§ 228.1 - Tire description.

(a) The purchase of tires for a motor vehicle is an extremely important matter to the consumer. Not only are substantial economic factors involved, but in most instances the purchaser will entrust the safety of himself and others to the performance of the product.

(b) To avoid being deceived, the consumer must have certain basic information. Certain of this information should be provided before the purchaser makes his choice but other is essential throughout the life of the tire.

(1) Disclosure before the sale. The following information should be disclosed in point of sale material which is prominently displayed and of easy access, on the premises where the purchase is to be made in order to appraise the consumer:

(i) Load-carrying capacity of the tire. This information is essential to assure the purchaser that the tires he selects are capable of safely carrying the intended load. This information should consist of the maximum load-carrying capacity as related to various recommended air pressures and may include data which indicates the effect such varying pressures will have on the operation of the automobile. All such information shall be based on actual tests utilizing adequate and technically sound procedures. The test procedures and results shall be in writing and available for inspection.

(ii) Generic name of cord material. Different cord materials can have performance characteristics that will affect the consumer's selection of tires. These various characteristics are widely advertised, and the consumer is aware of the distinctions. Without a disclosure of the generic name of the cord material, the consumer is unable to consider this factor in his purchase.

(iii) Actual number of plies. Consumers have preference for industry products of a stated type of construction (e.g., 2 ply v. 4 ply). Without adequate disclosure the consumer is denied the basis for considering this factor in his selection.

Note:

Where the tire is of radial construction the ply count disclosure will be satisfied by the statement “radial ply.”

(2) Disclosure on the tire. The following information should be clearly disclosed in a permanent manner on the outside wall of the tire:

(i) Size. Size is extremely important not only to insure that the tire will fit the vehicle wheel, but because it also is a determining factor as to the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle.

(ii) Whether tire is tubeless or tube type.

(iii) Actual number of plies.

Note:

Where the tire is of radial construction the ply count disclosure will be satisfied by the statement “radial ply.”

(3) Other disclosures—(i) Generic name of cord material used in ply. A disclosure of the generic name of the cord material used in the ply of the tire should be made on a label or tag prominently displayed on the tire itself, and affixed in such a fashion that it cannot be easily removed prior to sale.

(ii) Load-carrying capacity and inflation pressure. One of the most important factors in obtaining tire performance is proper care and use. Included in such care is inflating the tire to the required level as related to load-carrying capacity and use. To insure that such pressures are maintained by the user and the tire is not overloaded beyond its safe capacity, a table or chart should be provided for retention by the purchaser. This will apprise the purchaser of the load-carrying capacity of the tires as related to the range of recommended air pressures and use. It may also supply data which indicate the effect such varying pressures will have on the operation of the automobile.

Note:

Automobile manufacturers who provide tires as original equipment with new automobiles should incorporate such information in the owner's manual given to new car purchasers.

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