Tire Association Releases Study

According to a study prepared by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, age alone does not determine when a tire is removed from service. The results of the survey were released earlier this month during the SAE show.

The study looked at more than 14,000 scrap tires. The RMA inspected tires at seven scrap tire processors in seven states and recorded the tires' date code and tread depth as well as whether the tires had been repaired or had any visible damage. The study data has been shared with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The results followed a study begun last June when the RMA wrote to NHTSA urging the agency to examine whether a relationship existed between a tire's safety performance and its chronological age. In the letter, RMA also agreed to work with the agency to provide information about chronological tire age.

According to the findings, the survey examined more than14,000 tires that had been removed from service. The date codes on the tires showed that the survey sample contained tires from one to sixteen years old.

Other study observations included:

• 42 percent of tires in the study were removed due to wear-out (had tread at or below tread wear indicators). After the first year of service, 59 percent of tires in the study were removed due to wear-out.

• 25 percent of the tires had road hazard damage.

• 17 percent of the tires had been repaired.

• 87.5 percent of the observed tire repairs were improper - not performed with a plug and internal patch as specified by RMA tire repair guidelines.

Sponsored Content

Tackling the Extreme Grind

Built for the toughest applications, our Heavy Duty Granulators and Shredders deliver high-quality output, less waste, and efficient operations. With rugged designs and unmatched reliability, they’re ready for the extreme grind—keeping your production line moving and your recycling process profitable. Tackle more. Waste less. Perform at peak.