Tire tips add to safety, benefit bottom line
Jun 1, 2005 12:00 PM
Michelin is offering commercial trucking fleets and individual owner-operators easy-to-follow tips to improve safety and save money by properly maintaining their truck tires.
Drivers should have an accurate pressure gauge (calibrated with a master gauge) and be instructed to check the tires on their truck each day.
Conduct a visual inspection of your vehicle's tires prior to operation.
Check every tire on the tractor and trailer including inside dual tires (and the mounted spare if the truck has one).
Never weld or apply heat to the wheel when the tire is mounted.
Properly store tires when they are not in use.
Always use a safety cage when inflating tires after mounting.
Avoid mixing tires on your vehicle; for example, pairing a normal tread depth with a deep tread depth or a bias-ply tire with a radial.
Tire and rim servicing should be done by trained personnel using proper tools and procedures. Always dismount and inspect tires that have run underinflated (less than 80% of recommended pressure).
Always dismount and inspect tires that have run under-inflated.
Do not "limp in" on a flat dual tire. Doing so causes irreparable damage to both tires because of the increased load the inflated tire must carry.
