The tire refers to a round elastic rubber product that rolls on the ground and is assembled on various vehicles or machines. China is one of the world's largest tire producers and exporters.
I. Classification of Tires
There are many specifications and types of tires, and the classification methods are also different. At present, it is mainly classified by structure, pattern, type and applicable climate.
(I) Classification by Tire Structure
Tires can be classified into radial tires and diagonal tires according to their internal structure. The arrangement of the inner cord plies of radial tires is parallel to each other, forming an included angle of ninety degrees with the circumferential direction of the crown center. At present, almost all cars are equipped with radial tires.
(II)Classification by Tire Pattern
Tires can be classified into strip pattern tires, transverse pattern tires, mixed pattern tires and off-road tread tires according to their surface patterns.
(III) Classification by Tire Type
Tires can be divided into 8 types according to the type of vehicle. PC-passenger car tire, LT-light truck tire, TB-truck and bus tire, AG-agricultural vehicle tire, OTR-engineering vehicle tire, ID-industrial vehicle tire, AC-aircraft tire, MC-motorcycle tire.
(IV) Adoption of applicable climatic classifications
Tires can be classified into winter snow tires, summer tires and all-weather tires according to the climate.
II. Tire Identification
Usually, a series of letters and numbers are printed on the tire surface. For example, for 195/55 R15 85V tires, their numbers or letters respectively represent as follows:
195——means that the tire width is 195mm.
55——Tire flatness ratio, i.e. the section height is 55% of the width.
R——means that the tire is a radial tire.
15——It means that the rim diameter is 15 inches.
85——The load index 85 represents the maximum bearing capacity of 515 kg.
V——refers to the speed level of 240 km/h.
III. Declaration Elements for Tire Export
The tire export declaration elements mainly include: 1. product name; 2. purpose; 3. model; 4. rim size; 5. section width; 6. tread pattern; 7. brand (Chinese or foreign name); 8. speed grade. The commodity number of the new pneumatic rubber tire is 4011, which can be classified into 4011.1000 for motor passenger cars (including station wagons and racing cars), 4011.2000 for passenger motor vehicles or freight motor vehicles, 4011.3000 for aircraft, 4011.4000 for motorcycles, 4011.5000 for bicycles, 4011.7010 Coding of herringbone tread or similar treads, etc.
IV. Foreign Certification Requirements
Exported tires shall meet the certification requirements of importing countries. For example, China compulsorily implements CCC certification for new pneumatic tires for motor vehicles, including passenger car tires, truck tires and motorcycle tires, and uncertified tires are not allowed to be imported. This is a legal compulsory safety certification system, and it is also the basic practice widely adopted in the world to protect consumers' rights and interests and safeguard consumers' personal and property security. At present, most countries have certification requirements for tires:
(I) DOT (United States) certification: DOT certification refers to a certification method that the product meets the safety standards and requirements of the United States Department of Transportation, indicating that the tires meet the safety standards stipulated by the United States Department of Transportation. DOT is divided into three levels: ABC, with Level C the lowest standard.
(II) E-Mark (EU) certification: E-mark certification, also known as European Common Market Certification, is a kind of certification for automobiles, motorcycles and their parts, noise, exhaust and other products, including tires, which shall be in accordance with the provisions of EU directives and regulations of the Economic Commission for Europe. If the product meets the certification requirements, a certificate of conformity will be granted to prove its driving safety and environmental protection requirements. The E-Mark number varies depending on the country of certification. For example, Luxembourg's E-Mark is E13/e13.
(III) INMETRO (Brazil) certification: According to the regulations of the Brazil government, all products that meet Brazil's standards and other technical requirements must carry a mandatory INMETRO mark and be marked with a third-party organization approved by the National Institute of Metrology and Industrial Quality (INMETRO), before they can enter the Brazil market.
(IV) GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council of Seven States): GCC certification is a certification system used in the member countries of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf. The Standards Organization of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf inspects motor vehicles and tire products according to relevant gulf standards and issues GCC certificates. The approved GCC certificates are valid in all member countries.
(V) NOM (Mexico) certification: The NOM mark is a compulsory safety sign in Mexico, which is used to indicate that the product meets the relevant NOM standards. According to Mexico's laws, the licensee of NOM must be a company in Mexico. Foreign manufacturers can apply for certificates through certification institutions recognized by Mexico's Standardization Committee. Tires have been included in the scope of products that must obtain NOM certification before they are allowed to enter Mexico's market.
(VI) SASO certification (Saudi Arabia): SASO is the English abbreviation of Saudi Arabia Standards Organization. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Saudi Arabia and SASO require that all products included in SASO certification standards shall have SASO certificates when entering Saudi Arabia. GCC certificate and report or test report, packing list, invoice and application form issued by relevant laboratory shall be submitted for tire SASO application.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of this website. The Chinese version shall prevail.