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gle” versions that were tested back in the ’90s. They’ve come a
long way, providing more traction and longer life expectancy than
their predecessors. Wide-base tires save weight — and therefore,
fuel — and because of this, they are popular choices. A potential
downside is that when one goes flat, there isn’t another tire next to
it to absorb the load. A flat tire will put your truck on the side of the
road until help arrives.
It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure the truck’s tires are
inspected regularly, and that includes air pressure in the tire. A
whack with a “tire thumper,” a hammer or even a flat hand can
indicate that a tire is flat or dangerously low on air, but only an airpressure
gauge can detect smaller discrepancies.
In some cases, an inflation pressure that is only a few PSI
(pound per square inch) off can cause damage. In the case of steer
tires, differing air pressures can cause the truck to pull to one side
or the other. In cases where tandem tires are used, low air pressure
in one tire can cause the tire beside it to absorb more of the
weight that should be split evenly between them, increasing heat
buildup and possibly overloading the tire. In any case, too little or
too much air pressure can cause uneven tread wear, reducing the
tire’s useful life.
Every driver should carry a tire gauge. In addition, a handy device
to have on hand is an air hose that will connect to the tractor’s
emergency brake like. By pushing in the tractor protection valve,
leaving the red trailer valve engaged, the air line is charged with
enough pressure to air up a truck tire. Without an air hose, the
driver must hope the truck makes it to the nearest truck stop and
that there is an accessible air hose to use.
Tires should be thoroughly inspected, including both the sides
and the tread, during every pre or post-trip inspection. Foreign objects
lodged in the tread can work their way through steel belts
and into the tire’s air chamber, causing problems later. Often, objects
such as screws and nails can be pulled out of the tread before
they break through. Even when objects penetrate deeply enough to
cause an air leak, the sooner they are removed the better. The longer
they remain, the more damage they can do, potentially creating
holes that are too large to repair.
Holes, cuts and tears in tire sidewalls can’t be repaired, so it’s
very important to inspect them regularly. Even on the brightest
day, a flashlight may be necessary to get a good look between tandem
tires or to view the inward side of tires. If damage is found,
the tire must be replaced. Bulges or bubbles in the sidewall indicate
a problem with an inner layer of the tire, allowing air to push
out the sidewall. These should be looked at quickly. These bulges
will only get worse if left alone — and they will eventually result
in a blowout.
Additional, quick inspections should be done whenever the
truck is stopped. Checking each tire’s air pressure more than once
a day is not necessary unless a problem is detected. A walkaround
and visual inspection, however, can help identify recent damage
and prevent a bigger problem later. Some drivers make a habit
of walking down one side of their truck on the way to the truck
stop’s restaurant or restroom and then checking the other side on
the walk back.
Tires are one of the most abused items on a truck. Take care of
yours — and they’ll take care of you.
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