.
  • Q. How much air should I put in my tyres?
    • Proper air pressure is the most important part of tyre care & maintenance. Always maintain tyre air pressure as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this tyre air pressure recommendation in your vehicle owner's manual, posted on the edge of the driver's door, on a door post or on the inside of the glove box door.
  • Q. How do I know that my tyres need replacement?
    • When you see any one of the following signs on your tyres: When Tyre is worn out Make sure to regularly check the tread depth of your tyre and replace them when they are worn up to TWI(Tread Wear Indicator) or when there is a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm remaining on tyre . If tyres are not worn upto TWI but have severe uneven /one side wear then also is it time to replace. This will guarantee maximum traction and grip, helping you avoid any unpleasant surprises. Condition of tyre Any damage or injury on the casing(body), tread of the tyre, Sidewall of a tyre will weaken its ability to respond driving inputs such as steering, acceleration and braking and will subsequently result in permanent tyre damage or into tyre blow outs. Replace tyre if you observe any such anomalies on your tyre or seek opinion of our tyre experts. Tyre is over aged If the tyres have been used for prolonged time and have started showing signs of weather cracking or degradation/deformation of casing then replace your tyres as a precautionary measure even if they lookgood/serviceable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator.
  • Tyre Safety Tips

  • Q. What are the safety precautions with regards to my tyres?
    • Always get your Tyre mounting / demounting done by trained personnel using proper tools and procedure. • Never mount or use damaged tyres/ rims. • Never use inflammable substance into a tyre. • Never use tyre worn beyond TWI. • Always maintain correct tyre air pressure. Check the pressures of your tyres, including spare, once in a fortnight and before any long journey or if traveling with a heavy load. • Observed posted speed limits • Avoid fast start , stops and turns • Avoid potholes and objects on the roads. • Do not run over curbs and hit the tyre against side railings, dividers and curbs. • Do not spin the wheels. • ¡t is dangerous to neglect tyre damages. • Do not overload tyres.
  • Q. How much load my tyre can carry safely ?
    • All tyres are also marked with their load carrying capacity (TLCC) in the form of Load index. Load index is a numerical code , associated with the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its Speed Symbol under the specified conditions. For example JK tyre 185/70R14 88S : here 88 is a numerical code corresponds to 560 Kgs. In other words the subject tyre is capable of carrying a load of 560 Kgs with regards to its speed symbol. Click for more details on Load Index
  • Q. What is the maximum speed that my tyre can go?
    • All tyres are marked with their speed capability in the form of speed symbol. Speed symbol is an alphabet indicate the maximum speed at which a tyre can carry a load corresponding to its load index (Ply Rating or recommended maximum load). For example JK tyre 185/70R14 88S : here S is the speed symbol corresponds to 180 Kmph. In other words the subject tyre is capable of doing 180 Kmph for load not exceeding its load index 88 (560 kgs). Click for more details on Speed symbol.
  • Q. Can I mount tyre on a wheel on my own?
    • Never try to mount your own tyres. Tyre mounting is a skilled job and for the people who have the proper equipment and experience. If you try to do it yourself, you run the risk of serious injury to yourself as well as possible damage to your tyre and rim. Remember vehicle running on improperly mounted tyres is a serious threat to the road safety.
  • Q What are the conditions that can make my tyres unsafe for use?
    • Tyre is the only contact between road and the vehicle. The part of your tyre which is in contact with the road is only about the size of a postcard. Your safety, comfort and fuel economy depends on this small contact patch. Any abnormal change in this can result in loss of vehicle control and thereby posing a serious threat to road safety. Some of the important factors on tyre safety aspects are following:: Wrong tyre fitment– Tyre not right for the application intended is also a safety threat. Using of incorrect tyre size, construction, Load index, speed symbol or tread pattern can cause hindrance in delivering vehicle optimum performance which may be lead to threat to road safety. Tyre Worn below (TWI) – Tyres worn below TWI (Tread Wear indicator) are unsafe for usage. Tyres with one side , misalignment, spotty or uneven wear can also seriously affect traction or braking performance of a vehicle. This can also cause hydro planning phenomena where in a thin film of water is created between tyre and road resulting in complete loss of steering control. Improper tyre air pressure – Under/Over air pressure can modify tyre contact area/patch which can adversely affect tyre /vehicle performance. Under inflation esults in excessive flexing of tyre causing heat build ups and make them vulnerable for blow outs. Even tyre inflation process if not properly done can also result in accident or injury. Damaged tyre – Load of the vehicle, passenger, goods is carried out by the compressed air contained in the tyre. This pressure can result in sudden air loss/burst if there is any weak portion in tyre due to injury or damage. Heat Buildup – Heat is the biggest enemy of tyre. Heat build up is the major source of tyre failures. Over aged tyres - Like any other product tyres also have a shelf life. If tyres are over aged or have started showing marks of ageing then we must replace our old tyres with new ones even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator.
