Transport Canada Transports Canada  
Safety and Security Sécurité et sûreté 
 
Road Safety  Sécurité routière 
   
Standards and Regulations Division  
 
  
TECHNICAL STANDARDS DOCUMENT 
No. 109, Revision 0 
  
New Tires and Certain 
Specialty Tires 
 
The text of this document is based on Fede ral Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109, New 
pneumatic and certain specialty tires , as published in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations , Title 49, 
Part 571, revised as of October 1, 2009;  and the Final Rule published in the Federal Register  on 
January 17, 2013 (Vol. 78, No. 12, p. 3843).  
 
 
Publication Date:  November 20, 2013 
Effective Date:  November 20, 2013 Mandatory Compliance Date:  May 20, 2014 
 
 
   
Motor Vehicle Standards, Research and Development Branch 
Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate 
TRANSPORT CANADA 
Ottawa, Ontario 
K1A 0N5   
 Technical Standards Document 
Number 109, Revision 0 
New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires 
(Ce document est aussi disponible en français.) 
Introduction 
As defined by section 12 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act , a Technical Standards Document 
(TSD) is a document that reproduces an enactment of a foreign government (e.g. a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard issued by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration).  According to the Act, the Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations  may alter 
or override some provisions contained in a TSD or specify additional requirements; 
consequently, it is advisable to read a TSD in conjunction with the Act and the Motor 
Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations .  As a guide, where the corresponding Regulation contains 
additional requirements, footnotes indicate the amending subsection number.  TSDs are revised from time to time in order to incorporate amendments made to the reference document, at which time a Notice of Revision is published in the Canada Gazette , 
Part I.  All TSDs are assigned a revision number, with “Revision 0” designating the original version. 
 
Identification of Changes 
In order to facilitate the incorporation of a TSD, certain non-technical changes may be made 
to the foreign enactment.  These may include the deletion of words, phrases, figures, or sections that do not apply under the Act or Regulations, the conversion of imperial to metric units, the deletion of superseded dates, and minor changes of an editorial nature.  Additions are underlined
, and provisions that do not apply are stroked through .  Where an entire section 
has been deleted, it is replaced by: “[CONTENT DELETED]”.  Changes are also made where there is a reporting requirement or reference in the foreign enactment that does not apply in Canada.  For example, the name and address of the United States Department of Transportation are replaced by those of the Department of Transport.  
Effective Date and Mandatory Compliance Date 
The effective date of a TSD is the date of publi cation of its incorporating regulation or of the 
notice of revision in the Canada Gazette , and the date as of which voluntary compliance is 
permitted.  The mandatory compliance date is the date upon which compliance with the requirements of the TSD is obligatory.  If the effective date and mandatory compliance date are different, manufacturers may follow the requirements that were in force before the effective date, or those of the TSD, until the mandatory compliance date.  In the case of an initial TSD, or when a TSD is revised and incorporated by reference by an amendment to the Regulations, the mandatory compliance date is as specified in the Regulations, and it may be the same as the effective date.  When a TSD is revised with no   
New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  ii corresponding changes to the incorporating Regulations, the mandatory compliance date is 
six months after the effective date. 
Official Version of Technical Standards Documents 
The PDF version is a replica of the TSD as published by the Department and is to be used for 
the purposes of legal interpretation and application.   
 
 
(Original signed by) 
  
Director, Motor Vehicle Standards, 
 Research and Development 
 for the Minister of Transport, 
Ottawa, Ontario   
New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  iii TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
Technical Standards Document 
Number 109, Revision 0 
 
NEW TIRES AND CERTAIN  
SPECIALTY TIRES 
 
Introduction _______________________________________________________________ i  
S1.  Scope _________________________________________________________________1  
S2.  Application ____________________________________________________________1  
S3.  Definitions _____________________________________________________________1  
S4.  Requirements __________________________________________________________3  
S4.1  Size and constructi on ________________________________________________________ 3  
S4.2  Performan ce requiremen ts ____________________________________________________ 3  
S4.3  Labeling requiremen ts _______________________________________________________ 6  
S4.4  Tire and rim matc hing information ____________________________________________ 7  
S5.  Test procedures _________________________________________________________7  
S5.1  Physical dimensions _________________________________________________________ 7  
S5.2  Tubeless tire bead  unseating resistan ce __________________________________________ 8  
S5.3  Tire strength _______________________________________________________________ 8  
S5.4  Tire enduran ce _____________________________________________________________ 9  
S5.5  High speed  performa nce _____________________________________________________ 10  
S6.  Nonconforming tires ____________________________________________________10  
Appendix A — Technical Standards Document No. 109 ___________________________15  
  
