An article I read about the Firestone/Explorer tyre situation stated that
its a temperature/climate problem. We have the same tyres on our Explorers
here in New Zealand & with no reported problems. Apparently the potential
of separation at higher temps was known to Firestone & Ford so vehicles so
equipped were only to be distributed to cooler climes...[computer error
again!!?].
I teach advanced driving techniques for the Ford Advanced Driving School,
which is a whole day of practice & theory & includes the "MOOSE TEST".
Tyre pressures are a major factor in many accidents.
We spend about 45 mins on tyres & stress the importance of correct
pressures/matching brands/wheel alignment etc.
I dont know about USA folks savvy re tyre pressures but here most are
still in the dark ages & so are auto manufacturers recommendations...like
typically, 28/26lbs f/R..which will cause tyres to overheat..premature
wear..higher fuel consumption..etc.
We instruct approx MINIMUMS of 32lbs for small cars, 35 medium & 37-40+
larger depending on vehicle style & loading. I'm not up with bigger truck
pressures.
A simple rule Ive always followed is..IF IT LOOKS A LITTLE FLAT, THEN IT IS.
When you're loaded up, pump em up!.
I put 45/35 in my little 1.8L Econovan[Mazda] with 185x13s & more with a
load & get better handling, mileage & wear.
I suspect some of those Explorer/Firestone problems & others may not have
occurred if people new about pressures & checked them at least monthly.
I ran 42lbs in an Explorer I had.
Under-inflation is real bad...over-inflation is not..[nobody over-inflates]!.
Trailer tyres are often neglected yet are of equal importance to the safety
of yourself & others not to mention the valuable load they may be supporting.
Dont accept a tyre of any less condition than you would have on the front
of your car!.
If you can fill em all up with Nitrogen you'll eliminate heat expansion &
decay & enjoy real savings on wear plus added safety....do the big rigs use
it there? can you get it from a gas station?. We used to here, but now its
hard to find.
Some organisations are promoting the best tyres should be at rear for front
drive vehicles...not so!...the steered wheels are the ones depended on most
& are subject to the greatest strains..seems simple logic dont it!.
Thats my input...hope its usefull to some
Kiwi Brian...where its just spring...no fires & not as many firefighters
here cos theyre over there helping out!.
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others take note;
<; I put 60,000 miles on the Michelins that came OEM on my Dodge. They
<still had tread but I got new ones. They were 8 years old at the time and
<still in good shape. I keep them at 80 pounds pressure. Rich
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What size truck & tyre do you run Rich?.
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