Commercial Tire Vehicle Inspection Training Charlie Clifford Bridgestone

Commercial Tire & Vehicle Inspection Training Charlie Clifford Bridgestone Commercial Solutions

Meeting Agenda v. The impact of tire cost v. The impact of tire maintenance v. The impact of CSA score v. Commercial tire construction v. Inflation pressure v. Temperature & Air pressure on tire life v. Inspecting tires and wheels v. Fleet program specs v. Pre/Post-trip inspection

The impact of tire cost • Tires are one of the greatest expenses to any commercial fleet. • • Education/Training reduces fleet costs. Preventative maintenance reduces fleet costs. Many tire-related issues are preventable. Fleets cannot deliver on-time performance without the right equipment – especially tires. • If managed correctly, tire expenses can be controlled – and reduced.

The impact of tire maintenance • • • Tire costs are controllable with a tire maintenance program. Properly maintained tires provide vehicle stability, traction and stopping ability. When fleets institute consistent tire maintenance policies, they: – – • Reduce maintenance costs Increase Vehicle Safety Reduce Vehicle Downtime Improve communication between Drivers, Maintenance and Operations It is the driver’s responsibility be insure the safe operation of fleet equipment, but the fleet, tire dealer, and manufacturer must work together to implement an effective maintenance program.

The impact of tires on CSA score • One of many tasks that drivers must complete to insure the vehicle is in safe operating condition is to be able to properly check tire and wheel assemblies to insure they are in good working order. • Federal Motor Carrier DOT rules clearly state a commercial truck may not be operated with a flat or leaking air tire, two of many DOT tire rules.

• CSA is the FMCSA’s safety compliance and enforcement program. The FMCSA is promoting safety compliance to help keep our Nation’s roadways safer for everyone. • The impact of tires on CSA score: – 3 points for speeding 11 to 15 MPH over the limit. – 5 points for dangerous driving, i. e. following to close. – 8 points for a flat, or leaking tire. You can see how much the safe operation of your fleet’s vehicles rests on the correct air pressure and total tire maintenance. – Drivers should check, record, and report all tire issues on the DVIR Pre and Post trip and best practice is to verbally communicate these issue to the fleet manager.

Commercial Truck Tire Construction In order to truly understand tire performance we need to know the components of a tire. . .

Four Basic Functions Of A Tire 1. Supporting Loads 2. Absorbing Road Shocks 3. Transferring Traction & Braking Forces to The Road Surface 4. Changing and Maintaining Direction Of Travel

Tire Construction l Tread l Belts l Casing l Bead

COMPONENTS OF RADIAL TIRE Belt Package Tread Radial Body Ply Inner Liner Bead Bundle 11

Tire Sections Shoulder Sidewall Bead Area Crown Interior Shoulder Sidewall Bead Area

Proper Tire Inflation

Inflation Pressure Single most important factor in tire life (Tire does not carry load, AIR carries the load) l Over Inflation and under inflation affect tire footprint l Under Inflated Correct Changes in footprint affect: – Rate of wear -Traction – Irregular wear -Braking Over Inflated -Casing Life -Fuel Economy

Bead damage from brake heat and under-inflation is one of the leading cause of waste segment casing rejections in the retread industry.

The effect of air pressure on: Tire Temperature & Tread Life • Rubber Breaks Down at 270 Degrees • At 55 MPH (70 degree day) Tire Temp = Approx 210 Degrees • For every 1 PSI low = 2. 5 Degree increase In Tire Temp • For every 20 LBS low = 50 Degree increase In Tire Temp • If a tire is 20% Over Inflated = 5% Tire Life Decrease • If a tire is 20% Under Inflated = 20% Tire Life Decrease

Proper Tire & Wheel Inspection

VISUAL INSPECTION – TREAD DEPTH • Tread Depth Inspection – STEER - 4/32 nd DOT Minimum – OTHER - 2/32 nd DOT Minimum • Check at Lowest Point – Not on Wear Indicator • More Tread Remaining: Better Traction, Braking, Lateral Stability, & Casing for Retreading

VISUAL INSPECTION – TREAD AREA • Inspect the tread area • Remove all foreign material • Must be removed and replaced if the following is found: • Cuts or punctures to steel / Nail, etc. in tread • Flat spots • Tread depth at or below pull point

Object in Tread Many crown punctures can be repaired. Remember to communicate all tire issues to your Fleet Manager.

VISUAL INSPECTION - SIDEWALL • Inspect the Sidewall • Look for any damage • Tire must be removed and replaced if the following is found: • cuts or cracks into steel • sidewall rubber is soft • bulge indicating separation

VISUAL INSPECTION - RIMS • Inspect the rim flange for bent or damaged bead seats. • If found, assembly must be removed and replaced. • Inspect the wheel for rust or any other damage.

Damaged Fasteners

Fasteners Have “Walked”

Missing or damaged lug nuts

Cracked wheels

Loose Fasteners Do we have a torque and re-torque procedure in place?

Leaky Hub Although tires are made of oil, any petroleum contact with a commercial truck tire could make the tire non-retreadable.

Flow Thru Valve Caps Simplify pre-trip inspections for air pressure!

FLEET AIR PRESSURE SPEC CHART • Air Pressure Charts help maintenance and operations work together: Steer Tires (315/80 R 22. 5) Standard Flat @ 130 PSI 104 PSI Drive Tires (315/80 R 22. 5) Standard Flat @ 110 PSI 88 PSI • Measure PSI with a tire gauge calibrated against the master air gauge. • NEVER inflate a tire that is 20% under-inflated. • Air gauges should be re-calibrated monthly. • Note - a commercial truck tire will lose 3 psi per month.

WHEN CHECKING AIR PRESSURE Use a commercial (adjustable) Air Gauge

Fleet Air Pressure Checks • Should be performed daily during pre/post-trip inspection. • Use calibrated (monthly) air gauge to take pressure from every tire, every day. • Record all pressures on the Vehicle Inspection Report. • Report all issues/problems. • Recommend that tires have flow-through valve caps.

Thank You!

QUESTIONS?