TIRES AND TUBES - 3626.7

A new tube should be installed in a new tire only when the condition of the old tube is such that it is no longer usable. If the old tube is blown out, has been patched a number of times, has grown in size (a good indication of this is chafing where the tube meets the rim), or has some other fault, it should not be used in a new tire. No trade-in allowance is made for old tires. In an emergency, tires or tubes may be purchased on a credit card providing SAM Section 3629 is followed.

Where feasible, agencies should accumulate old tires and tubes and sell them to recognized junk dealers by the bid process. Agencies with offices in the vicinity of Sacramento and Los Angeles may turn old tires or tubes in at state garages for sale by the Department of General Services.

Purchase of any special noncontract tires and tubes (such as puncture-proof tubes) must be approved by the Office of Fleet Administration, Department of General Services, and will be requested on regular purchase estimates. Bias-ply belted tires, nylon or polyglass are recommended as replacement except when replacing radial tires. Radial tires should be replaced with comparable grade radial tires. White sidewall tires may be accepted on the State Tire Contract in the event black wall tires are not available from the contractor. However, any white wall tires furnished must be mounted with the white wall turned in so it is not visible.  White wall tires may be installed on vehicles with undercover plates.

Vehicles delivered with white sidewall tires by the vendor should not have the tires changed. When radial tires must be replaced and the worn tires being replaced were mounted with white walls outside, they may be replaced with white walls mounted outside provided there is no added cost to the State.