What's new?           

It's easier to understand.

Each section was analyzed to ensure the various elements were easy to use, the text was understandable and the photos were clear.

There are more tire conditions in this guide. Has TMC discovered new tire problems?

You might assume that with the developments in tire technology, those same advances would help us uncover answers to questions we didn't know before. That's simply not the case. Tires are still damaged by curbing, underinflation, road debris and improper repair.

This guide is certainly thicker than previous editions.

There are over 35 more pages of tire conditions. These tire failures aren't new; better information was collected.
And in some instances, the former book illustrated a range of conditions on one page. The current edition breaks down several aspects of one condition and examines different types of damage.

In what way?
Bead Damage is addressed several ways, but the new edition adds two new conditions, "Bead Damage Due to Rim Flange Wear" and "Bead Damage Due to Overload." There is one photo illustrating the bead damage caused by the rim and three photos of three different tires that experienced failure due to overloaded conditions.

It looks like there are more photos in this edition.

Yes, quite a few more. In some instances, multiple photographs were added to a page so the viewer can see the condition close up or from more than one angle.

Can you give an example?

Sure, there are several examples.

One is for "River Wear."   This is a good example because rather than taking a photo close up, it's taken a step back. This lets the viewer review the tire damage over a larger area of the tread surface.

And, this photo is from a tire that's been distressed by river wear for tens of thousands of miles, so the damage is very apparent.

Where do the photographs come from?

Some are from professional photographers and others from industry people snapping photos of damaged tires that they encounter on the job.

Do people in the field send TMC photos?

If you look closely at some of the images, you can make out the fleet's other scrap tires in the background.

What other refinements have been added to the guide?

The new guide is printed on paper that resists dirt and grime. Let's face it, analyzing scrap tires is a dirty job and a fleet manager could miss something important if the photograph is smeared with mud and grease. The new paper stock should help keep the book cleaner.

What do the code numbers on each page mean?

	Those code numbers are the scrap tire codes and they're new for this edition. Each page lists the VMRS (Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards) tire condition codes, so you don't have to use a second source to enter the proper code on your scrap tire analysis form. Not only does it save time, it reduces errors, too.
Each tire condition lists the VMRS tire condition codes so you don't have to use another resource when filling out your scrap tire analysis forms.

Who wrote this guide?           

It's a collaborative effort. TMC has a task force of volunteer members from fleets, motor carriers, dealers, retreaders, manufacturers and consultants.

The original Radial Tire Conditions Analysis Guide was published in 1984. A new edition is released every ten years. The task force has several volunteers who have worked on all three Analysis Guides.

So the volunteers decide on each condition?

Yes, the volunteers evaluate tire conditions and come to an agreement on the cause and solution of each condition.

It's the primary reason why the Analysis Guide is considered the "gold standard" in the tire industry.

Because the volunteers are a cross-section of experts representing all aspects of this business, it's not one person's - or one manufacturer's - opinion.

Anything else new?

The entire Analysis Guide is now available on CD. It's in a PDF format and is fully searchable.

While most people will always prefer the spiral-bound version, the CD was created so it's more convenient for people who carry a laptop in the field. It means one less book to carry when traveling.            

Is the Analysis Guide available to anyone?

Fleets don't have to be a member of TMC to order the Analysis Guide, but members will receive a discounted price.