The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) conducted a training session last week for dealers of used tyres to inform them about some key concerns about quality.
In a press release the GNBS said the training session was convened as a result of a recommendation from an earlier meeting with used tyre importers. It attracted dealers countrywide and its content focused on the Guyana Standard Specification for Pneumatic Passenger Car tyres (GYS 67:2001) and the Code of Practice for the Storage of Tyres, Inner tubes and Flaps (GCP 4:1997). The session covered areas such as reading and interpreting labels on tyres, identifying tyre defects, the proper storage of tyres and the consequences of the sale and use of defective tyres. The GNBS also said it also covered some aspects of tyre repairs “in order for them to fully comply with the requirements set out in the national standards and to properly advise consumers at the time of purchase.”
Dealers were also told about labelling information such as the tyre construction code, the load index, speed symbol service characteristics, inflation pressure and the DOT/EU code, the date and year of manufacture, which will help in the adherence to safety precautions.
The GNBS said used tyres by their nature could have defects such as exposed cords, groove cracks, thread separation, belt damage, ply separation, sidewall separation and nail holes that cannot be repaired using acceptable, conventional practices. Dealers were cautioned to be vigilant and were charged to ensure that they do not sell tyres with these effects. The course also highlighted that defective tyres, tyres that are not used according to the information stipulated in their labels and tyres which were not stored according to requirements, when put to use can result in accidents and loss of lives.
Another area of concern addressed was the storage of tyres and strategies were outlined to help attendees preserve quality and take the necessary precautions to avoid tyre degradation. Dealers were told that tyres should be stored away from direct sunlight and ozone generation equipment and that a strict stock rotation practice should be implemented so as to avoid extended periods of storage.
Dealers were also urged to provide warranties to customers and to amicably address complaints that may arise during the sale of used tyres.