List of Figures 
Figure 1 — Bead Unseating Fixture ________________________________________11  
Figure 2 — Diagram of Bead Unseating Block _______________________________13  
Figure 2A — Diagram of Bead Unseating Block _____________________________14  
   
New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  iv  
List of Tables 
Table I-A — For Bias Ply Tires with Designated Section Width of 152 mm (6 inches) and 
Above ______________________________________________________________ 15  
Table I-B — For Bias Ply Tires with Designated Section Width Below 152 mm (6 inches) _ 15  
Table I-C — For Radial Ply Tires Other Than CT Tires  ____________________________ 15  
Table I-D — For Tires with 420 kPa (60 psi) Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure and 
Maximum Load Rating of 399 kg (880 lb) and Above _______________________ 16  
Table I-E — For Tires with 420 kPa (60 psi) Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure and 
Maximum Load Rating Be low 399 kg (880 lb) _____________________________ 16  
Table II — Test In flation P ressures _____________________________________________ 17  
 
  
 Technical Standards Document 
Number 109, Revision 0 
NEW TIRES AND CERTAIN  
SPECIALTY TIRES 
The text of this document is based on Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard No. 109, New pneumatic and certain specialty tires , as published 
in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations , Title 49, Part 571, revised as of 
October 1, 2009 ; and the Final Rule published in the Federal Register  on January 
17, 2013 (Vol. 78, No. 12, p. 3843) . 
S1.  Scope 
This Technical Standards Document (TSD)  standard  specifies tire dimensions and laboratory 
test requirements for bead unseating resistance, strength, endurance, and high speed performance; defines tire load ratings; and specifies labeling requirements for passenger car tires. 
S2.  Application 
[CONTENT DELETED]  For applicability, see subsection 3(1) of the Motor Vehicle Tire 
Safety Regulations  (MVTSR).  
S3.  Definitions 
1 Bead means that part of the tire made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, 
and that is shaped to fit the rim.   (Talon)  
Bead separation means a breakdown of the  bond between components in the bead area.  
(Séparation du talon)  
1 Bias ply tire means a pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid 
at alternate angles substantially less than 90° to the centerline of the tread.   (Pneu à carcasse 
diagonale)  
Carcass means the tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber.   (Carcasse)  
Chunking means the breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.   (Arrachement)  
Cord means the strands forming the plies in the tire.   (Câblé)  
                                                 
1 Please see subsection 1(1) of the Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations  (MVTSR) for the applicable 
definition.  New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  2 Cord separation means the parting of cords parting away  from adjacent rubber compounds.   
(Séparation de câblés)  
Cracking means any parting within the tread, sidewall, or innerliner of the tire extending to 
cord material.  (Fissuration)  
CT Tire means a pneumatic tir e with an inverted flange tire and rim  system in which the rim 
is designed with rim flanges pointed radially inward and the tire is designed to fit on the 
underside of the rim in a manner that encloses the rim flanges inside the air cavity of the tire.   
(pneu anti -affaissement)  
Groove means the space between two adjacent tread ribs.   (Sillon)  
Innerliner means the layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the 
inflating medium within the tire.   (Calandrage intérieur)  
Innerliner separation means the parting of the innerliner from the cord material in the 
carcass.  (Séparation du calandrage intérieur)  
2 Load rating means the maximum load a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.   
(Charge nominale)  
2 Maximum load rating means the load rating at the maximum permissible inflation 
pressure for that tire.   (Limite de charge nominale)  
2 Maximum permissible inflation pressure means the maximum cold inflation pressure to 
which a tire may be inflated.   (Pression maximale permise de gonflage)  
Open splice means any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or innerliner that extends 
to cord material.   (Séparation de soudure)  
Overall width means the linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated 
tire, including elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.   (Largeur 
hors tout)  
2 Ply means a layer of rubber -coated parallel cords.   (Pli)  
Ply separation means a parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.   (Décollement 
entre nappes)  
Pneumatic  tire Tire  means a mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric, and steel 
or other materials, which, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load.   (Pneu)  
3 Radial ply tire means a pneumatic tire in which the ply cords which extend to the beads 
are laid at substantially 90° to the centerline of the tread.   (Pneu à carcasse radiale)  
                                                 
