Get RoadCheck Ready
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual International RoadCheck is scheduled June 7-9, 2016. Vehicle inspections include checking items such as:- Brake systems |
- Fuel Systems |
- Tires |
- Cargo securement |
- Lights |
- Vans and open-top trailer bodies |
- Coupling devices |
- Steering mechanisms |
- Wheels and rims |
- Exhaust systems |
- Driveline/driveshafts |
- Windshield wipers |
- Frames |
- Suspensions |
- Emergency exits |
This year’s inspection will focus largely on tire safety. While checking a vehicle’s tires are always part of roadside inspections, CVSA is highlighting tire safety as a reminder to drivers and carriers. Here are three tips to avoid tire violations in this year’s inspection:
- Know the regulations.
Motor carrier regulations set minimum requirements for safe tire operation, including provisions for proper inflation and loading, minimum tread depth and safe tire condition. While regulation compliance does not always guarantee safety, it does significantly reduce the likelihood that a tire malfunction will cause a crash, either for a truck, bus or other vehicles that encounter the remains of a failed tire.
- Keep your vehicle suspension in alignment.
Improper alignment rapidly wear down tires, affect safe control of the vehicle, and in some circumstances, negatively impact fuel economy. Your maintenance plan should include tire, wheel and suspension alignment.
- Understand tire specifications.
Tires are rated for size, maximum load, type of service and speed of operation. Specifications on the vehicle tire information label should be followed. Inspectors may check for overloading of tire capacity when inspections are completed near weigh stations or scales. Important tips*:
- Air pressure
15 percent of under inflation in a tire equals approximately an 8 percent decrease in expected tire mileage. Tires can lose 3 psi per month simply due to air migration.
- Tread size
For every size that a tread width is undersized from the recommended width, mileage is reduced by 10 percent.
- Tread depths
Across axles and between tandem axles, tread depth needs to be within 4/32”.
- Wheel position/matching duals, twin screw tractors
The left front steer tire wears faster than the right tire. There should be less than ¼” difference in diameter and less than ¾” difference in circumference.
Want to Learn More?
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