PART 8: MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE TIRES, WHEELS, AND RIMS
(R10/06) Y53-6007 – 157 –
Underinflated Tires
Low pressure is a tire’s worst enemy. Underinflation allows
tires to flex improperly, causing high temperatures to build
up. Heat causes early tire damage such as flex break,
radial cracks, and ply separation. Low pressure may affect
control of your vehicle, especially at the front wheels. Most
tire wear problems are caused by underinflation as the
result of slow leaks, so you’ll want to check tire pressure
regularly.
WARNING! Underinflated tires could cause a
serious accident. The extra heat caused by
underinflation can cause sudden tire failure.
Low pressure may affect control at the front
wheels. You could be seriously hurt in an
accident that could result. Keep your tires
inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended
limit.
Overloaded tires
Overloading your truck is as damaging to your tires as
underinflation. The following chart shows how neglect or
deliberate abuse can affect the life of your tires.
WARNING! Do not exceed the load rating of
your tires (molded on the side wall of your
tire) or the maximum vehicle load rating,
whichever is less. Overloading could result in
premature tire failure causing you to loose
control of your vehicle and result in an injury
accident. The maximum vehicle load rating
(GVWR) is found on the Tire and Rim Data
label on the driver's door.
Table 11 Effect of Load Pressure on Tire Life
Vehicle
Load
Normal 20%
Over
40%
Over
60%
Over
80%
Over
100%
Over
Tire Pres-
sure
Normal 20%
Low
30%
Low
35%
Low
45%
Low
55%
Low
Expected
Tot a l Ti r e
Mileage
Normal 70% 50% 40% 30% 25%
Overinflated tires
Too much air pressure reduces the tire tread contact area
and results in rapid wear in the center of the tread.
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