2 Please see subsection 1(1) of the MVTSR for the applicable definition.  New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  3 3 Rim means a metal support for a tire or a tire and tube  assembly upon which the tire beads 
are seated.   (Jante)  
Section width means the linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated 
tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands.   (Grosseur du 
boudin)  
3 Sidewall means that portion of a tire bet ween the tread and the bead.   (Flanc)  
Sidewall separation means the parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the 
sidewall.   (Séparation des flancs)  
Test rim means, with reference to a tire to be tested, any rim that is listed as appropriate for 
use with that tire in accordance with section 8 of the MVTSR  S4.4 . For the purposes of this 
TSD  section and section  571.110 , each rim listing shall include dimensional specifications 
and a diagram of the rim.   (Jante d’essai)  
3 Tread means that portio n of a tire that comes into contact with the road.   (Bande de 
roulement)  
Tread rib means a tread section running circumferentially around a tire.   (Nervure de la 
bande de roulement)  
Tread separation means pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass.   (Séparation de la 
bande de roulement)  
S4.  Requirements 
S4.1  Size and construction 
Each tire shall be designed to fit each rim specified for its size designation in each reference 
cited in the definition of test rim in S3. 
S4.2  Performance requirements 
S4.2.1  General 
Each tire shall conform to each of the following: 
(a) It shall meet the requirements specified in S4.2.2 for its tire size designation, type, and 
maximum permissible inflation pressure. 
(b) Its maximum permissible inflation pressure shall be either 32, 36, 40, or 60 psi, or 
240, 280, 300, 340, or 350 kPa. For a CT tire, the maximum permissible inflation 
pressure shall be either 290, 330, 350, or 390  kPa. 
                                                                                                                                                       
3 Please see subsection 1(1) of the MVTSR for the applicable definition.  New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  4 (c) Its load rating shall be that specified in a submission made by an individual 
manufacturer, pursuant to subsection 8(1) of the MVTSR  S4.4.1(a) , or in one of the 
publications described in subsection 8(2) of the MVTSR  S4.4.1(b)  for its size 
designation, type and each appropriate inflation pressure. If the maximum load rating for a particular tire size is shown in more than one of the publications described in subsection 8(2) of the MVTSR
 S4.4.1(b) , each tire of that size designation shall have a 
maximum load rating that is not less than the published maximum load rating, or if there are differing maximum load ratings for the same tire size designation, not less than the lowest published maximum load rating. 
(d) It shall incorporate a treadwear indicator that will provide a visual indication that the 
tire has worn to a tread depth of 1.6 mm (1/16 inch). 
(e) It shall, before being subjected to either the endurance test procedure specified in S5.4 
or the high speed performance procedure specified in S5.5, exhibit no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply, cord, innerliner, or bead separation, chunking, broken cords, 
cracking, or open splices. 
(f) It shall meet the requirements of S4.2.2.5 and S4.2.2.6 when tested on a test wheel 
described in S5.4.2.1 either alone or simultaneously with up to 5 other tires. 
S4.2.2  Test requirements 
S4.2.2.1  Test sample 
For each test sample use: 
(a) One tire for physical dimensions, resistance to bead unseating, and strength, in 
sequence; 
(b) Another tire for tire endurance; and (c) A third tire for high speed performance. 
S4.2.2.2  Physical dimensions .  The actual section width and overall width for each tire,
 
