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Transport Canada
Disclaimer: These documents are not the official versions (more).

MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT

Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations, 1995



SCHEDULE IV
(Section 3 and subsection 5(2))

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.)

 

 

 

TABLE II

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.


Last updated: 2005-11-30 Top of Page Important Notices