Proper tyre maintenance and regular inspection are not just best practices—they're essential to maximizing lifespan, minimizing risk, and keeping operations smooth and cost-effective. At Team Aviation India Pvt. Ltd., as an authorized distributor of Goodyear Aviation Tyres, we help operators across commercial, general, and defense aviation sectors ensure that their tyres are always fit for duty.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore how to inspect, maintain, and manage aircraft tyres for maximum safety and durability.

1. The Pressure Aircraft Tyres Face—Literally

Aircraft tyres endure immense mechanical and thermal stress:

• During landing, tyres go from zero to over 250 km/h in seconds.
• They support loads ranging from a few hundred kilograms to several tonnes.
• Temperature spikes can cause internal pressure to rise dramatically.
• Tyres must operate in environments ranging from scorching tarmacs to freezing altitudes.

All of this while maintaining precise inflation pressure for optimal grip, stability, and wear resistance. The number one cause of premature tyre failure? Improper inflation.

That’s why inspection and maintenance are key. A tyre under or overinflated by just 5-10% can significantly reduce lifespan or increase the risk of blowouts.

2. The Importance of Tyre Pressure: Getting It Right

💡 Recommended Inflation Practices:

• Always check tyre pressure when the tyre is cold (before flight, not after landing).

• Use a calibrated, high-accuracy pressure gauge.

• Inflate tyres with dry nitrogen instead of compressed air to reduce moisture-related expansion and oxidation.

🔧 Impact of Improper Inflation:

3. Daily Inspection Checklist: What to Look for

Before every flight, ensure:

✅ Tyre Pressure

Use the OEM-specified cold inflation pressure. Do not rely on visual checks alone—aircraft tyres can look “normal” even when significantly underinflated.

✅ Tread Wear

Check depth and consistency across the tread. Uneven wear may indicate misalignment or inflation issues.

✅ Sidewall Condition

Look for bulges, cuts, weather cracking, or blistering. These are signs of potential structural failure.

✅ Foreign Object Damage (FOD)

Inspect for embedded debris, nails, sharp objects, or surface cuts that could compromise casing integrity.

✅ Valve Stem and Cap

Ensure it’s clean, tight, and undamaged. A missing cap can cause slow leaks or moisture entry.

✅ Wheel Assembly

Check for leaks around the bead area, corrosion, and missing balance weights or washers.

4. Best Practices for Aircraft Tyre Maintenance

Aircraft tyres require more than a quick glance—they demand a structured, consistent approach. Here’s what good maintenance looks like:

🛠️ Regular Pressure Monitoring

• Check tyre pressure daily or before each flight.

• Record data and monitor for trends that may indicate leaks.

🛠️ Use of Nitrogen

Nitrogen is preferred because:

• It is dry, reducing the risk of internal moisture corrosion.

• It maintains pressure more consistently during temperature changes.

• It prevents oxidation of the inner liner.

🛠️ Proper Cleaning

• Avoid petroleum-based cleaners which can degrade rubber.

• Use approved tyre and wheel cleaning products from OEM-backed chemical brands like PPG, Cee-Bee, and Eurochem, all available through Team Aviation.

🛠️ Rotation and Replacement

• Rotate tyres if the aircraft manufacturer recommends it.

• Replace tyres showing signs of casing fatigue, deep cuts, or exceeding retread limits.

🛠️ Storage

• Store tyres in a cool, dark, and dry environment.

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or ozone sources like electric motors.

• Follow OEM storage life guidelines, especially for tubeless tyres.

5. Common Aircraft Tyre Issues and Prevention

🚨 Flat Spots

• Caused by heavy braking or prolonged static parking under load.

• Use chocks properly and reposition aircraft periodically.

🚨 Heat Damage

• Indicated by softened tread, discoloration, or bubbling.

• Ensure tyres are inflated correctly to minimize flexing and overheating.

🚨 Sidewall Bulging

• Often a sign of internal ply separation or impact damage.

• Replace immediately—bulges are non-repairable and dangerous.

🚨 Tread Separation

• Caused by FOD, excessive heat, or manufacturing defects.

• Always source from certified OEMs like Goodyear, and avoid grey-market parts.

At Team Aviation, we help operators identify patterns and issues early—before they become costly or hazardous.

6. When to Retread and When to Replace

Retreading is a cost-effective way to extend tyre life. Goodyear aircraft tyres are designed for multiple retread cycles, provided:

• The casing passes inspection (no deep cuts, no bulges)

• It has not exceeded the OEM’s number of approved retreads

• It is within age limits and has no bead damage

Replace tyres when:

• Tread is worn beyond limits

• Casing damage is visible

• Bulges or ply separation occurs

• It fails retread inspection

Team Aviation offers guidance on retread eligibility and supports Goodyear's certified retread programs to help you save without compromising safety.

7. Why Certified Tyres and Distributors Matter

Sourcing tyres from unauthorized suppliers can result in:

• Counterfeit or expired stock

• Improper handling or storage

• No traceability, no warranty, no safety guarantee

That’s why working with a trusted distributor like Team Aviation India Pvt. Ltd. is essential.

✅ Our Advantages:

• Direct supply from Goodyear Aviation

• Full traceability with OEM documentation

• Proper storage and shipping standards

• Technical support from experienced aviation professionals

We also supply complementary products like:

• ExxonMobil aviation greases and hydraulic fluids

• 3M and Armite anti-seize compounds

• Cee-Bee and Eurochem tyre-safe cleaning chemicals

Our integrated supply chain means your tyres and consumables are certified, traceable, and safe—every time.

8. The Bottom Line: Maximise Lifespan, Minimise Risk

Tyres are a frontline defence in safe aircraft operation. A proactive inspection and maintenance routine ensures:

• Fewer delays and AOG incidents

• Longer tyre life and lower replacement costs

• Safer landings and more reliable performance

By combining Goodyear’s world-class engineering with Team Aviation’s technical expertise and support, you can operate with complete confidence.

📞 Contact us today for genuine, certified aviation parts, chemicals, tyres, and consumables.

📩 Email: contact@teamaviation.in
📞 Call: +91-011-48588800
🌐 Website: www.teamaviation.in

Team Aviation – Your Trusted Partner for Goodyear Aviation Tyres and OEM-Certified Maintenance Solutions.