measured in accordance with S5.1, shall not exceed the section width and overall width  
specified in a submission made by an individua l manufacturer, pursuant to subsection 8(1) of  
the MVTSR  S4.4.1(a)  or in one of the publications described in subsection 8(2) of the  
MVTSR  S4.4.1(b)  for its size designation and type by more than: 
(a) (For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 220, 250, or 275 kPa  [32, 
36, or 40 psi]) 7 percent, or 
(b) (For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 240, 280, 300, 340 or 350 
kPa, or 60 psi) 7 percent or 10 mm (0.4 inches), whichever is larger.  New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  5 S4.2.2.3  Tubeless tire resistance to bead unseating  
S4.2.2.3.1   When a tubeless tire that has a maximum inflation pressure other than 420 kPa 
(60 psi) is tested in accordance with S5.2, the applied force required to unseat the tire bead at the point of contact shall be not less than: 
(a) 6 670 N (1 500 pounds) for tires with a designated section width of less than 160 mm 
(6 inches); 
(b) 8 890 N (2 000 pounds) for tires with a designated section width of 160 mm (6 inches) 
or more but less than 205 mm (8 inches); 
(c) 11 120 N (2 500 pounds) for tires with a designated section width of 205 mm 
(8 inches) or more, using the section width specified in a submission made by an individual manufacturer, pursuant to subsection 8(1) of the MVTSR
 S4.4.1(a) , or in 
one of the publications described in subsection 8(2) of the MVTSR  S4.4.1(b)  for the 
applicable tire size designation and type. 
S4.2.2.3.2   When a tire that has a maximum inflation pressure of 420 kPa (60 psi) is tested in 
accordance with S5.2, the applied force required to unseat the bead at the point of contact shall be not less than: 
(a) 6 670 N (1 500 pounds) for tires with a maximum load rating of less than 399 kg 
(880 pounds); 
(b) 8 890 N (2 000 pounds) for tires with a maximum load rating of 399 kg (880 pounds) 
or more but less than 635 kg (1 400 pounds); 
(c) 11 120 N (2 500 pounds) for tires with a maximum load rating of 635 kg 
(1 400 pounds) or more, using the maximum load rating marked on the sidewall of the tire. 
S4.2.2.4  Tire strength .  Each tire shall meet the requirements for minimum breaking energy 
specified in Table I when tested in accordance with S5.3. 
S4.2.2.5  Tire endurance .  When the tire has been subjected to the laboratory endurance test 
specified in S5.4, using a test rim that undergoes no permanent deformation and allows no loss of air through the portion that it comprises of the tire-rim pressure chamber: 
(a) There shall be no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply, cord, innerliner, or bead 
separation, chunking, broken cords, cracking, or open splices. 
(b) The tire pressure at the end of the test shall be not less than the initial pressure 
specified in S5.4.1.1. 
S4.2.2.6  High speed performance .  When the tire has been subjected to the laboratory high 
speed performance test specified in S5.5, using a test rim that undergoes no permanent deformation and allows no loss of air through the portion that it comprises of the tire-rim pressure chamber, the tire shall meet the requirements set forth in S4.2.2.5 (a) and (b). New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  6 S4.3  Labeling requirements 
Except as provided in S4.3.1 and S4.3.2 of this TSD  standard , each tire, except for those 
certified to comply with S5.5 of TSD 139  section  571.139 , shall have permanently molded 
into or onto both sidewalls, in letters and numerals not less than 2 mm (0.078 inches) high, the information shown in paragraphs S4.3(a) through (g) of this TSD
 standard . On at least 
one sidewall, the information shall be positioned in an area between the maximum section width and bead of the tire, unless the maximum section width of the tire falls between the bead and one-fourth of the distance from the bead  to the shoulder of the tire. For tires where 
the maximum section width falls in that area, locate all required labeling between the bead and a point one-half the distance from the bead to the shoulder of the tire. However, in no case shall the information be positioned on the tire so that it is obstructed by the flange of any rim designated for use with that tire in TSD 109 and TSD 110
 Standards Nos.  109 
and 110 (section  571.109 and section  571.110 of this part) . 
(a) One size designation, except that equivalent inch and metric size designations may be 
used; 
(b) Maximum permissible inflation pressure;4 
(c) Maximum load rating;5 
(d) The generic name of each cord material used in the plies (both sidewall and tread area) 
of the tire; 
(e) Actual number of plies in the sidewall and the actual number of plies in the tread area,  
if different; 
(f) The words “tubeless” or “tube type” as applicable; and (g) The word “radial” if the tire is a radial ply tire. 
S4.3.1   Each tire shall be labeled in accordance with the requirements of sections 6 and 7 of 
the Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations (MVTSR)  with the symbol DOT in the manner 
specified in part  574 of this chapter, which shall constitute a certification that the tire 
conforms to applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards . 
S4.3.2   Each tire shall be labeled with the name of the manufacturer, or brand name and 
number assigned to the manufacturer in the manner specified in section 6 to the MVTSR  
part 574. 
S4.3.3   [Reserved] 
S4.3.4  If the maximum inflation pressure of a tire is 240, 280,  290, 300, 330, 340, 350, or 
390 kPa, then:  
                                                 
