A New York Senate committee approved legislation to require automotive repair shops to properly repair tires.
The bill, S 7082, the Proper Tire Repair Act, would impose a $500 penalty on a repair shop that attempts to repair tires
1. without removing the tire from the rim,
2. inspecting for damage and
3. "ensuring that a repair conforms to repair procedures supported by tire makers."
The bill was passed by the Senate Transportation Committee on June 5, 2012, during National Tire Safety Week, a tire industry initiative that promotes safety with a focus on educating consumers about how to properly maintain and care for their tires.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) supports the bill.
“This legislation will help protect motorists from the risks of improperly repaired tires,” says Dan Zielinski, senior vice president for the RMA. “Despite years of effort by tire manufacturers, tire dealer organizations and tire repair materials manufacturers to educate repair shops about proper repair, too many improper repairs are performed.”
The RMA has long-standing industry tire repair standards that clearly outline the steps necessary to properly repair tires.
S 7082 and its Assembly companion, A 9683, would prohibit a motor vehicle repair shop from repairing a tire if any of the following conditions exist:
* the tire tread depth is equal to or less than 2/32 inch on any area of the tread;
* the damage is to a tire sidewall;
* the damage extends into the tread shoulder/belt edge area;
* the damage exceeds 1/4 inch;
* the tire has an existing improper repair;
* the repair will overlap an existing, proper repair.
The legislation also provides guidance to motor vehicle repair shops about how to properly repair tires.
