Source: http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.139
Timestamp: 2014-09-20 19:04:07
Document Index: 370449381

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 571', 'art 574', 'art 574', 'art 574', 'art 574', '§ 571', '§ 571', '§ 571', '§ 571', '§ 571']

49 CFR 571.139 - Standard No. 139; New pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles. | LII / Legal Information Institute
CFR › Title 49 › Subtitle B › Chapter V › Part 571 › Subpart B › Section 571.139 49 CFR 571.139 - Standard No. 139; New pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles.
S2Application. This standard applies to new pneumatic radial tires for use on motor vehicles (other than motorcycles and low speed vehicles) that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less and that were manufactured after 1975. This standard does not apply to special tires (ST) for trailers in highway service, tires for use on farm implements (FI) in agricultural service with intermittent highway use, tires with rim diameters of 8 inches and below, or T-type temporary use spare tires with radial construction.
S3Definitions.
S4.1.1Each rim listing for a tire must include dimensional specifications and a diagram of the rim and must be in one of the following forms:
Listed by manufacturer name or brand name in a document furnished to dealers of the manufacturer's tires, to any person upon request, and in duplicate to: Docket Section, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590; or
The Tire and Rim Association.
The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization.
Tyre & Rim Association of Australia.
Associacao Latino Americana de Pneus e Aros (Brazil).
S4.1.2A listing compiled in accordance with paragraph (a) of S4.1.1 need not include dimensional specifications or a diagram of a rim whose dimensional specifications and diagram are contained in a listing published in accordance with paragraph (b) of S4.1.1.
S5.1.Size and construction. Each tire shall fit each rim specified for its size designation in accordance with S4.1.
S5.2.Performance requirements. Each tire shall conform to each of the following:
It shall meet the requirements specified in S6 for its tire size designation, type, and maximum permissible inflation pressure.
It shall meet each of the applicable requirements set forth in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this S5.2, when mounted on a model rim assembly corresponding to any rim designated by the tire manufacturer for use with the tire in accordance with S4.
Its maximum permissible inflation pressure shall be 240, 280, 300, 340, or 350 kPa.
Its load rating shall be that specified either in a submission made by an individual manufacturer, pursuant to S4, or in one of the publications described in S4 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 S4, 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 then the lowest published maximum load rating.
S5.3.Test sample. For the tests specified in S6, use:
One tire for high speed;
Another tire for endurance and low inflation pressure performance; and
A third tire for physical dimensions, resistance to bead unseating, and strength, in sequence.
S5.4.Treadwear indicators. Except in the case of tires with a 12-inch or smaller rim diameter, each tire shall have not less than six treadwear indicators spaced approximately equally around the circumference of the tire that enable a person inspecting the tire to determine visually whether the tire has worn to a tread depth of one sixteenth of an inch. Tires with 12-inch or smaller rim diameter shall have not less than three such treadwear indicators.
S5.5Tire markings. Except as specified in paragraphs (a) through (i) of S5.5, each tire must be marked on each sidewall with the information specified in S5.5(a) through (d) and on one sidewall with the information specified in S5.5(e) through (i) according to the phase-in schedule specified in S7 of this standard. The markings must be placed between the maximum section width and the bead on at least one sidewall, unless the maximum section width of the tire is located in an area that is not more than one-fourth of the distance from the bead to the shoulder of the tire. If the maximum section width falls within that area, those markings must appear between the bead and a point one-half the distance from the bead to the shoulder of the tire, on at least one sidewall. The markings must be in letters and numerals not less than 0.078 inches high and raised above or sunk below the tire surface not less than 0.015 inches.
The symbol DOT, which constitutes a certification that the tire conforms to applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards;
The tire size designation as listed in the documents and publications specified in S4.1.1 of this standard;
The maximum permissible inflation pressure, subject to the limitations of S5.5.4 through S5.5.6 of this standard;
The maximum load rating and for LT tires, the letter designating the tire load range;
The generic name of each cord material used in the plies (both sidewall and tread area) of the tire;
The actual number of plies in the sidewall, and the actual number of plies in the tread area, if different;
The term “tubeless” or “tube type,” as applicable;
The word “radial,” if the tire is a radial ply tire; and
Alpine Symbol.
