Tire Safety: How to Maintain, Inspect, and Care for Your Tires

Safe tire mounting and optimal performance are ensured by proper tire handling and installation. Tires should only be mounted or demounted by qualified experts since incorrect methods can harm the tire or result in bead-seating failures during inflation.

• Before installation, always make sure the rim and tire diameters match.

• To ensure appropriate seating, clean and lubricate the rim surfaces and beads.

• Make use of authorized tools like an inflatable cage or other form of restraint.

• When trying to seat the beads, never go over 40 psi (280 kPa).

Tires that are accidentally placed on the wrong rim should be removed from use rather than remounted since internal damage may not be visible. These steps reduce the risk of damage and maintain the structural integrity of the tire.

Each tire is made to function within a certain range of loads and speeds. Tire failure, severe heat accumulation, or early damage might result from exceeding these limitations.

Load Limits

• Never exceed the load capacity molded on the tire sidewall or shown on the vehicle’s tire placard, whichever is lower.

• Overloading can significantly increase internal temperature and may cause structural damage.

Speed-rated tires are engineered to handle higher speeds when properly inflated and loaded. To maintain their capability:

• Follow recommended inspection procedures to identify internal or external damage.

• Speed-rated tires may be repaired, but only within strict industry limits (e.g., punctures ¼ inch or smaller, spaced appropriately, and performed by trained technicians).

• Original equipment speed-rated tires should be replaced with tires of an equal or higher rating to maintain the vehicle’s designed speed capability.

These checks help ensure your tires continue to perform safely under varying driving conditions.

One of the most crucial things a driver can do to support tire longevity and safety is to maintain appropriate inflation pressure. The likelihood of a blowout can be raised by both under- and over-inflation.

Safe Inflation Guidelines

• Before long excursions and at least once a month, check the tire pressure.

• When tires are cold, that is, after being parked for at least three hours or driven less than two kilometers, you should always check the pressure.

• Use a trustworthy gauge and adhere to the recommended pressure shown on the owner's handbook or tire placard for the car.

• Readings will be inaccurate if you bleed air from a heated tire.

• Under-inflation can result in interior damage because it increases flexing and heat buildup.

• Overinflation can decrease traction and increase a tire's susceptibility to impact damage.

Maintaining correct inflation helps prevent heat buildup and reduces the risk of sudden tire failure.

Make sure your tires are registered to receive direct notification in the event of a safety-related recall.