All tires are designed to give maximum service when inflated to the
proper air pressure load they are carrying. By service we mean proper
footprint, even wear, ride comfort, and traction. Any more or any less
air pressure will result in less total service. Too much air will cause
the tread face to crown resulting in accelerated wear in the center, a
harsh ride, and less traction than the tire is capable of achieving.
Running the air pressure to low will cause the treadface to collapse
concave resulting in accelerated wear on the edges of the tread, a
spongy ride, and less traction traction than the tire is capable of
achieving. Low air pressure also causes more sidewall flex which
generates more heat. We can figure the proper air pressure by weighing
the vehicle on each axle, and using the information on the sidewall of
the tire.
Example:on the sidewall of the tire it states that it will carry a maximum weight of 3100lbs. at 80psi.
We are running with 4500lbs. on our front tires, beings that we have 2
tires carying the load we will devide this by 2 and come up with 2250lbs. load. you dually guys keep in mind you will need to devide by 4 when you figure your rear.
2250lbs. load divided by 3100lbs. maximum load = 73% 80psi. max air pressure x 73% max load = 58.4psi.
so the formula goes (load/max load) x max air pressure = optimum pressure
beings that the load carried on the front will rairely match the rear
we can do this formula for each axle. also keep in mind that becuase we
are running at optimum pressure there will be less room for error in
terms of pressure loss over time so it is a good idea to start a
pressure maintantence schedule maybe as often as one to two times a
month to be safe. Lastly, when a radial tire is at proper inflation,
there will be a small flat spot were the tire is resting on the ground.
if we have done the formula properly we will notice this charactaristic.
