Healthy tires are essential but too often they are neglected until there is a problem. That problem could be anything from a breakdown to a citation or — in the worse-case scenario — an accident.
But it doesn’t have to get to that point. Keeping tires in safe, working condition is a matter of routinely inspecting them for the red flags of potential issues.
Here are things to be on the lookout for, based on Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance inspection criteria:
- SIDEWALL DAMAGE: Eyeball tires for obvious damage to the sidewalls. Be alert to tread separation, especially where there is an obvious crack between the tread and the casing. Also look for cords or fabric protruding from the tire.
- VALVE LEAKS, RIM DAMAGE, CUTS OR PUNCTURES: As with sidewall damage, such symptoms necessitate immediate repair or replacement.
- SIGNIFICANT BULGES: These often are an indication of an imminent failure. Broken cords could be forcing out sidewalls.
- IRREGULAR OR EXCESSIVE WEAR: Give the tread a careful check with a tread-depth gauge. Ensure tread depth is adequate across the entire surface of the tire. A tire that has good tread in most areas may still have issues in random spots.
- RUBBING: Irregular wear can occur when tires rub against each other or other parts of the vehicle due to improper mounting.
- OVER-BURDENED TIRES: Make sure tire weight ratings are matched to the vehicle’s gross combination weight rating. Tires carrying more than rated weight can overheat and fail.
- MISSING CHUNKS OR TEARS IN THE TREAD: Run your hand across the tread, feeling for sharp edges and gouged-out areas. This kind of damage requires immediate attention.
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