Disclaimer: These documents are not the official versions (more).
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT
Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations, 1995
SAFETY STANDARD
109 FOR PASSENGER CAR TIRES
General
1. (1) Every tire of a particular size designation and type shall
(a) be designed to fit a rim having a designated diameter of 254, 279, 305, 330, 356,
381, 406, 432, 457 or 483 mm (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19 in.) or 320, 340,
345, 365, 370, 390, 400, 415, 425, 450, 475 or 500 mm;
(b) be designed to fit each rim specified for a tire of that size designation and type
in a tire and rim document;
(c) have, in the case of CT tires, a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 290,
330, 350 or 390 kPa (42, 48, 51 or 57 p.s.i.);
(d) have a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 220, 240, 250, 275, 280,
300, 340, 350 or 415 kPa (32, 35, 36, 40, 41, 44, 50, 51 or 60 p.s.i.);
(e) have load ratings and corresponding inflation pressures for a tire of that size
designation and type as specified in a tire and rim document;
(f) subject to subsection (2), have a maximum load rating that is not less than the
maximum load rating specified for a tire of that size designation and type in a tire and
rim document; and
(g) incorporate a treadwear indicator that will provide a visible indication that the
tire has worn to a tread depth of 1.6 mm (1/16 in.).
(2) Where a publication referred to in subsection 7(2) of these Regulations sets out
more than one maximum load rating for a tire of a particular size designation and type,
the required maximum load rating for the purposes of paragraph (1)(f) shall be
not less than the lowest of the maximum load ratings set out in the publication.
Rules Respecting Testing
2. For the purpose of conducting tests under subsections 4(2), 5(2), 6(2), 7(2) and
8(2), three similar new tires shall be used as follows:
(a) one tire for the test for physical dimensions, the bead unseating resistance test
and the tire strength test, in that sequence;
(b) one tire for the tire endurance test; and
(c) one tire for the high speed performance test.
3. Before being subjected to the tire endurance test set out in subsection 7(2) or the
high speed performance test set out in subsection 8(2), a tire of a particular size
designation and type shall have no visible evidence of tread separation, sidewall
separation, ply separation, cord separation, innerliner separation, bead separation,
chunking, broken cords, cracking or open splice.
Physical Dimensions of Tires
4. (1) Where a tire of a particular size designation and type is tested for physical
dimensions in accordance with subsection (2), the tire shall have
(a) a tolerance in respect of section width and overall width that
(i) in the case of a tire with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 220, 250 or
275 kPa (32, 36 or 40 p.s.i.), is not greater than seven per cent in excess of the section
width specified in a tire and rim document for a tire of that size designation and type,
or
(ii) in the case of a tire with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 240, 280,
290, 300, 330, 340, 350, 390 or 415 kPa (35, 41, 42, 44, 48, 50, 51, 57 or 60 p.s.i.), is
not greater than seven per cent in excess of the section width specified in a tire and rim
document for a tire of that size designation and type, or 10 mm (0.4 in.), whichever is
greater; and
(b) a size factor that is not less than the minimum size factor specified in a tire and
rim document for a tire of that size designation and type.
(2) The test for the physical dimensions of a tire shall be carried out under uniform
ambient conditions by
(a) mounting the tire on a test rim and inflating it to the pressure set out in column
II of an item of Table II for the maximum permissible inflation pressure set out in column
I of that item;
(b) conditioning the tire and rim assembly at ambient temperature for at least 24 hours
and then adjusting the inflation pressure of the conditioned tire to the pressure referred
to in paragraph (a);
(c) measuring with calipers the section width and overall width of the tire at six
points approximately equally spaced around the tire circumference;
(d) recording the average of the measurements of the section width and overall width,
respectively; and
(e) determining the tire's outer diameter by measuring the maximum
circumference of the tire and dividing it by pi (3.14).
