NHTSA considers changing test pressure for spare tyres

ERJ staff report (TB)

Washington - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a proposed rule to amend federal tire safety standards to change the test pressure for the physical dimensions test for T-type (temporary spare) tyres to 60 psi from the current 52.

NHTSA published the proposal in the Oct. 30 Federal Register. It was in response to a petition from the Tire & Rim Association (TRA), which argued: “There is only one application inflation pressure for T-type tyres, 60 psi.”

While NHTSA rejected the TRA argument, it decided to issue the proposed rule for two other reasons, according to the Federal Register. Raising the inflation pressure for the physical dimensions test would increase the test's stringency; and raising the pressure to 60 psi is also consistent with international harmonisation efforts, the agency said.

Interested parties have until 29 Dec to send comments on the proposal to the NHTSA docket.

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NHTSA considers changing test pressure for spare tyres from Tire Business (a Crain publication)