Tire Inspection
Regular Tire Inspection
In addition to maintaining proper inflation, regularly inspect the tire tread and sidewalls for irregular tread wear, adequate tread depth, cracking, scrapes, bulges, cuts, snags, foreign objects or other damage resulting from use. It is recommended that tires, including the spare, be periodically inspected by a tire service professional during routine preventative maintenance intervals.
Driving on damaged tires is dangerous. Impact can damage the inner portions of your tire without being visible on the outside. If you suspect that possible impact damage may have occurred, have a qualified tire service professional inspect the inner surface of your tire immediately to avoid possible sudden failure. Tires with excessive cracking on the tread or sidewall(s) should be removed from service. This is typically caused by underinflation, overloading, improper storage and/or improper long-term parking.
Refer to Yokohama’s Tire Inspection Guide for more information.
Checking Tread Depth
Here’s a quick look at how to properly check your tires’ tread depth and what the measurements mean for your business:
Tire Repairs
All commercial truck and bus tires require regular maintenance to assure safe operation and maximum service lifetime. Tire repairs should only be completed by a qualified tire service professional. Improperly repaired and/or retreaded tires are dangerous and can cause tire failure, property damage and serious personal injury. Yokohama endorses all service guidelines defined by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, Care & Service of Commercial Truck & Bus Tires. Visit ustires.org for more information.
Tire Replacement
For vehicles with GVWR in excess of 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg), federal regulations require that tires on the front axle should be removed when worn to 4/32” (3.2 mm) tread depth. For non-steer tires, replace tires when worn to 2/32” (1.6 mm) tread depth remaining anywhere on the tread face. Replacement tires should be the same as the OE size designation, or approved options, as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Always use approved tire/rim combinations for rim diameter, width and contour. Always replace a tire on a rim with another tire of exactly the same rim diameter designation a GVWR over 10,000 pounds.
It is important to have tires in good operating condition, thus tires may need to be replaced because of service conditions long before the tread is worn out. To determine if tires, including the spare, should remain in service, it is recommended that they be periodically inspected by a tire service professional during routine preventative maintenance intervals. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s specific recommendations, if any, regarding tire service life and replacement. Refer to USTMA’s Care & Service of Commercial Truck & Bus Tires at ustires.org.
The cost of replacing tires figures into every fleet's running costs. So, getting the most life out of your tire by maintaining the health of your casings has a direct impact on your bottom line. Here are some quick tips to extend the life of your casings, as well as some indicators of the overall health of your tires and other equipment.
Warning:
Property damage, serious personal injury or death may result from:- Tire failure due to impact damage/improper inflation – Inspect tires frequently for signs of damage, irregular wear and air loss.
- Tire failure due to improper repairs – See U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) established repair procedures at ustires.org.