Bead Unseating
Resistance of Tubeless Tires
5. (1) Where a tubeless tire of a particular size designation and type is tested for
bead unseating resistance in accordance with subsection (2), the tire shall, using the
test rim width specified in a tire and rim document for a tire of that size designation
and type,
(a) in the case of a tire with a maximum permissible inflation pressure other than 415
kPa (60 p.s.i.), require an applied force to unseat the tire bead at the point of contact
of that force of not less than
(i) 6 670 N (1,500 lb.) for a tire with a designated section width, as marked on the
sidewalls, of less than 155 mm (6 in.),
(ii) 8 895 N (2,000 lb.) for a tire with a designated section width, as marked on the
sidewalls, of 155 mm (6 in.) or more but less than 205 mm (8 in.), and
(iii) 11 120 N (2,500 lb.) for a tire with a designated section width, as marked on the
sidewalls, of 205 mm (8 in.) or more; and
(b) in the case of a tire with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 415
kPa (60 p.s.i.), require an applied force to unseat the tire bead at the point of contact
of that force of not less than
(i) 6 670 N (1,500 lb.) for a tire with a maximum load rating of less than 400 kg (880
lb.),
(ii) 8 895 N (2,000 lb.) for a tire with a maximum load rating of 400 kg (880 lb.) or
more but less than 635 kg (1,400 lb.), and
(iii) 11 120 N (2,500 lb.) for a tire with a maximum load rating of 635 kg (1,400 lb.)
or more.
(2) The tubeless tire bead unseating resistance test shall be performed by
(a) washing the tire, drying it at the beads and mounting it without
lubrication or adhesive onto a clean, painted test rim;
(b) inflating the tire to the applicable inflation pressure set out in column II of an
item of Table II for the maximum permissible inflation pressure set out in column I of
that item;
(c) mounting the tire and rim assembly onto the bead unseating fixture shown in Figure
1 and
(i) for a tire that has a maximum permissible inflation pressure of other than 415 kPa
(60 p.s.i.), forcing the bead unseating block, as shown in Figure 2, against the tire
sidewall, and
(ii) for a tire that has a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 415 kPa (60
p.s.i.), forcing the bead unseating block, as shown in Figure 3, against the tire
sidewall;
(d) applying a force through the bead unseating block to the tire outer sidewall at the
dimension specified in the table to Figure 1 for the applicable wheel size at a rate of
50.8 mm/min (2 in./min.), with the load arm substantially parallel to the tire and rim
assembly at the time of engagement;
(e) increasing the force until the bead unseats or the applicable value set out in
paragraph (1)(a) is reached or, for a tire that has a maximum permissible inflation
pressure of 415 kPa (60 p.s.i.), until the bead unseats or the applicable value set out in
paragraph (1)(b) is reached; and
(f) repeating the test at not less than four points approximately equally spaced around
the tire circumference.
Tire Strength
6. (1) Where a tire is tested for strength in accordance with subsection (2), the tire
shall meet the applicable minimum static breaking energy value set out in column II or III
of an item of Table I for the maximum permissible inflation pressure set out in column I
of that item.
(2) The strength of a tire shall be tested by
(a) mounting the tire on a test rim and inflating it to the applicable inflation
pressure set out in column II of an item of Table II for the maximum permissible inflation
pressure set out in column I of that item;
(b) conditioning the tire and rim assembly at ambient temperature for at least three
hours and then adjusting the inflation pressure of the conditioned tire to the pressure
referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) forcing, at a rate of 50.8 mm/min (2 in./min.) perpendicularly into a
point located on a tread rib of the tire that is as near to the centreline of the tread as
possible, a cylindrical steel plunger that has a hemispherical end and a diameter of 19 mm
(3/4 in.);
(d) recording the force that was applied to the cylindrical steel plunger and
the distance the plunger moved from the point at which the pressure was applied to the
point the plunger reached either immediately before puncturing the tire or immediately
before reaching the rim, if the tire was not punctured, at five points approximately
equally spaced around the tire circumference;
(e) computing the static breaking energy value at each of the points at which the
cylindrical steel plunger was forced into the tread, by using the force and distance
values recorded pursuant to paragraph (d) in the formula
W = F x D
2
where
W is the Static Breaking Energy, expressed in joules (inch-pounds),
F is the Force, expressed in newtons (pounds), and
D is the distance, expressed in metres (inches); and
(f) determining the static breaking energy value for the tire by computing the average
of the values obtained pursuant to paragraph (e).
