TYRE SAFETY

GETTING THE RIGHT TYRE

• Proper selection of tyres for the vehicle is very important to ensure optimum and safe operation.
• 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

TYRE MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING

• Mounting
  • Ensure that the rim is correct for the tyre size to be fitted.
  • Clean the wheel thoroughly to remove all contamination.
  • Ensure that the wheel is not cracked, deformed, damaged or bent.
  • Lubricate the tyre beads with an approved tyre lubricant.
  • With the tyre on the rim, start the inflation, making sure that tyre beads are seated correctly on the rim seat.
  • For safety reasons always use a new tube when fitting new tube type tyres.
  • Tubeless tyres must be fitted on air tight rims.
• Dismounting
  • Before starting to remove, ensure that the tyre is completely deflated.
  • Ensure that there is no danger of the tyre bursting due to damage, exposed plies, etc.

TYRE SAFETY WARNING

• Tyre mounting / demounting and changing can be dangerous and should be done by trained personnel using proper tools and procedures.
• Never mount or use damaged tyres/ rims.
• Explosion of tyre rim assembly can occur due to improper mounting, mis-application, improper inflation or overloading leading, to serious injuries or death.
• Never use inflammable substance in a tyre.
• Never use a tyre worn beyond the TWI.
• Observe posted speed limits
• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road.
• Do not run over curbs and hit the tyre against side railings, dividers and curbs.
• Do not spin the wheels.
• It is dangerous to neglect tyre damage.
• Do not overload tyres.

LOAD SPEED INDEX

Load Index: A numerical code or numerical number associated with the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol under the specified service conditions.

Speed Symbol: Speed symbol is an alphabet that indicates the maximum speed at which a tyre can carry a load corresponding to its load index.

TYRE VISUAL INSPECTION

• Pneumatic tyres having the following conditions are considered unsafe for use:
  • Tyre body fabric/belts/plies exposed by wear, by injury, road hazards, damage, abrasions or scoring, etc.
  • Tyres having incipient failures by local deformation, bulging, swelling etc.
  • Pneumatic tyre which has been patched or repaired improperly or use of gaiter other than proper repair and vulcanization.
  • Tyre worn beyond tread wear indicator, having signs of severe, uneven, mis-alignment, patchy wear.
  • Broken cord or flat due to puncture, damage in bead area, damaged inner liner of tubeless tyre.