Over the last 12 years, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) has trained more than 32,000 commercial tire service technicians on how to properly and safely handle and service commercial tires.
There are many common myths out there concerning commercial tire service, the TIA notes. And some of these myths have the potential to cause fatal accidents like wheel-offs, blowouts and other hazards.
According to TIA Director of Tire Service Jeff Faubion, “It never ceases to amaze me how some of the smartest technicians out there still have incorrect information on commercial tire service.”
To combat this misinformation, Faubion lists some of the most common commercial tire service myths, and the facts to correct them:
MYTH No. 1: A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) law states that three threads must be showing through a lug nut.
FACT: This is false. The lug nut must be flush with the end of stud so that all of the threads on the nut are engaged. This is because any threads past the lug nut do nothing to increase the clamping force; they just gather debris and rust.
MYTH No. 2: Curbed wheels can be bent back into shape if the driver requests.
FACT: This can be dangerous, because once the wheel is bent, reworking or apply heat simply weakens the steel. It’s also a direct violation of OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.177.
MYTH No. 3: Putting a coin under a patch will reinforce a repair.
FACT: This “coin” myth has been passed down from older generations; nevertheless, it’s wrong. Tire repair materials are specifically designed to operate as a system so changing the process or adding a foreign body (like a coin) will result in reduced adhesion which can lead to gradual or rapid air loss. Mixing repair materials from different manufacturers may have the same result. There is only one way to properly repair a tire and it includes removing the damage with a carbide cutter, filling the injury with rubber, and then sealing the innerliner with a repair unit.
MYTH No. 4: Retreaded tires cannot be used on the steer axles.
FACT: Retreaded tires can be used on steer axles, EXCEPT on passenger buses. In some applications, retreaded tires are a substantial cost- and energy-saving alternative to new tire steer tires without any loss of performance or safety.
Faubion goes on to report that technicians who work on commercial vehicles can combat these and other myths by attending one of the TIA’s upcoming Commercial Tire Service (CTS) training classes, such as the March 24-27 and March 25-27 programs being offered in Baltimore.
The Fall/Winter 2009 CTS class dates will be announced shortly.
For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org or call (800) 876-8372.