A tire meeting the definition of a snow tire as defined in paragraph S3 may, at the option of the manufacturer, show the pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake as shown below. If the manufacturer chooses to mark the snow tire with the alpine symbol, the mountain profile must have a minimum base of 15 mm and a minimum height of 15 mm, and must contain three peaks with the middle peak being the tallest. Inside the mountain, there must be a six-sided snowflake having a minimum height of one-half the tallest peak.
S5.5.1Tire identification number.
Tires manufactured before September 1, 2009.
Each tire must be labeled with the tire identification number required by 49 CFR part 574 on a sidewall of the tire. Except for retreaded tires, either the tire identification number or a partial tire identification number, containing all characters in the tire identification number, except for the date code and, at the discretion of the manufacturer, any optional code, must be labeled on the other sidewall of the tire.
Tires manufactured on or after September 1, 2009.
Each tire must be labeled with the tire identification number required by 49 CFR part 574 on the intended outboard sidewall of the tire. Except for retreaded tires, either the tire identification number or a partial tire identification number, containing all characters in the tire identification number, except for the date code and, at the discretion of the manufacturer, any optional code, must be labeled on the other sidewall of the tire. Except for retreaded tires, if a tire does not have an intended outboard sidewall, the tire must be labeled with the tire identification number required by 49 CFR part 574 on one sidewall and with either the tire identification number or a partial tire identification number, containing all characters in the tire identification number except for the date code and, at the discretion of the manufacturer, any optional code, on the other sidewall.
S5.5.3Each tire must be labeled with the name of the manufacturer, or brand name and number assigned to the manufacturer in the manner specified in 49 CFR part 574.
S5.5.4For passenger car tires, if the maximum inflation pressure of a tire is 240, 280, 300, 340, or 350 kPa, then:
Each marking of that inflation pressure pursuant to S5.5(c) must be followed in parenthesis by the equivalent psi, rounded to the next higher whole number; and
Each marking of the tire's maximum load rating pursuant to S5.5(d) in kilograms must be followed in parenthesis by the equivalent load rating in pounds, rounded to the nearest whole number.
S5.5.5If the maximum inflation pressure of a tire is 420 kPa (60 psi), the tire must have permanently molded into or onto both sidewalls, in letters and numerals not less than 1/2 inch high, the words “Inflate to 60 psi” or “Inflate to 420 kPa (60 psi).” On both sidewalls, the words must be positioned in an area between the tire shoulder and the bead of the tire. However, the words must be also positioned on the tire so that they are not obstructed by the flange of any rim designated for use with that tire in this standard or in Standard No. 110 (§ 571.110 of this part).
S5.5.6For LT tires, the maximum permissible inflation pressure shown must be the inflation pressure that corresponds to the maximum load of the tire for the tire size as specified in one of the publications described in S4.1.1.(b) of § 571.139. At the manufacturer's option, the shown inflation pressure may be as much as 10 psi (69 kPa) greater than the inflation pressure corresponding to the specified maximum load.
S6.1.Tire dimensions
S6.1.1Test conditions and procedures.
S6.1.1.1Tire Preparation.
S6.1.1.1.1Mount the tire on the measuring rim specified by the tire manufacturer or in one of the publications listed in S4.1.1
S6.1.1.1.2For passenger car tires, inflate to the pressure specified in the following table:
S6.1.1.1.3In the case of a LT tire, inflate it to the pressure at maximum load as labeled on sidewall.
S6.1.1.1.4Condition the assembly at an ambient room temperature of 20 °C to 30 °C for not less than 24 hours.
S6.1.1.1.5Readjust the tire pressure to that specified in S6.1.1.1.2.
S6.1.1.2Test procedure.
