Want to prolong the life of your tires, the comfort of your ride and the safety of your truck? Just check your tire pressure before each trip or every month when your tires are cold, before driving. It's that simple. Here are a few tips to help you get your PSI (which stands for Pounds per Square Inch) just right.
Be sure to weigh your vehicles, fully loaded, on a scale. Each axle, front and rear, and trailer must be weighed separately. Actual gross axle weights should be compared with the manufacturer's tire data book to determine the inflation pressure required.
The load carried by each individual front axle tire should be noted. If the maximum load-carrying capacity of the tire is below the actual scale weight, greater carrying capacity tires must be used, either a higher load index (load range or ply rating) or a larger tire size.
Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing, which then generates way too much heat. Too much heat leads to tire deterioration. And tire deterioration leads to bumps, bruises, cuts and tire failure.
Over-inflation makes the tire very susceptible to damage, along with rapid tread wear.