  • Tyre Warranty

  • Q. Does JK provide customer friendly warranty* policy on passenger car radial tyres?
    • Yes, JK Tyre provides limited customer friendly warranty policy for non manufacturing defects on passenger car radial tyres branded as “ Miles of Smiles”. JK Passenger Car Radial tyres failed due to non manufacturing defects will be replaced on pro-rata wear for a period of three years from the date of manufacture or up to 50% tread wear , whichever is earlier. “Tubeless” , “LT” and “C” construction PCR tyres do not come under the purview of this unconditional warranty policy. Tubes failed due to non manufacturing defect are also not covered under this policy. Refer our “Tyre Warranty” section to find our more.
      * This warranty is applicable till 2011 production.
  • Q. My tyre has gone flat. Is this covered by JK Tyre Warranty?
    • Tyre run without air and subsequent tyre damages do not come under the preview of standard manufacturing warranty policy.
  • Q. Is there any mileage warranty on tyres?
    • Tyre mileage is subjective in nature due to the variety of operating conditions such as type of road, speed, load carried, vehicle application, type of tyre construction, features, tread compounds, geographical conditions and driving habits. Hence JK Tyre does are not provide any specific mileage warranty in terms of kilometers. In case you observe any anomaly in your tyre wear nature you may approach our tyre experts.
  • Q. I have purchased tyres from the market. The dealer has not given me any warranty / guarantee card? Should I be worried for the warranty of the tyre?
    • No you should not be worried for the warranty on tyre(s) if you can produce the proof of purchase (bill) at the time of warranty claim and the tyre under claim conforms to the JK Tyre warranty conditions.
  • Q. What are the conditions which nullifies warranty of tyres?
    • The following condition can nullify warranty coverage: • Tyres worn beyond tread wear indicator • Tyres with road hazard damages (thru cuts, external injuries, impact break, punctures, repairable or not • repairable) • Damages on account of incorrect mounting /demounting, improper wheel alignment, balancing. • Tyre damage due to vehicle mechanical irregularities. • Tyres fitted with vehicles carrying of overload , running with high speeds or tyres with under inflation/over • inflation. • Tyres which have not been fitted in accordance with the technical recommendations of the company as • published • from time to time or recommended care and maintenance. • Tyres damage on account of accident, fire, chemical explosion, tyre alteration or vandalism. • Tyres with Ply/Cords exposed • Tyres repaired or retreaded. • Tyres with severe uneven wear/ misalignment (MAL) wear. • Tyre defects due to climatic conditions, ozone and improper storage. • Tyres purchased from unauthorized or second hand dealers. • Tyre ageing (tyre is old) more than the specified nos. of years for warranty. • Warranty is limited only for manufacturing defects as stated in warranty statement.
  • Q. What is the warranty coverage on my car tyres?
    • JK Tyre tyres & tubes are warranted against manufacturing defects arising out of any deficiency in design, Manufacturing, material or workmanship. Tyres accepted under warranty claims will be replaced on pro-rata wear based on percentage of tread wear , on the basis of measurement of remaining Tread depth. JK Tyre passenger car radial tyres are warranted for a period of five years from the date of manufacture, or till the tyre tread is worn up to Tread Wear Indicators (TWI), which ever is earlier, irrespective of kilometer covered. Warranty claim findings made by JK Tyre Technical Service Personnel or Trained and Authorized Personnel would be final and binding to all concerned. Visit our Warranty Sections to find our more.
  • Q. I have a complaint on my tyre what should I do?
    • If you are experiencing any difficulty on JK Tyre(s) fitted on your vehicle , follow the given route For JK tyres supplied with your vehicle (OEM Fitment) If the tyres have come with your vehicle then highlight the concern to your OEM dealership/franchisee. Your OEM Dealer/franchisee will forward your complaint to the nearest JK Tyre office and JK Tyre Technical Service Engineer for arranging the necessary inspection of tyre(s) under complaint. For tyres purchased from the market please contact your dealer from where you have purchased your tyre(s) who will in turn forward it to the concerned JK Tyre office. However in both the above cases Passenger car customers can directly forward your complaint to our offices or register your complaint with us. Visit our network section to find out the nearest JK Tyre office to you.