Tire air pressures checks

Sept. 6, 2011
Does vehicle position make a difference?

I got into a discussion recently with several fleet managers.

One of the topics we got into was tire air pressure.

Everyone one was in agreement that maintaining proper tire inflation pressure can save tire maintenance costs, improve fuel economy and lengthen tire life.

There was also a consensus about when the best time to check a tire’s air pressure.

That would be when the tires are cold - when the they have not been running for at least 3 hours. This gives a better reading than if you check the pressure shortly after driving, the managers concurred.

Tires flex when under load. This produces heat, and heat causes air to expand.

The fleet managers also were of one mind that the ambient temperature affects tire pressure. For example, if a truck was baking in the afternoon sun, the tires bathed in sunshine will have higher air pressure readings than the ones in shade.

The area that caused the most conversation was whether tire air pressure readings were affected by the position of a vehicle.

Would the air pressure on a truck parked on a very steep grade be different if that same truck were parked on a level surface.

What do you think the answer is?

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance

Sponsored Recommendations

Ask the Experts: Boost Profitability by Capturing Body Repair Materials Billables

Quality body repairs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks depend on the use of specialized adhesives, sealers, and other allied materials. Unfortunately, many shops face challenges...

Fleet Maintenance E-Book

Streamline your fleet's maintenance and improve operations with the Guide for Managing Maintenance. Learn proven strategies to reduce downtime, optimize in-house and third-party...

Celebrating Your Drivers Can Prove to be Rewarding For Your Business

Learn how to jumpstart your driver retention efforts by celebrating your drivers with a thoughtful, uniform-led benefits program by Red Kap®. Uniforms that offer greater comfort...

Guide To Boosting Technician Efficiency

Learn about the bottom line and team building benefits of increasing the efficiency of your technicians in your repair shop.