Tire Endurance
7. (1) Where a tire is tested for endurance, either alone or simultaneously with not
more than five other tires, in accordance with subsection (2), at the end of the test the
tire shall
(a) show no visible evidence of tread separation, sidewall separation, ply separation,
cord separation, innerliner separation, bead separation, chunking, broken cords, cracking
or open splice; and
(b) have an inflation pressure that is not less than the inflation pressure at the
beginning of the test.
(2) The endurance of a tire shall be tested by
(a) mounting the tire on a test rim and inflating it to the applicable inflation
pressure set out in column II of an item of Table II for the maximum permissible inflation
pressure set out in column I of that item;
(b) conditioning the tire and rim assembly at 38°C " 3°C (100°F " 5°F)
for at least three hours and then, immediately before testing, adjusting the inflation
pressure of the conditioned tire to the pressure referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) mounting the tire and rim assembly on a test axle and pressing the tread
against a flat-faced steel test wheel that is 1 707.6 mm (67.23 in.) in diameter and at
least as wide as the section width of the tire;
(d) maintaining the temperature in the test area at 38°C " 3°C (100°F "
5°F);
(e) running the tire at a test wheel speed of 80 km/h (50 m.p.h.) without
pressure adjustments or other interruptions for
(i) four hours with a test load corresponding to 85 per cent of the maximum load rating
as marked on the sidewall,
(ii) six hours with a test load corresponding to 90 per cent of the maximum load rating
as marked on the sidewall, and
(iii) 24 hours with a test load corresponding to the maximum load rating as marked on
the sidewall;
(f) measuring the inflation pressure of the tire immediately after running it for the
total number of hours required by paragraph (e); and
(g) deflating the tire, removing it from the rim after allowing it to cool and
inspecting it for visible evidence of tread separation, sidewall separation, ply
separation, cord separation, innerliner separation, bead separation, chunking, broken
cords, cracking or open splice.
High Speed Performance
8. (1) Where a tire is tested for high speed performance, either alone or
simultaneously with not more than five other tires, in accordance with subsection (2), at
the end of the test the tire shall
(a) show no visible evidence of tread separation, sidewall separation, ply
separation, cord separation, innerliner separation, bead separation, chunking, broken
cords, cracking or open splice; and
(b) have an inflation pressure that is not less than the inflation pressure at the
beginning of the test.
(2) The high speed performance of a tire shall be tested by
(a) mounting the tire on a test rim and inflating it to the applicable
inflation pressure set out in column III of an item of Table II for the maximum
permissible inflation pressure set out in column I of that item;
(b) conditioning the tire and rim assembly at 38°C " 3°C (100°F " 5°F)
for at least three hours and then, immediately before testing, adjusting the inflation
pressure of the conditioned tire to the pressure referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) mounting the tire and rim assembly on a test axle, applying a force on the tire of
88 per cent of the maximum load rating as marked on the sidewall and pressing the tread
against a flat-faced steel test wheel 1 707.6 mm (67.23 in.) in diameter and at least as
wide as the section width of the tire;
(d) running the tire for two hours at a test wheel speed of 80 km/h (50
m.p.h.) with the force described in paragraph (c) applied to it;
(e) allowing the tire to cool to 38°C " 3°C (100°F " 5°F) and then,
immediately before continuing the test, adjusting the inflation pressure of the tire to
the pressure referred to in paragraph (a);
(f) running the tire with the force described in paragraph (c) applied to it
for 30 minutes at each of the following test wheel speeds, namely, 121 km/h (75 m.p.h.),
129 km/h (80 m.p.h.) and 137 km/h (85 m.p.h.);
(g) measuring the inflation pressure of the tire immediately after running it for the
total number of minutes required by paragraph (f); and
(h) deflating the tire, removing it from the rim after allowing it to cool and
inspecting it for visible evidence of tread separation, sidewall separation, ply
separation, cord separation, innerliner separation, bead separation, chunking, broken
cords, cracking or open splice.
