Expert view: Achieving the best quality tyre repair

A key tool in maximising your investment in tyres is your tyre repair programme.

Extended operating hours and reduced expenditure on new tyres minimises budgets and reduces your carbon footprint.

So how do you achieve top quality every time?

Don't compromise on quality

It goes without saying that shoddy quality tools and materials will compromise your results. Only use good quality tools, rubber, patches and vulcanizing equipment.

A well trained team makes all the difference

It is critical that your team understands tyres and key tyre repair principals. Such as:

• The function of the tyre.
• How all the tyre components – tread, sidewall, bead, bead wires, body plies etc – work together.
• Tools and equipment usage.
• How to properly build up and install a repair to ensure maximum adhesion.
• The best protocols for safe working.
• The importance of a clean working environment and how to achieve it.

Inspect every injury

Follow a comprehensive inspection process to assess the injury’s size and location.

• Is there a robust economic case for making the repair i.e. How much tread is left?
• How many injuries are there? Is there less obvious damage to consider?
• How far below the surface does the injury extend?

What are the repair requirements?

Consider the following:

• What kind of tools do you need?
• The best way to remove structural damage?
• The correct skive angle and buff texture?
• When is a repair unit required? What is the right patch? Make sure you consult patch manufacturer.
  
• The best and safest method of using the chosen vulcanizing system?

Understand your vulcanising system

Get to know your vulcanising system and ensure you and the team have the right training.

The correct components for the job ensure a perfect fit and optimum results.

Always conduct a final inspection

Just as important as the initial inspection, at this stage ask and record

• Did the technician find and repair all damage?
• What does the repair look like? Are there signs of under cure, bubbles or separation?
• Record the shore hardness.
• Can you return the tyre to its original operation?
• Should the repaired tyre be down-graded usage wise? Example: Install a haulage tire on a slow moving water-wagon versus a high speed truck that travels great distances at high speeds.

 If you have a question or would like to learn more about effecting the perfect tyre repair, please get in touch with our expert team.