Over-inflation usually maximises life of tyres
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• As a general rule, slight over-inflation on steering axles and the correct pressure for the load on drive axles, will maximise tyre life. Under-inflation, while it can affect life, has a more serious effect upon the integrity of the structure. Pressure maintenance is the obvious choice to improve tyre life, but other, perhaps less apparent methods can also help.
Preparing for regrooving is a case in point — an examination of the tread of a tyre is necessary before regrooving to ensure that it is suitable and that the blade of the regrooving tool is not going to be damaged by any objects embedded in the tread.
A comparison between tubed and tubeless truck tyres shows that the number of complaints attributable to under-inflation/ run-flat damage is 10 times higher on tubed type than tubeless — fitting standards and the quality of tubes and flaps employed are areas to look at.
• by John Ballinger, head of technical division, Michelin Tyre, on tyre maintenance.