The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) is inspecting tyres in the country in order to ensure compliance and protect end-users from possible accidents due to deterioration of motor vehicle tyres.
Agency Public Relations Officer Lee Haamunji says among the parameters that is checked on tyres include the date of manufacturing which should be within 5 years, tread depth and tread wear indicators.
Mr. Haamunji says others include usage of tyres further explaining that specific tyres have specific usage.
He says some tyres are meant to be used in a snow or mud terrain.
Mr. Haamunji states that five years is the maximum number of years tyres should live as such tyres should not be sold after that period of time this is because of rubber deterioration.
He furthermore explains that the pressure limit is also checked and the load range of the tyres.
The ZCSA Spokesperson says the main functions of a vehicle’s tyres include supporting the vehicle load, transmitting traction and braking forces to the road surface, absorbing road shocks, and changing and maintaining the direction of travel.
Mr. Haamunji adds that to ensure these functions are being adequately met, ZCSA inspects motor vehicle tyres which includes but not limited to the tread depth of tyres, the wear, the air pressure, and any damage or signs of deterioration.