There
is danger in installing a tire of one rim diameter
on a rim of a different rim diameter.
Always replace a tire on a rim with another tire
of exactly the same rim diameter designation and
suffix letter.
For example a 16" tire goes with a 16"
rim. Never mount a 16"
size diameter tire on a 16.5" rim. While
it is possible to pass a 16" diameter tire
over the lip or flange of a 16.5" size rim
diameter, it can not be inflated enough to position
itself against the rim flange. If an attempt is
made to seat the tire bead by inflation, the tire
bead will break with explosive force and could cause
serious injury or death.
Various materials have been published on the importance
of properly matching tire bead and rim diameters
prior to attempting to mount the assembly. Listed
below is a sampling of that material.
Bridgestone:
1. Technical bulletin #T9104TD
Sec. V Tire and Rim Matching Importance
Remember the importance of properly matching of
tires and rims. In particular, special care must
also be used in the mounting of any 16" diameter
tire sizes, as well as the 15.5" and 17.5"
sizes. The 16" size tire must be mounted only
on the approved 16" rims and not on 15.5"
or 16.5 rims. In addition, any 15" size tire
must be mounted only on approved 15" rims not
on the 15.5" rim and any 17" size tire
must be mounted on 17.5" rim, serious injury
or death may result.
If mounting of a 15" diameter tire is attempted
on a 15.5" rim, or a 16" diameter tire
is attempted to be mounted on a 16.5" rim,
or a 17" tire is attempted to be mounted on
a 17.5" rim, serious injury or death may result.
2. Tire Label Safety
Warning
Safety
Warning
- Serious injury or death may result from an
explosion of tire/rim assembly due to the use
of excessive pressure during mounting.
- Never exceed 40 PSI (275 PKA) to seat beads.
After beads are seated, adjust inflation to
pressure recommended by vehicle manufacturer.
- During tire inflation, always have assembly
secured, stand clear and use remote controlled
clip on air hose.
- Only specially trained persons should mount
tires.
- Mount only on 16 inch* diameter rims.
*Warning Varies by tire size.
3. Molded Sidewall Safety
Warning
Safety Warning: Serious Injury may result from:
- Tire failure due to underinflation/overloading
-- follow owner's manual or tire placard in
vehicle.
- Explosion of tire/rim due to improper mounting
-- never exceed 40 PSI (275 KPA) to seat beads
-- mount
only 16 inch diameter rims* -- only specially
trained persons should mount tires.
*Warning Varies by tire size.
Rubber Manufacturer Association
(RMA)
1. Care and Service of Automobile and Light Truck
Tires*.
| * Copies
of the RMA material can be ordered from |
Rubber Manufacturers Association
1400 K Street NW
Washington D.C. 20005 |
2. "Demounting And
Mounting Procedures for Automobile Tires"
(Wallchart)*
3. "Tire Replacement Guide for Light Trucks"(Wallchart)*
Consumer
Inquires:
If questioned by a customer on this matter, it
is recommended that you stress the following areas:
1. Bridgestone tires are designed with adequate
strength to withstand mounting and dismounting
stresses when correctly matched to rims of the
correct diameter.
2. All Bridgestone 16" and 16.5" tires
carry a safety warning permanently molded into
the sidewall which directs trained personnel to
mount only on the approved matching rim (example:
"Mounting only on 16 inch diameter rims.")
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