TABLE I
MINIMUM STATIC BREAKING ENERGY VALUES
PART A
Bias Ply Tires with Designated Section Width,
as Marked on the Sidewalls, of 155 mm (6 In.) and Greater
|
Column I |
Column II |
Column III |
Item
|
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Rayon Cord |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Nylon or
Polyester Cord |
1. |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
186 J (1,650 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
2. |
240 kPa (35 p.s.i.) |
186 J (1,650 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
3. |
250 kPa (36 p.s.i.) |
290 J (2,574 in.-lb.) |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
4. |
275 kPa (40 p.s.i.) |
373 J (3,300 in.-lb.) |
588 J (5,200 in.-lb.) |
5. |
280 kPa (41 p.s.i.) |
373 J (3,300 in.-lb.) |
588 J (5,200 in.-lb.) |
6. |
300 kPa (44 p.s.i.) |
186 J (1,650 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
7. |
340 kPa (50 p.s.i.) |
373 J (3,300 in.-lb.) |
588 J (5,200 in.-lb.) |
PART B
Bias Ply Tires with Designated Section Width,
as Marked on the Sidewalls, of Less Than 155 mm (6 In.)
|
Column I |
Column II |
Column III |
Item |
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Rayon Cord |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Nylon or
Polyester Cord |
1. |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
113 J (1,000 in.-lb.) |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
2. |
240 kPa (35 p.s.i.) |
113 J (1,000 in.-lb.) |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
3. |
250 kPa (36 p.s.i.) |
212 J (1,875 in.-lb.) |
330 J (2,925 in.-lb.) |
4. |
275 kPa (40 p.s.i.) |
282 J (2,500 in.-lb.) |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
5. |
280 kPa (41 p.s.i.) |
282 J (2,500 in.-lb.) |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
6. |
300 kPa (44 p.s.i.) |
113 J (1,000 in.-lb.) |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
7. |
340 kPa (50 p.s.i.) |
282 J (2,500 in.-lb.) |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
PART C
Radial Ply Tires
|
Column I |
Column II |
Column III |
Item |
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Size
Designation of under 160 mm |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Size
Designation of 160 mm or more |
1. |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
2. |
240 kPa (35 p.s.i.) |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
3. |
250 kPa (36 p.s.i.) |
330 J (2,925 in.-lb.) |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
4. |
275 kPa (40 p.s.i.) |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
588 J (5,200 in.-lb.) |
5. |
280 kPa (41 p.s.i.) |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
588 J (5,200 in.-lb.) |
6. |
290 kPa (42 p.s.i.)* |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
7. |
300 kPa (44 p.s.i.) |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
8. |
330 kPa (48 p.s.i.)* |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
588 J (5,200 in.-lb.) |
9. |
340 kPa (50 p.s.i.) |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
588 J (5,200 in.-lb.) |
10. |
350 kPa (51 p.s.i.)* |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
11. |
390 kPa (57 p.s.i.)* |
441 J (3,900 in.-lb.) |
588 J (5,200 in.-lb.) |
* For CT tires only
PART D
Tires with 415 kPa (60 p.s.i.) Maximum
Permissible Inflation Pressure and Maximum
Load Rating of 400 kg (880 lb.) and More
|
Column I |
Column II |
Column III |
Item |
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Rayon Cord |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Nylon or
Polyester Cord |
1. |
415 kPa (60 p.s.i.) |
186 J (1,650 in.-lb.) |
294 J (2,600 in.-lb.) |
PART E
Tires with 415 kPa (60 p.s.i.) Maximum Permissible
Inflation Pressure and Maximum Load Rating of Less
than 400 kg (880 lb.)
