TIRES, WHEELS, AND RIMS
PART 8: MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
– 178 –
Y53-6032
(R05/10)
addition, keeping your tires in good condition is essential
to the safe, efficient operation of your vehicle. Regular, fre-
quent inspection and the right care will give you the assur-
ance of safe and reliable tire operation. Here are some
tips on maintaining your tires.
Checking Inflation Pressure
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 dam-
age, have an expert tire service repair it.
• Maximum tire pressure will be indicated on the side-
wall 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.
• Lower tire pressure does not give you more traction
on ice or snow. This is an old myth that refuses to die.
Underinflation actually reduces traction, steering con-
trol and tire load capacity.
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!
Do not operate vehicle with underin-
flated tires. The extra heat caused by underinfla-
tion can cause sudden tire failure such as a tire
fire or blow out which can cause an accident
resulting in death or personal injury. Low pres-
sure may affect control at the front wheels,
which could result in an accident and serious
injury. Keep your tires inflated to the manufac-
turer's recommended air pressure.
Y53-6032.book Page 178 Monday, May 24, 2010 3:37 PM
Summary of Contents for Peterbilt 587
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