S6.1.1.2.1Measure the section width and overall width by caliper at six points approximately equally spaced around the circumference of the tire, avoiding measurement of the additional thickness of the special protective ribs or bands. The average of the measurements so obtained are taken as the section width and overall width, respectively.
S6.1.1.2.2Determine the outer diameter by measuring the maximum circumference of the tire and dividing the figure so obtained by Pi (3.14).
S6.1.2Performance Requirements. The actual section width and overall width for each tire measured in accordance with S6.1.1.2 shall not exceed the section width specified in a submission made by an individual manufacturer, pursuant to S4.1.1(a) or in one of the publications described in S4.1.1(b) for its size designation and type by more than:
(For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 32, 36, or 40 psi) 7 percent, or
(For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 240, 280, 300, 340 or 350 kPa) 7 percent or 10 mm (0.4 inches), whichever is larger.
S6.2High Speed Performance
S6.2.1Test conditions and procedures.
S6.2.1.1Preparation of tire.
S6.2.1.1.1Mount the tire on a test rim and inflate it to the pressure specified for the tire in the following table:
S6.2.1.1.2Condition the assembly at 32 to 38 °C for not less than 3 hours.
S6.2.1.1.3Before or after mounting the assembly on a test axle, readjust the tire pressure to that specified in S6.2.1.1.1.
S6.2.1.2Test procedure.
S6.2.1.2.1Press the assembly against the outer face of a test drum with a diameter of 1.70 m ±1%.
S6.2.1.2.2Apply to the test axle a load equal to 85% of the tire's maximum load carrying capacity.
S6.2.1.2.3Break-in the tire by running it for 2 hours at 80 km/h.
S6.2.1.2.4Allow tire to cool to 38 °C and readjust inflation pressure to applicable pressure in 6.2.1.1.1 immediately before the test.
S6.2.1.2.5Throughout the test, the inflation pressure is not corrected and the test load is maintained at the value applied in S6.2.1.2.2.
S6.2.1.2.6During the test, the ambient temperature, measured at a distance of not less than 150 mm and not more than 1 m from the tire, is maintained at not less than 32 °C or more than 38 °C.
S6.2.1.2.7The test is conducted, continuously and uninterrupted, for ninety minutes through three thirty-minute consecutive test stages at the following speeds: 140, 150, and 160 km/h.
S6.2.1.2.8Allow the tire to cool for between 15 minutes and 25 minutes. Measure its inflation pressure. Then, deflate the tire, remove it from the test rim, and inspect it for the conditions specified in S6.2.2(a).
S6.2.2Performance requirements. When the tire is tested in accordance with S6.2.1:
There shall be no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply, cord, innerliner, belt or bead separation, chunking, open splices, cracking, or broken cords.
The tire pressure, when measured at any time between 15 minutes and 25 minutes after the end of the test, shall not be less than 95% of the initial pressure specified in S6.2.1.1.1.
S6.3Tire Endurance
S6.3.1Test conditions and procedures.
S6.3.1.1Preparation of Tire.
S6.3.1.1.1Mount the tire on a test rim and inflate it to the pressure specified for the tire in the following table:
S6.3.1.1.2Condition the assembly at 32 to 38 °C for not less than 3 hours.
S6.3.1.1.3Readjust the pressure to the value specified in S6.3.1.1.1 immediately before testing.
S6.3.1.2Test Procedure.
S6.3.1.2.1Mount the assembly on a test axle and press it against the outer face of a smooth wheel having a diameter of 1.70 m ±1%.
S6.3.1.2.2During the test, the ambient temperature, at a distance of not less than 150 mm and not more than 1 m from the tire, is maintained at not less than 32 °C or more than 38 °C.
S6.3.1.2.3Conduct the test, without interruptions, at the test speed of not less than 120 km/h with loads and test periods not less than those shown in the following table. For snow tires, conduct the test at not less than 110 km/h.
S6.3.1.2.4Throughout the test, the inflation pressure is not corrected and the test loads are maintained at the value corresponding to each test period, as shown in the table in S6.3.1.2.3.
