PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TIRES AND WHEELS
Regional Haul
(R05/10) Y53-6033 – 201 –
Tire Inflation
Most tire wear problems are caused by underinflation as
the result of slow leaks. So you will want to check tire
pressure regularly. Give the tires a visual test every day,
and check inflation with a gauge every week.
When checking tire pressure, inspect each tire for dam-
age to sidewalls, cuts, cracks, uneven wear, rocks
between dual wheels (tires), etc. If a tire appears underin-
flated, check for damage to the wheel assembly. Do not
forget to check between dual wheels. If you find wheel
damage, have an expert tire service repair it.
WARNING! Do not repair damaged tires
unless you are fully qualified and equipped to
do so. Wheel and tire assemblies cannot be
worked on without proper tools and equip-
ment, such as: safety cages or restraining
devices. Have all tire repairs performed by an
expert. And stand away from the tire assem-
bly while the expert is working. Failure to do
this may result in death or injury.
CAUTION: Pressure should be checked when
the tires are cool. Warm or hot tires cause
pressure buildup and will give you an inaccu-
rate reading. So never deflate a warm tire to
the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires will adversely affect the operation of
the vehicle and tires:
• making steering difficult
• causing extra strain on the tire sidewalls
• reducing the tread life of tires due to the high temper-
atures generated from excess flexing of the tire
• Inflate tires to the manufacturer's cold air pressure
specification molded into the tire side wall.
Lower tire pressure does not give you more traction on ice
or snow. Underinflation actually reduces traction and
steering control. See the tire manufacturer's Drivers
Handbook for more information on proper operation and
use of tires.
