Pressure Checks Are Best Preventive Measure for Tires

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s simple as it sounds, routine and frequent tire pressure checks can help minimize breakdowns and reduce tire operating costs for truck fleet operators, according to tire makers.

The Technology and Maintenance Council of American Trucking Associations found that only 43% of truck tires are within five pounds (of air) per square inch, or psi, of inflation pressure specification.

“Out-of-inflation is a huge problem,” said Robert Braswell, TMC’s technical director, with under-inflation a problem that he said could lead to tires breaking into scraps or “gators” on the road, as well as reducing fuel mileage.

The study by TMC also found that at least 22% of vehicles have at least one tire under-inflated by 20 psi or more and that 4% have at least one tire under-inflated by 50 psi or more.

For the full story, see the Aug. 22 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.