Tires - Repair Information/Precautions
NUMBER: 05-47-10DATE: 04/27/10
APPLICABILITY:
All Model Years
SUBJECT:
Tire Repair
Introduction
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information regarding proper tire repair. Failure to perform proper repairs could result in tire failure which may result in an accident causing serious injury and/or death. Subaru of America, Inc. strongly recommends following the Tire
Manufactures' and Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) procedures. Tire Information can be found in the customer's OIK (Owners Information Kit) and the tire manufacturers' web-sites.
As an example, the following information was taken directly from the Bridgestone(R) Firestone(R) Tire Maintenance, Safety and Warranty Manual.
Tire Repair
SAFETY WARNING
Speed Rating:
The tire's speed rating is void if the tire is repaired, retreaded, damaged, abused, or otherwise altered from its original condition. Thereafter, it should be treated as a non-speed rated tire.
While the comprehensive procedures and recommendations for tire repair are beyond the scope of this manual, a proper tire repair includes the following:
^ The tire is demounted from the wheel for a complete inspection, inside and out. Some damage to the tire may only be evident on the interior of the tire.
^ The puncture injury is 1/4 inch (6 mm) or less and must be within the tread area as shown in the graphic. This helps ensure long-term tire and repair durability.
^ A patch is applied to the interior of the tire and the puncture hole is filled with a suitable plug/stem filler. This helps ensure that the interior of the tire is adequately sealed to prevent inflation pressure loss and prevents contamination of the steel belts and other plies
from the elements (such as water) in the outside world.
Additional notes about tire repairs:
^ Not all punctured or damaged tires can be properly repaired; consequently, some tires must be replaced. NEVER repair a tire with any of the following conditions:
- Wear to the tire's built-in tread wear indicators or to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) remaining tread depth in any area of the tread.
- With a puncture larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm).
- With a puncture or other damage outside the repairable tread area (as shown in the graphic).
- With a pre-existing, improper repair.
^ Any tire repair done without removing the tire from the wheel is improper. The tire must be demounted from the wheel and the interior inspected for damage that may not be evident on the exterior of the tire.
^ Using only a plug/stem, or using only a patch, is not a safe or proper repair. A patch must be applied to the interior of the tire and the puncture hole must be filled with a suitable plug/stem filler to prevent inflation pressure loss and contamination of the steel belts and other plies.
^ NEVER substitute a tube for a proper repair or to remedy an improper repair.
^ Tubes, like tires, should only be repaired by a qualified tire service professional.
^ Some vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using repaired tires. Consult your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating a repaired tire on your vehicle.
ASK how your tire will be repaired. ALWAYS insist on a proper tire repair.
Emergency/Temporary Sealant or Filler Repairs: An emergency/temporary sealant or filler injected into the tire, such as by aerosol can or injection/squeeze-tube, is not a proper repair and voids the tire Limited Warranty. A tire injected with such sealant/filler must be replaced by
a qualified tire service professional as soon as possible.
SAFETY WARNING
Disclaimer