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Tire Safety for GMCers
B y r o n S o n g e rG M C E a s t e r n S t a t e s
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Tire Safety
Scratching the surface of tire safety
About RV and truck tires.
How old is too old? (How to tell.)
Is pressure important?
What about tread depth?
Shopping for tires.
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Tires Are Different
RV and truck tires differ from auto tires
Light truck also varies from heavy truck and larger RV tires
Tire properties vary
Pressure
Driving/usage conditions
Weather
Storage conditions
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Be Alert
Visual condition and tire pressure are important in addition to:
Changes in dynamic performance
Persistent air loss
Noise or vibration
Tires may need to be removed from service even though tread looks good
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Tires and Aging
Calendar date alone not a guide for replacement
Older tires more susceptible to failure
Other service issues can determine replacement need
Replace tires before 10 years (including spares) even if appearing satisfactory
Replace tires if beyond legal-wear limit
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Date Code for Tires
Required by Department of Transportation
Look for DOT on the wall of tire
Code indicates year and week of manufacture
Example: 0609 indicates sixth week of 2009 (some time in February 2009)
DOT CX 9N YEM 0609
Compliance • Mfg & plant • Size code • Mfg code • Date codeCompliance • Mfg & plant • Size code • Mfg code • Date code
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Use Good Judgement
Mfg date, wear and general condition
No hard rule as to serviceability
If sidewall shows signs of aging, replace
Tires properly cared for (protected from UV when stored) and driven regularly may last longer
Tires not protected from UV or driven irregularly at improper inflation will not provide lengthy service
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Is Pressure Important?
If underinflated by 20%, will weaken tire’s internal structure and can lead to failure
Lower pressure allows more deflection
Builds up more internal heat
Increases rolling resistance (reduction in fuel economy up to 5%)
Reduces the tire’s tread life by as much as 25% if allowed to go uncorrected
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Is Pressure Important?
If underinflated by 20%, will weaken tire’s internal structure and can lead to failure.
Increases the probability of irregular tread wear.
May cause a blow out!
Tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, before the tires have been rolling for 15
minutes or two miles at highway speed
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Is Pressure Important?
Disadvantages of overinflation
Tire is stiff and unyielding, size of footprint contacting road is reduced
Reduced traction and braking ability
If overinflated by 20%, tire could be damaged more easily when encountering potholes or debris
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Is Pressure Important?
Disadvantages of overinflation
Causes irregular tread wear
May reduce available traction, especially on wet roads
Tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, before the tires have been rolling for 15
minutes or two miles at highway speed
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20% Is…
Target Pressure 20% Under 20% Over
32 25.6 38.4
65 52 78
85 68 102
100 80 120
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What Is Correct Pressure?
Check manufacturer’s specification or owner manual
Correct pressure depends on the tire, load rating and weight of vehicle (when fully loaded)
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What Is Correct Pressure?
Check manufacturer’s specification or owner manual
Maximum load capacity allowed
Tire size
Load rating and
Minimum cold air inflation needed to carry maximum load
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What Is Correct Pressure?
Check manufacturer’s specification or owner manual
The lower the air pressure, the lower the load that the tire can carry
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What Is Correct Pressure?
Check manufacturer’s specification or owner manual
If traveling weight of vehicle varies by more than 750 pounds, adjust pressure in tires
Tire sidewall lists the maximum cold pressure
Load rating of tire relates to recommended pressure for weight
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Don’t Forget
In addition to the vehicle’s equipment, add for the following…
Typical quantity and weight of passengers
Capacity of fuel, fresh water, and holding tanks
Luggage (clothing, kitchen products, patio equipment, tools, etc)
*Water is 8.34 pounds/gallon; gas is 6.2 pounds/gallon
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For ExampleDescription Weight
Passengers (2 @ 180) 360
Personal luggage 60
Patio items (grill, chairs) 35
Kitchen items 20
Tools (bottle jack, etc) 35
Fresh water (40) 334
Holding tanks (40) 340
Gasoline (40) 248
Total additional 1,432
* 40 gallons of diesel weighs 286 pounds
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Checking Frequency
Check at least once a month and before any major trips
On trips, check every morning before driving
Check before and after storage
Some loss is expected after storing through a seasonal change
Store resting frame on blocks relieving pressure on tires
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Checking Frequency
Check tires when they are “cold”
Stated load capacity for cold inflation pressure based on ambient outside temperatures.
Pressure in “hot” tire may be as much as 10 to 15 PSI higher than cold tire pressure.
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Checking Frequency
If tires must be checked when warm…
Be sure to allow for increase in pressure
Make sure pressure of tires on both sides of axle are within three PSI of each other
Never let air out of a hot tire
Allow tire to cool then recheck
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Checking Frequency
When stopped for fuel…
Visually check for bulging tire (low pressure)
Touch tire at top with hand; if too hot to touch, stop driving
Run fingers across tread to feel for wear development
Thump with a hammer, tires should sound alike
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Tell Tale Signs
Look at tires periodically —
Does one tire bulge more than others?
Does tread seem worn more on side, middle, both sides?
Are there signs of sidewall damage?
A digital tire gauge costs less than $20 (some less than $10), is very easy to use, more reliable than most station gauges
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Watch Tread Depth
All tires manufactured with wear bars
Legal minimum tread depth is 2/32-inch; in practicality, minimum should be 4/32-inch for safe operation
Use a quarter to measure
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Tips on Protection
Keep the tires properly inflated
Keep the tires clean
Do not park near electric generators or transformers
Do not store motorhome in an area where welding is being done or in a garage with mercury vapor lamps
Don’t use tire dressings with a petroleum, alcohol or silicone base
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Tips on Protection
Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, cold or moisture
Avoid prolonged exposure to ultra-violet rays
Cover the tires when the vehicle is not in use
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RMA RecommendationsDo not place tires in service if greater than six years (including spares)
Do not use tires if over ten years
Properly inflate and drive regularly
Keep tires clean and inspect monthly
Store properly
Proper alignment and balanced load enhances tire life
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Extending Bag Lifenormal operating position
AIR SPRINGS EXTENDED
•Road grit and dirt accumulate here•Extend air springs greater than normal•Wash with soap and flush with clean water•Air dry and return to normal position•Effective for cone and bag systems
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B y r o n So n g erJ a n u a r y 2 0 1 2
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That’s all, folks