4 Please see subsection 3(2) of the MVTSR for additional requirements.  
5 Please see subsection 3(3) of the MVTSR for additional requirements.  New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  7 (a) Each marking of that inflation pressure pursuant to S4.3(b) shall be followed in 
parenthesis by the equivalent inflation pressure in psi, rounded to the next higher 
whole number; and  
(b) Each marking of the t ire’s maximum load rating pursuant to S4.3(c) in kilograms shall 
be followed in parenthesis by the equivalent load rating in pounds, rounded to the 
nearest whole number.  
S4.3.5   If the maximum inflation pressure of a tire is 420 kPa (60 psi), the tire shall have 
permanently molded into or onto both sidewalls, in letters and numerals not less than 12.7 mm (½ inch) high
, the words “Inflate to 420 kPa (60 psi)”. On both sidewalls, the words 
shall be positioned in an area between the tire shoulder and the bead of the tire. However, in no case shall the words be positioned on the tire so that they are obstructed by the flange of any rim designated for use with that tire in this TSD or in TSD 110
 standard or in Standard 
No. 110 (Sec.  571.110 of this part) . 
S4.4  Tire and rim matching information 
[CONTENT DELETED]  Please see section 8 of the MVSTR for the applicable 
requirements.  
S5.  Test procedures 
S5.1  Physical dimensions 
Determine tire physical dimensions under uniform ambient conditions as follows: 
(a) Mount the tire on a test rim having the test rim width specified in a submission made 
by an individual manufacturer, pursuant to subsection 8(1) of the MVTSR  S4.4.1(a) , 
or in one of the publications described in subsection 8(2) of the MVTSR  S4.4.1(b)  for 
that tire size designation and inflate it to the applicable pressure specified in Table II. 
(b) Condition it at ambient room temperature for at least 24 hours. (c) Readjust pressure to that specified in (a). (d) Caliper the section width and overall width at six points approximately equally spaced 
around the tire circumference. 
(e) Record the average of these measurements as the section width and overall width, 
respectively. 
(f) Determine tire outer diameter by measuring the maximum circumference of the tire 
and dividing this dimension by pi (3.14). New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  8 S5.2  Tubeless tire bead unseating resistance 
S5.2.1  Preparation of tire-wheel assembly S5.2.1.1  Wash the tire, dry it at the beads, and mount it without lubrication or adhesives on a 
clean, painted test rim. 
S5.2.1.2   Inflate it to the applicable pressure specified in Table II at ambient room 
temperature. 
S5.2.1.3   Mount the wheel and tire in a fixture shown in Figure 1, and force the bead 
unseating block shown in Figure 2 or Figure 2A against the tire sidewall as required by the geometry of the fixture. However, in testing a tire that has an inflation pressure of 420 kPa
 
