What you can do to keep track of tire inflation and wear

What you can do to keep track of tire inflation and wear

tires

Maintaining proper inflation pressure in tires is the single most important factor in extending tire life. Both overinflation and underinflation have a negative impact on the tire’s footprint and tread wear. When the tire is not contacting the road as the tire design intended, the tread area will wear irregularly, and therefore, more rapidly. Underinflation causes excessive heat build-up and potentially internal structural damage, whereas overinflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut, punctured or damaged by sudden impact. In addition, tire rolling resistance and fuel economy are also affected by inflation pressure. Low inflation pressure will increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.

Correct tire inflation pressure is determined by the load carried for each tire. The target inflation pressure should be determined by considering the actual weight per axle and using a load/inflation table. Mismatched tire inflation on dual assemblies is typically an important contributor to faster tire wear because the two tires are a different circumference with as little as a five PSI difference in inflation.

Checking tires with an air pressure gauge is important as a tire may be low on air, but it may not be obvious yet. If a tire continues to need air on a regular basis, it is likely a sign of a slow leak from a puncture or other problem. It can be hard to determine the source of a slow leak, so be sure that the bead is not damaged and is properly seated on the wheel. Also, check that the valve is not leaking. It is hard to see inside dual tires, so checking them with a pressure gauge is recommended. If an inspection shows that a tire is 20% underinflated or more, then the tire should be considered flat and immediately removed from service. The tire must be demounted and inspected by a qualified technician to look for casing damage.

It is recommended that fleets implement a comprehensive maintenance program that includes regular inspections to check for proper tire pressure, tread depth and irregular wear. Properly maintained, serviced and inflated tires last longer, so fleets get the most from their tires. One of the simplest things drivers can do is to inspect their tires prior to each trip.

Consider using fleet management software to track tire wear. This can help identify any abnormal wear situations and facilitate timely removal of worn tires. Using tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) on trucks and continuous tire inflation systems (CTIS) on trailers in order to simplify and improve tire pressure maintenance will quickly alert you to problems. Improved tire pressure maintenance will help improve fuel economy and tire wear.

Even if you are using a CTIS, you still need to check your inflation pressure on a regular basis. Don’t assume the tire inflation is perfect, especially if you have mismatched dual assemblies. Cooper recommends checking tire condition and pressure on a weekly basis before each trip and daily during continuous service.

You May Also Like

PACCAR TX-12 Pro automated transmission introduced in Kenworth trucks

The new transmission will get its start in the Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks.

PACCAR-TX-12-PRO-automated-transmission

PACCAR has introduced the new TX-12 Pro automated transmission for Class 6-7 and light Class 8 vocational applications. The company says it builds upon the existing PACCAR TX-12 transmission.

Currently, the new transmission is available with select Kenworth Class 8 models, including the T680 and T880 equipped with the PACCAR MX-11 or PACCAR PX-9 engines. Later this year, the transmission will be available in Kenworth Class 6-8 medium duty models, including the T280, T380, and T480 equipped with the PACCAR PX-9 engine.

Freightliner M2, SD Plus Series launch updates its medium-duty truck offering

Freightliner introduced the new Plus Series–enhanced versions of its M2 and SD models, including the M2 106 Plus, M2 112 Plus, 108SD Plus, and 114SD Plus. The enhanced models provide a major update to the interior and electrical systems of the M2 and SD models. The OEM noted that the Plus Series is designed to

Freightliner-MD-SD-Plus-Series-1400
Truck cruise control technology that looks at the road ahead

If you’ve ever visited the Northeast region of the country, you’ve most likely encountered intimidating terrain. The winding roads. The steep hills. The intricate routes that challenge any seasoned driver, and, most recently, advanced cruise control systems that aim to improve fuel efficiency and driver comfort.   Related Articles – Four ways A.I. can help cut

Four ways A.I. can help cut diesel fuel costs

The fluctuation of fuel prices has made it more challenging to operate day-to-day. Drivers get paid by the mile, and, when fuel costs go up, margins shrink, impacting how fleets profit and pay their employees. Intelligent technology can lessen the impact of high prices by improving overall fuel efficiency. Related Articles – New ways to

trucking-technology-hacking
Peterbilt GM Jason Skoog charts today’s truck support, tomorrow’s truck solutions

Peterbilt made headlines recently when it became the first major North American OEM to open orders for an electric truck, the Peterbilt 220EV. In this exclusive interview, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President Jason Skoog details the technology investments that are keeping fleets productive during this year’s trying pandemic and laying the groundwork for

Peterbilt General Manager PACCAR Technology Electric Truck

Other Posts

Goodyear unveils two RangeMax tires deisgned for regional work

Goodyear says the new tire models balance traction, range and mileage for work vehicles running on electricity, gas or diesel.

Goodyear-rangemax tires-group-logo
Class 8 orders strong in February

Even when seasonally adjusted, ACT says preliminary order numbers for February are up 5% over January.

ACT-Class-8-Feb-truck-orders
Kenworth delivers 15-liter natural gas-powered truck to UPS

The truck is equipped with the Cummins X15N, which Kenworth says will meet CARB and EPA Requirements for both 2024 and 2027.

Kenworth-delivers-CNG-truck-to-UPS
ACT Research: 2024 could see trucking recovery

Despite trucking demand remaining weak, ACT Research says imports and international data indicate positive trends in 2024.

ACT-for-hire-index-Jan-24