The International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) is protesting provisions in the controversial Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act that would change tire sidewall labeling requirements.
ITRA opposes the removal of existing maximum inflation pressure in psi and load carrying capacity labels in pounds on replacement tires as mandated by the ruling. The Louisville, Ky.-based group is worried that tire techs may try to inflate a tire without understanding the meaning of the load index symbol. "The maximum inflation pressure in psi helps to avoid unintentional overinflation of tires and the maximum load in pounds serves as a guide on vehicle load capacity," ITRA officials say.
ITRA believes current labeling requirements for retreads are sufficient. "We find that retreaders, tire dealers and consumers understand existing requirements and do not need additional information on the sidewalls of retreaded tires," says ITRA Executive Director Marvin Bozarth.
