Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

TIRE DAMAGES
Once a proper inspection is performed, we can factually describe any punctures, cuts, impacts or other damages, and make an accurate evaluation and explanation of the damage.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

TD

TREAD DAMAGE

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

TREAD CUT/PUNCTURE

Condition: Caused when a foreign object penetrates the tread area. Can lead to air loss and possible tire destruction. Solution: If puncture occurs, the damage may be repaired if within recommended limits.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

1 TD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

BRAKE LOCK-UP

Condition: Localized tread damage can occur during brake lock-up. The extent of the damage may depend on the severity of the brake lock-up, road surface, or other conditions. If severe, the damage can extend into the steel belts. Solution: When possible, avoid severe braking situations.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

2 TD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

CENTER TREAD WEAR

Condition: This type of damage can be caused by over-inflation. The center of the tread will bulge outward forcing it to carry most of the weight and in turn, wear out the center of the tread prematurely. Solution: Maintain vehicle manufacturers recommended inflation.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

3 TD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

SHOULDER WEAR - One Side

Condition: Also known as mechanical wear, this is caused by worn parts or misalignment and may result in uneven wear. This condition will reduce tire life and may lead to other tire damage. Solution: Check for damaged or worn suspension components and properly align the vehicle.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

4 TD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

SHOULDER WEAR - Both Sides

Condition: Occurs when the tire is under-inflated and the outer shoulders are forced to carry the majority of the weight. This will lead to excessive shoulder wear and reduce tire life. Solution: Maintain vehicle manufacturers recommended inflation. Use new valve stems and cores when mounting new tires, follow proper mounting procedures and use rims in good condition.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

5 TD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

SD

SIDEWALL DAMAGE

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

SIDEWALL CUT/PUNCTURE

Condition: Caused by penetration of the sidewall by a foreign object or by an impact to the sidewall. Scratches and abrasions in the penetration area can indicate the entry point of a foreign object. Sidewall cuts leave the sidewall rubber torn with jagged, uneven sides and the casing cords frayed and uneven Solution: Whenever possible, avoid road hazards. *Note: Sidewall repairs are not recommended.
2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

1 SD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

VANDALISM

Condition: Knife cuts or other types of intentionally inflicted damage can often be misidentified as cracks or splits. Knife cuts will leave the rubber with smooth sides and cleanly severed, not frayed, casting cords.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

2 SD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

SIDEWALL CRACKING

Condition: This type of damage is caused by over-exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Excessive weathering can lead to sidewall rubber deterioration and sidewall cracking. (Over time, most tires experience minor surface cracking.) Solution: When possible, avoid leaving tires exposed to excessive sunlight and other extreme conditions.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

3 SD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

SIDEWALL DRESSING DAMAGE

Condition: Caused by the use of chemical agents to clean or shine the tire sidewall. Some chemicals can deteriorate the rubber and reduce tire life. Solution: Use properly formulated tire-cleaning products when treating the sidewall. (Example: non-petroleum based)

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

4 SD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

HIGH-PRESSURE SPRAYER DAMAGE (Power Washer)

Condition: High-pressure industrial sprayers are powerful enough to damage tires. This type of damage is most often cosmetic and requires no repair unless casing cords or other components are exposed. If casing cords are visible, remove this tire from service. Solution: Do not use high-pressure sprayers to clean tires.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

5 SD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

SEVERE UNDER-INFLATION Run Flat (Exterior View)

Condition: Running a tire severely under-inflated may cause it to overheat and deteriorate. A wide range of visible damages may result from this type of condition. These range from a slight exterior abrasion ring on the upper sidewall to complete sidewall disintegration with multiple sidewall damages. Due to the extent of the tire damage, it is often difficult to determine the primary cause of air loss. (See next page for more)

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

6 SD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

SEVERE UNDER-INFLATION Run Flat (Interior View)

Condition: Severe under-inflation (run flat) may cause the inner-liner to wrinkle and detach from the casing. Other damages include discoloration, a bubbled inner-liner and the presence of black-powder when first dismounted from the wheel. Solutions: Early detection of punctures, regular inflation checks, and the use of new valve stems when mounting will lessen chances of a severely under-inflated tire. Sudden tire damage is sometimes unavoidable.
2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

7 SD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

BD

BEAD DAMAGE

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

BEAD DAMAGE (Improper Mounting)

Condition: Insufficient tire lubrication or improper use of tire mounting equipment can damage rubber in the bead area. In severe cases the bead wires can be weakened, bent or broken. CAUTION: Any tire with bead damage should be removed from service. Solution: Use adequate lubrication with proper tire mounting and dismounting procedures.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

1 BD

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

ID

INTERIOR DAMAGE

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

IMPACT DAMAGE Pinch Shock (Exterior View)

Condition: A severe impact can cause the tire sidewall to be pinched between the rim and the object, which cuts the casing ply(s). This type of damage is often seen as a bulge/bubble or tear in the sidewall. (Cuts may be noticed on the tires exterior or interior.) Solution: Avoid road hazards such as potholes, curbs, or other obstacles.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

1 ID

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

IMPACT DAMAGE Pinch Shock (Interior View)

Condition: A severe impact can cause the tire sidewall to be pinched between the rim and the object, which cuts the casing ply(s). This type of damage is often seen as a bulge/bubble or tear in the sidewall. (Cuts may be noticed on the tires exterior or interior.) Solution: Avoid road hazards such as potholes, curbs, or other obstacles.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

2 ID

Michelin North America

Passenger and Light Truck

IMPACT DAMAGE Pinch Shock (Exterior View)

Condition: A severe impact can cause the tire sidewall to be pinched between the rim and the object, which cuts the casing ply(s). This type of damage is often seen as a bulge/bubble or tear in the sidewall. (Cuts may be noticed on the tires exterior or interior.) Solution: Avoid road hazards such as potholes, curbs, or other obstacles.

2003 Michelin North America, All Rights Reserved.

3 ID