S6.3.1.2.5Allow the tire to cool for between 15 minutes and 25 minutes after running the tire for the time specified in the table in S6.3.1.2.3, measure its inflation pressure. Inspect the tire externally on the test rim for the conditions specified in S6.3.2(a).
S6.3.2Performance requirements. When the tire is tested in accordance with S6.3.1:
There shall be no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply, cord, belt or bead separation, chunking, open splices, cracking or broken cords.
The tire pressure, when measured at any time between 15 minutes and 25 minutes after the end of the test, shall not be less than 95% of the initial pressure specified in S6.3.1.1.1.
S6.4Low Inflation Pressure Performance
S6.4.1Test conditions and procedures.
S6.4.1.1Preparation of tire.
S6.4.1.1.1This test is conducted following completion of the tire endurance test using the same tire and rim assembly tested in accordance with S6.3 with the tire deflated to the following appropriate pressure:
S6.4.1.1.2After the tire is deflated to the appropriate test pressure in S6.4.1.1.1 at the completion of the endurance test, condition the assembly at 32 to 38 °C for not less than 2 hours.
S6.4.1.1.3Before or after mounting the assembly on a test axle, readjust the tire pressure to that specified in S6.4.1.1.1.
S6.4.1.2Test procedure.
S6.4.1.2.1The test is conducted for ninety minutes at the end of the test specified in S6.3, continuous and uninterrupted, at a speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). For snow tires, conduct the test at not less than 110 km/h.
S6.4.1.2.2Press the assembly against the outer face of a test drum with a diameter of 1.70 m 1%.
S6.4.1.2.3Apply to the test axle a load equal to 100% of the tire's maximum load carrying capacity.
S6.4.1.2.4Throughout the test, the inflation pressure is not corrected and the test load is maintained at the initial level.
S6.4.1.2.5During the test, the ambient temperature, at a distance of not less than 150 mm and not more than 1 m from the tire, is maintained at not less than 32 °C or more than 38 °C.
S6.4.1.2.6Allow the tire to cool for between 15 minutes and 25 minutes. Measure its inflation pressure. Then, deflate the tire, remove it from the test rim, and inspect it for the conditions specified in S6.4.2(a).
S6.4.2Performance requirements. When the tire is tested in accordance with S6.4.1:
There shall be no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply, cord, innerliner, belt or bead separation, chunking, open splices, cracking, or broken cords, and
The tire pressure, when measured at any time between 15 minutes and 25 minutes after the end of the test, shall not be less than 95% of the initial pressure specified in S6.4.1.1.1.
S6.5Tire strength.
S6.5.1Tire strength for passenger car tires. Each tire shall comply with the requirements of S5.3 of § 571.109.
S6.5.2Tire strength for LT tires. Each tire shall comply with the requirements of S7.3 of § 571.119.
S6.6Tubeless tire bead unseating resistance. Each tire shall comply with the requirements of S5.2 of § 571.109. For light truck tires, the maximum permissible inflation pressure to be used for the bead unseating test is as follows:
260 kPa.
340 kPa.
410 kPa.
190 kPa.
S7.1Tires manufactured on or after September 1, 2005 and before September 1, 2006. For tires manufactured on or after September 1, 2005 and before September 1, 2006, the number of tires complying with S4, S5.5, S5.5.1, S5.5.2, S5.5.3, S5.5.4, S5.5.5, and S5.5.6 of this standard must be equal to not less than 40% of the manufacturer's production during that period.
S7.2Tires manufactured on or after September 1, 2006 and before September 1, 2007. For tires manufactured on or after September 1, 2006 and before September 1, 2007, the number of tires complying with S4, S5.5, S5.5.1, S5.5.2, S5.5.3, S5.5.4, S5.5.5, and S5.5.6 of this standard must be equal to not less than 70% of the manufacturer's production during that period.
S7.3Tires manufactured on or after September 1, 2007. Each tire must comply with S4, S5.5, S5.5.1, S5.5.2, S5.5.3, S5.5.4, S5.5.5, and S5.5.6 of this standard.