Continental Technical Service Bulletin: Safe Tire Mounting Rules Every Driver Should Know
Tire Mounting Safety Instruction for Continental Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires
Tire mounting looks simple, but it’s one of the most hazardous jobs in a tire shop. Continental’s Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for passenger car and light-truck (PLT) tires lays out clear safety rules for professionals and explains why some “quick fixes” are never acceptable. Below is a driver-friendly summary and how Sparky X applies it on every on-rim and off-rim job.
What the Continental TSB says
Use the correct, clean rim and the correct tire size. A tire accidentally stretched on the wrong-size rim must be scrapped — internal damage may be invisible but dangerous.
Replace snap-in rubber valves when fitting tubeless tires; follow valve manufacturers’ pressure limits (commonly up to 65 PSI for standard snap-ins; use metal or high-pressure valves if higher).
Deflate fully before dismounting, and always use proper bead lubricant for mounting (never silicone, petroleum, or solvent products).
Secure the wheel during inflation, and never use flammables to “seat” beads. This is extremely unsafe and can cause hidden damage.
Critical limit: bead “pop” and bead “seating” pressure must not exceed 40 PSI (275 kPa / 2.75 bar) in the U.S. and Canada. If beads don’t seat by 40 PSI, deflate, find and fix the cause, and try again.
After proper seating, adjust air to the vehicle manufacturer’s specified operating pressure.
Runflat (SSR) tires require certified workshops and specific procedures; not every shop is qualified.
View the pdf in Original
Why these rules matter for safety (and your wallet)
Over-pressurizing to force a bead can crack the bead core or cause catastrophic failure during or after mounting. Keeping to the 40 PSI limit protects the tire, rim, and technician.
Using the wrong lubricants or flammables can weaken rubber compounds and cause later failures. Proper mounting chemistry prevents tire-rim slip and bead damage.
Correct valves and TPMS service prevent slow leaks and warning-light headaches.
What Sparky X does on every job
We follow Continental’s max 40 PSI bead “pop/seating” rule and never use explosive/flammable bead seating tricks. Safety first, always.
We inspect rims for corrosion, bends, and cracks; we replace snap-in valves as needed and service TPMS per manufacturer guidance.
For runflat tires, we apply certified procedures. If specialized equipment or steps are required, we’ll let you know up front.
When a tire must be refused or scrapped
Wrong-size mounting attempt or stretched bead: scrap.
Sidewall bulges/impact breaks indicating broken carcass cords: not repairable; replace.
Sidewall punctures: not repairable due to high flex stress; replace.
FAQ
-
Because Continental’s TSB caps bead “pop” and “seating” pressure at 40 PSI for U.S./Canada. Exceeding it risks bead/core damage and potential failure. If beads don’t seat by 40 PSI, something else is wrong and must be corrected first.
-
No. Continental explicitly warns against any flammable substance in the tire/rim assembly due to extreme danger and hidden damage risk.
-
No. A bulge usually means broken cords; sidewalls and shoulder areas are off-limits for repair. Replacement is the safe option.
About this article and source
This summary references Continental’s “Tire Mounting Safety Instruction” Technical Services Bulletin (October 2023) and the Tire Knowledge library. For details and updates, see Continental’s official page.
Need safe, professional on-site mounting in the GTA, Durham, or York?
Book with Sparky X Mobile Tire Shop. We’re TIA-certified, OTDA members, Tesla-operated for lower emissions, fully insured, and we follow manufacturer bulletins to the letter.
