operators_manual

Tires
Information on maintaining your vehicle's
tires.
Your tires are a very important part of your
vehicle’s whole braking system. How fast
you can stop depends in large measure on
how much friction you get between the
road and your tires. In addition, keeping
your tires in good condition is essential to
the safe, efficient operation of your vehicle.
Regular, frequent inspection and the right
care will give you the assurance of safe
and reliable tire operation. Here are some
tips on maintaining your tires.
Proper
Over
Under
TREAD CONTACT WITH ROAD
WARNING
Do not repair damaged tires unless
you are fully qualified and equipped to
do so. Wheel and tire assemblies can-
not be worked on without proper tools
and equipment, such as: safety cages
or restraining devices. Have all tire re-
pairs performed by an expert. Stand
away from the tire assembly while the
expert is working. Failure to do this
may result in death or injury.
Checking Inflation Pressure
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. Lower tire pressure
does not provide better traction on ice or
snow. Give your tires a visual test every
day, and check inflation with a gauge every
week:
• When checking tire pressure,
inspect each tire for damage to
sidewalls, cuts, cracks, uneven
wear, rocks between duals, etc. If a
tire appears underinflated, check
for damage to the wheel assembly.
Don’t forget to check between dual
wheels. If you find wheel damage,
have an expert tire service repair it.
• Maximum tire pressure will be
indicated on the sidewall of a tire.
• Check pressure only when the tires
are cool. Warm or hot tires cause
pressure buildup and will give you
an inaccurate reading. So never
deflate a warm tire to the specified
pressure.
MAINTENANCE - Tires
Y53-6047-2HEN (03/18) 261
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