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Old 06-02-2008, 03:21 AM   #55 (permalink)
RH77
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Location: Kansas City Area
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Teggy - '98 Acura Integra LS
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A Conclusion?

OK, here's a question:

During testing, how high has a tire's pressure limit been tested?

Let's say we put 60 psi/warm in a 44 psi-rated passenger tire. In a controlled lab facility, has anyone witnessed a tire failure? How about 60, 80, 100? What is the maximum average pressure a "gas station pump" can inflate a tire?

So far, a valve stem failure and potential road debris can likely cause an overinflated tire to fail. Further questioning:

What is the statistical different in overinflation vs. recommended for road debris failure?

A valve-stem failure would not likely cause a catastrophic blow-out. The pressure would be released a ordered fashion, as not to heat the tire to a catastrophic blow-out, but rather to a uninflated condition -- which is very noticeable to the driver.

I had a catastrophic blow-out on a brand-new '96 Civic. Highway speeds at 70 mph. The tire disintegrated into 2 separate rings with sidewall separation. Stabilizing the vehicle was a challenge and nearly resulted in a loss of control. Tire experts examined the carcass and blamed a weak manufacturing process. Dunlop's lawyer argued underinflation. Long story short, I was screwed out of a brand new tire and had to buy a new one out of pocket. Good luck getting any "Warranty" replacements on failures.

I vowed never to buy a Dunlop product again -- and recommend the same for any reader.

The questions in the first portion of this thread are requested for consideration. Otherwise....

I propose a collective experiment.

If there is interest, I plan to draft an experiment using the Scientific Method. Those who utilize overinflation could volunteer to offer data based on pressure, number of miles driven, tread wear (inside, middle, outside -- and last vehicle alignment), pictures of the tire, and reports of any failures. A long-term extension study could be offered to track the longevity of these pressure. I propose weekly check-ins with consistent testing of pressures (warm) and ambient temps. A control group of normal-pressure participants would be requested.

Statistical analyses could generate some conclusion on this subset of data. Although it's not a final conclusion, a basis for additional, repeatable testing could be derived.

RH77
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