Sec. 11.14.05.05. Tires and Wheels

A. Tires.

Procedures:

Reject Vehicle If:

(1) Reference is made to Figures 2 and 3 for visual aid in determining tire wear. This inspection is visual. (a) Inspect for tire wear: (i) Tires without tread wear indicators. (ii) Tires with tread wear indicators. (iii) For cord exposure. (b) Inspect for tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks. (c) Inspect for lumps, bulges, or knots. (d) Inspect for fabric breaks and exposed or damaged body cords. (e) Inspect for regrooved or recut tires. (f) Inspect for mismatching of tire types. (g) Inspect for mismatching of tire sizes (dual wheels). (h) Inspect for tire size. (i) Visually inspect for restricted usage marking on tire such as reclassified tires. (j) Inspect valve stems for leaks, damage, or cracks.

(1)(a) (i) Tire is worn so that less than 2/32 inch tread remains when a measurement is made in any motor groove at three locations spaced approximately equally around outside of tire. (ii) Tire is worn so that the tread wear indicators contact the road in any two adjacent grooves at three locations spaced approximately equally around outside of tire. (iii) Tire has a worn spot that exposes the cord through the tread. (b) Tire has tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks in any direction and deep enough to expose cords. (c) Tire has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating partial failure or separation of the tire structure. (d) Tire has an unrepaired fabric break or sidewall has damaged body cords. (e) Tire has been regrooved, or recut below original groove depth, except those that are designed to be readily identified as regroovable. (f) Tires are not the same size on the same axle. (g) The diameter of one of the duals is not within 1/2 inch of the other, or if the gauge block can be inserted between the tire and the caliper. (h) Tires are smaller than manufacturer's specified minimum or of a larger size so that tire and body contact during different vehicle attitudes. (i) Tire is: (i) Marked "For Farm Use Only"; (ii) Marked "Off Highway Use Only"; (iii) Marked "For Racing Use Only"; (iv) A metal studded snow tire during period when prohibited (April 1st through October 31st in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.) Reject in other areas at any time. (j) Valve stem is leaking, cracked, or damaged or shows evidence of wear.

Figures 2-4.

B. Wheels.

Procedures:	Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Inspect wheel bolts, nuts, or lugs.	(1) Wheel bolts, nuts, studs, or lugs are loose, missing, or damaged.
(2) Inspect for wheel damage.	(2) Any part of a wheel is bent, cracked, rewelded, or damaged to affect safe operation of the vehicle; loose or missing spokes on spoke-type wheels; or any wheel not the original, equivalent, or one designated by the wheel manufacturer for use on that particular vehicle. (Specialty Equipment Market Association, SEMA, or U.S./D.O.T. approved wheels and adapters are acceptable.)
(3) Inspect rims and lock rings for matching, condition, tightness of nuts and clamps, and evidence of slippage.	(3) Rims and lock rings are obviously mismatched, nuts and clamps are loose, or there is evidence of slippage.