(60 psi), only use the bead unseating block described in Figure 2A. 
S5.2.2  Test procedure  
S5.2.2.1   Apply a load through the block to the tire’s outer sidewall at the distance specified 
in Figure 1 for the applicable wheel size at a rate of 50 mm (2 inches) per minute, with the load arm substantially parallel to the tire and rim assembly at the time of engagement. 
S5.2.2.2   Increase the load until the bead unseats or the applicable value specified in S4.2.2.3 
is reached. 
S5.2.2.3   Repeat the test at least four places equally spaced around the tire circumference. 
S5.3  Tire strength 
S5.3.1  Preparation of tire  
S5.3.1.1   Mount the tire on a test rim and inflate it to the applicable pressure specified in 
Table II. 
S5.3.1.2   Condition it at room temperature for at least 3 hours; and 
S5.3.1.3   Readjust its pressure to that specified in S5.3.1.1. 
S5.3.2 Test procedure  
S5.3.2.1   Force a 19 mm (¾ inch) diameter cylindrical steel plunger with a hemispherical end 
perpendicularly into the tread rib as near to the centerline as possible, avoiding penetration into the tread groove, at the rate of 50 mm (2 inches) per minute. 
S5.3.2.2   Record the force and penetration at five test points equally spaced around the 
circumference of the tire. If the tire fails to break before the plunger is stopped by reaching the rim, record the force and penetration as the rim is reached and use these values in S5.3.2.3. New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  9 S5.3.2.3   Compute the breaking energy for each test point by means of one of the two 
following formulas: 
3102−××=PFW  
Where: 
W = Energy, in joules; F = Force, newtons; and P = Penetration, mm; or 
2PFW×=  
Where: 
W = Energy, inch-pounds; F = Force, pounds; and P = Penetration, inches. 
S5.3.2.4   Determine the breaking energy value for the tire by computing the average of the 
five values obtained in accordance with S5.3.2.3. 
S5.4  Tire endurance 
S5.4.1  Preparation of tire S5.4.1.1
  Mount a new tire on a test rim and inflate it to the applicable pressure specified in 
Table II. 
S5.4.1.2   Condition the tire assembly to 38°C ± 3°C (100°F ± 5°F) for at least three hours. 
S5.4.1.3   Readjust tire pressure to that specified in S5.4.1.1 immediately before testing. 
S5.4.2  Test procedure  
S5.4.2.1   Mount the tire and wheel assembly on a test axle and press it against a flat-faced 
steel test wheel 1 708 mm (67.23 inches) in diameter  and at least as wide as the section width 
of the tire to be tested or an approved equivalent test wheel, with the applicable test load specified in the table in S5.4.2.3 for the tire’s size designation, type, and maximum permissible inflation pressure. 
S5.4.2.2   During the test, the air surrounding the test area shall be 38°C ± 3°C (100°F ± 5°F). 
S5.4.2.3   Conduct the test at 80 km/h (50 mph) in accordance with the following schedule 
without pressure adjustment or other interruptions: New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  10 The loads for the following periods are the specified percentage of the maximum load 
rating marked on the tire sidewall: 
  Percent 
4 hours 85 
6 hours 90 
24 hours 100 
 
S5.4.2.4   Immediately after running the tire the required time, measure its inflation pressure. 
Allow the tire to cool for one hour. Then deflate the tire, remove it from the test rim, and inspect it for the conditions specified in S4.2.2.5(a). 
S5.5  High speed performance 
S5.5.1   After preparing the tire in accordance with S5.4.1, mount the tire and wheel assembly 
in accordance with S5.4.2.1, and press it against the test wheel with a load of 88 percent of 
the tire’s maximum load rating as marked on the tire sidewall. 
S5.5.2   Break in the tire by running it for 2 hours at 80 km/h (50 mph). 
S5.5.3   Allow to cool to 38°C ± 3°C (100°F ± 5°F) and readjust the inflation pressure to the 
applicable pressure specified in Table II. 
S5.5.4   Without readjusting inflation pressure, test at 121 km/h (75 mph) for 30 minutes, 
129 km/h (80 mph) for 30 minutes, and 137 km/h (85 mph) for 30 minutes. 
S5.5.5   Immediately after running the tire the required time, measure its inflation pressure. 
Allow the tire to cool for one hour. Then deflate the tire, remove it from the test rim, and inspect it for the conditions specified in S4.2.2.5(a). 
S6.  Nonconforming tires 
No tire that is designed for use on passenger c ars and manufactured on or after October  1, 
1972, but does not conform to all the requirements of this standard, shall be sold, offered for 
sale, introduced or d elivered for introduction into interstate commerce, or imported into the 
United States, for any  purpose.  New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  11  
    
 
Figure 1 — Bead Unseating Fixture New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  12  
 
Wheel 
size Dimension “A” for tires with maximum inflation pressure  
Other than  
60 psi 
(in) Other than 
420 kPa  
 (mm)  
60 psi 
(in)  
420 kPa 
(mm) 
20 in 13.50 345 -- -- 
19 in 13.00 330 12.00 305 
18 in 12.50 318 11.40 290 
17 in 12.00 305 10.60 269 
16 in 11.50 292 9.90 251 
15 in 11.00 279 9.40 239 
14 in 10.50 267 8.90 226 
13 in 10.00 254 8.40 213 
12 in 9.50 241   
11 in 9.00 229   
10 in 8.50 216   
320 mm 8.50 216   
340 mm 9.00 229   
345 mm 9.25 235   
365 mm 9.75 248   
370 mm 10.00 254   
390 mm 11.00 279   
415 mm 11.50 292   
 New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  13  
  
