RMA Issues Service Bulletin on Used Tyres

(Akron/Tire Review) The Rubber Manufacturers Association has issued a Tire Information Service Bulletin to address used tyres. The bulletin applies to used tyres with uncertain use, maintenance and storage histories, the RMA said.

According to the bulletin, these tyres pose a potential risk, as they may have been damaged by improper service, maintenance or storage conditions. RMA has developed a list of characteristics that dealers should refer to when considering selling used tyres. According to the association, used tyres should not be sold or installed if they exhibit:

• Punctures or other penetrations, whether repaired or not.
• Inner liner or bead damage.
• Indication of internal separation, such as bulges or local areas of irregular/fast tread wear indicating possible tread or belt separation.
• Indication of run-flat, under inflated, and/or overloaded damage (e.g., inner liner abrasion, mid- to upper sidewall abrasion and stamping deterioration, delamination, or discoloration, excessive tread shoulder wear, etc.).
• Damage or wear exposing the body material of the tyre – cuts, cracks, bulges, scrapes, ozone cracking/weather checking, impact damage, punctures, splits, snags, etc.
• A history of a continuous inflation pressure loss, requiring frequent re-inflation.
• Defaced or removed DOT tyre identification number (TIN), which is located on the tyre sidewall.
• Involvement in a recall or a replacement program.
• Inadequate tread depth for continued service (i.e., nearly worn out). Tyres with a tread depth of 2/32nds or less at any point on the tyre are worn out.
• Evidence that it was originally or is currently mounted on a rim that is bent, dented, cracked or otherwise damaged.
• Improper storage evidence.
• Chemical, fire, excessive heat damage, or other environmental damage.
• Designation as a “scrap tyre” or otherwise not intended for continued highway service.
• Prior use of tyre sealant or balance/filler material.
• Alterations designed to give the look of new tyres (e.g. a regrooved tread).
• Labels on the sidewall denoting “Not For Highway Use,” “NHS,” “For Racing Purposes Only,” “Agricultural Use Only,” “SL” (service-limited agricultural tyre), or any other indication that the tyre is barred from use on public thoroughfares.
• Any other condition which would be cause for permanent removal from service.

Dealers can download the RMA Tire Information Service Bulletin, Volume 45, Number 1, Passenger Car and Light Truck Used Tires, at www.rma.org/publications.