Back-To-Basics: Tire Damage

Posted on 27 August 2024 Print

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When performing damage analysis, do not overlook tire damage.

Tires are often overlooked when performing damage analysis. This can affect other important repair operations including diagnosing, wheel alignment, and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration. Some damage can directly affect the outcome of a proper wheel alignment and ADAS calibration, others are just outright dangerous.

Tires should be inspected for:

  • Blowouts
  • Cuts, abrasion, or missing pieces
  • Bulges in the sidewall or tread area indicating separation of plies or belt damage
  • Flat spots or unusual wear patterns
  • Tire bead damage at the rim interface

The Department of Transportation (DOT) provides guidelines which passenger tires must conform to found under Title 49 Subtitle B Chapter V Part 570.9 Tires. The DOT states:

  • "(a) Tread depth. The tread on each tire shall be not less than two-thirty-seconds of an inch deep."
  • "(c) General condition. Tires shall be free from chunking, bumps, knots or bulges evidencing cord, ply, or tread separation from the casing or other adjacent materials."
  • "(d) Damage. Tire cords or belting material shall not be exposed, either to the naked eye or when cuts or abrasions on the tire are probed."

Vehicles with damage listed above may be unsafe to drive. This goes for the customer, and for a technician performing a test drive, dynamic calibration, and any other on-road operation. Following OEM procedures and DOT safety guidelines helps to ensure safety on our roads.

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