 
 
Figure 2 — Diagram of Bead Unseating Block 
For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure other than 420 kPa (60 psi)  New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  14  
 
 
 
Figure 2A — Diagram of Bead Unseating Block 
For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 420 kPa (60 psi)  New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  15 Appendix A — Technical Standards Document No. 109  
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109  
The following tables list tire sizes and tire constructions with proper load and inflation 
values. The tables group tires of related constructions and load/inflation values. [SEVEN 
SENTENCES DELETED ] 
Table I-A — For Bias Ply Tires wi th Designated Section Width of 
152 mm (6 inches) and Above 
Cord 
material 32 psi 36 psi 40 psi 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPa 
Rayon:                
(in-lb) 1 650 2 574 3 300 1 650 3 300 1 650 3 300 
(joules) 186 291 373 186 373 186 373 
Nylon or polyester:             
(in-lb) 2 600 3 900 5 200 2 600 5 200 2 600 5 200 
(joules) 294 441 588 294 588 294 588 
Table I-B — For Bias Ply Tires with Designated Section Width 
Below 152 mm (6 inches) 
Cord 
material 32 psi 36 psi 40 psi 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPa 
Rayon:                
(in-lb) 1 000 1 875 2 500 1 000 2 500 1 000 2 500 
(joules) 113 212 282 113 282 113 282 
Nylon or polyester:             
(in-lb) 1 950 2 925 3 900 1 950 3 900 1 950 3 900 
(joules) 220 330 441 220 441 220 441 
Table I-C — For Radial Ply Tires Other Than CT Tires  
Size 
designation Maximum permissible  inflation 
32 psi 36 psi 40 psi 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPa 350 kPa
Below 160 mm:               
(in-lb) 1 950 2 925 3 900 1 950 3 900 1 950 3 900 1 950 
(joules) 220 330 441 220 441 220 441 220 New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  16 160 mm or above:               
(in-lb) 2 600 3 900 5 200 2 600 5 200 2 600 5 200 2 600 
(joules) 294 441 588 294 588 294 588 294 
 
Table I -C (Continued) — For Radial Ply CT Tires  
Size designation  Maximum permissible inflation  
290 kPa 330  kPa 350  kPa 390  kPa 
Below 160  mm:          
(in-lb) 1 950 3  900 1  950 3  900 
(joules)  220  441  220  441  
160 mm or above:          
(in-lb)  2  600 5  200 2  600 5  200 
(joules)  294  588  294  588  
 
Table I-D — For Tires with 420 kPa (60 psi) Maximum Permissible Inflation 
Pressure and Maximum Load Rating of 399 kg (880 lb) and Above 
Cord material Inch-pounds Joules 
Rayon 1 650 186 
Nylon or polyester 2 600 294 
 
Table I-E — For Tires with 420 kPa (60 psi) Maximum Permissible Inflation 
Pressure and Maximum Load Rating Below 399 kg (880 lb) 
Cord material Inch-pounds Joules 
Rayon 1 000 113 
Nylon or polyester 1 950 220 
 New Tires and Certain Specialty Tires TSD No. 109, Revision 0  
Effective: November 20, 2013  17 Table II — Test Inflation Pressures 
(Maximum permissible inflation pressure to be used for the following tests) 
Test type Tires other than CT tires  (psi) 
32 36 40 60 
Physical dimensions 24 28 32 60 
Bead unseating, tire strength, and tire 
endurance 24 28 32 52 
High speed performance 30 34 38 58 
 
 
Test type Tires other than CT tires  (kPa)  
240 280 300 340 350 
Physical dimensions, bead unseating, tire strength, and tire endurance 180 220 180 220 180 
High speed performance  220 260 220 260 220 
 
 
Test type  CT tires (kPa)  
290 300  350  390  
Physical dimensions, bead unseating, 
tire strength, and tire endurance  230 270  230  270  
High speed performance  270  310  270  310