The newest issue of Commercial Fleet Tire Digest from Pressure Systems International (PSI) addresses ‘Understanding Tires and Tire Pressure.’
In addressing tire pressure, PSI says, “Since air is what carries the load, it is critical to run the proper tire inflation pressure. All of the tire companies publish load/inflation tables for every tire size. When the tire pressure is correct for the load, tire traction and treadwear are optimized, because the contact patch, or more commonly called ‘tire footprint,’ is optimal.
“Tire underinflation is always a much worse scenario than running a little overinflated. When a tire is run underinflated only bad things will result: The tire footprint becomes longer when running underinflated; more rubber is on the road which leads to excessive heat buildup; sidewalls are also flexing more severely generating additional heat. Heat is a tire’s worst enemy and will lead to irregular tire wear, fast wear, and even a blow-out. Tires that are run with reduced air for an extended period of time will eventually fail leaving rubber debris along the nation’s roads.”
To read the entirety of the document, please CLICK HERE.
