The Tire Industry Association (TIA) passed three resolutions Oct. 31 at its annual meeting in Las Vegas regarding tire aging, lead wheel weights and tire fuel efficiency and rolling resistance.
Acknowledging the fact that no scientific data exist regarding when tires are too old, the association resolved to continue to fight efforts at the state and national levels to add ``born on'' or expiration dates to the sidewall of a tire.
Adding ``born on'' dates to tire sidewalls could cause major inventory problems for tire dealers as consumers could request new tires, leaving older ones to age further in a warehouse, TIA said. In addition, born on dates could lead to tires being scrapped unnecessarily.
TIA also resolved to work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue tire industry educational efforts concerning the proper methods of safely recycling lead wheel weights. The EPA, the association said, is concerned that lead, which has been proved to be a toxic element, will end up in the environment and is considering banning the use of lead wheel weights.
Finally, TIA approved a resolution to work with the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the Specialty Equipment Market Association to defeat ``tire fuel efficiency'' bills based on rolling-resistance studies until several studies on this subject, now under way, have been completed.