|
Column I |
Column II |
Column III |
Item
|
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Rayon Cord |
Minimum Static Breaking Energy: Nylon or
Polyester Cord |
1. |
415 kPa (60 p.s.i.) |
113 J (1,000 in.-lb.) |
220 J (1,950 in.-lb.) |
Test Inflation Pressure
|
Column I |
Column II |
Column III |
Item |
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure |
Pressure to Be Used for:
- Test for Physical
Dimensions
- Bead Unseating
Resistance Test
- Strength Test
- Endurance Test |
Pressure to Be Used for High Speed Performance Test |
1. |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
165 kPa (24 p.s.i.) |
205 kPa (30 p.s.i.) |
2. |
240 kPa (35 p.s.i.) |
180 kPa (26 p.s.i.) |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
3. |
250 kPa (36 p.s.i.) |
195 kPa (28 p.s.i.) |
235 kPa (34 p.s.i.) |
4. |
275 kPa (40 p.s.i.) |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
260 kPa (38 p.s.i.) |
5. |
280 kPa (41 p.s.i.) |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
260 kPa (38 p.s.i.) |
6. |
290 kPa (42 p.s.i.)* |
230 kPa (33 p.s.i.) |
270 kPa (39 p.s.i.) |
7. |
300 kPa (44 p.s.i.) |
180 kPa (26 p.s.i.) |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
8. |
330 kPa (48 p.s.i.)* |
270 kPa (39 p.s.i.) |
310 kPa (45 p.s.i.) |
9. |
340 kPa (50 p.s.i.) |
220 kPa (32 p.s.i.) |
260 kPa (38 p.s.i.) |
10. |
350 kPa (51 p.s.i.)* |
230 kPa (33 p.s.i.) |
270 kPa (39 p.s.i.) |
11. |
390 kPa (57 p.s.i.)* |
270 kPa (39 p.s.i.) |
310 kPa (45 p.s.i.) |
12. |
415 kPa (60 p.s.i.) |
360 kPa (52 p.s.i.) |
400 kPa (58 p.s.i.) |
* For CT tires only
FIGURE 1
BEAD UNSEATING FIXTURE

|
Dimension "A" |
Wheel Size |
For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of other than 415kPa (60 p.s.i.) |
For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 415 kPa (60p.s.i.) |
|
In Millimetres |
In Inches |
In Millimetres |
In Inches |
19 in. |
330 |
13.0 |
305 |
12.0 |
18 in. |
318 |
12.5 |
290 |
11.4 |
17 in. |
305 |
12.0 |
269 |
10.6 |
16 in. |
292 |
11.5 |
251 |
9.9 |
15 in. |
279 |
11.0 |
239 |
9.4 |
14 in. |
267 |
10.5 |
226 |
8.9 |
13 in. |
254 |
10.0 |
213 |
8.4 |
12 in. |
241 |
9.5 |
201 |
7.9 |
11 in. |
229 |
9.0 |
188 |
7.4 |
10 in. |
216 |
8.5 |
175 |
6.9 |
500 mm* |
311 |
12.25 |
|
|
475 mm* |
298 |
11.75 |
|
|
450 mm* |
286 |
11.25 |
|
|
425 mm* |
273 |
10.75 |
|
|
415 mm |
292 |
11.5 |
|
|
400 mm* |
260 |
10.25 |
|
|
390 mm |
279 |
11.0 |
|
|
370 mm |
254 |
10.0 |
|
|
365 mm |
248 |
9.75 |
|
|
345 mm |
239 |
9.25 |
|
|
340 mm |
229 |
9.0 |
|
|
320 mm |
216 |
8.5 |
|
|
* For CT tires only
FIGURE 2
BEAD UNSEATING BLOCK
For tires with a maximum
permissible
inflation pressure of other than
415 kPa (60 p.s.i.)
(Dimensions in Millimetres)

Equivalent Dimensions |
In Millimetres |
In Inches |
25 |
1.0 |
68 |
2.67 |
146 |
5.75 |
254 |
10.0 |
318 |
12.5 |
457 |
18.0 |
FIGURE 3
BEAD UNSEATING BLOCK
For tires with a maximum
permissible
inflation pressure of 415 kPa (60 p.s.i.)
(Dimensions in Millimetres)

Equivalent Dimensions |
In Millimetres |
In Inches |
25 |
1.0 |
39 |
1.53 |
41 |
1.62 |
68 |
2.67 |
146 |
5.75 |
213 |
8.375 |
254 |
10.0 |
457 |
18.0 |
Established by
SOR/95-148 21 March, 1995 pursuant to subsection 3 (2) and sections 5, 7, 10 and 11 of
the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, effective April 12, 1995
Modified by
SOR/2005-342 15 November, 2005 pursuant to section 5 and subsection 11(1) of
the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, comes into force 15 November, 2005
Paragraph 1(1)(d) of Schedule IV is replaced.
|