Telematics and Tires: Satellite and Chip Technologies Will Launch a Brave New World
What exactly does the term "telematics" mean? The term has been well used in recent years by commercial vehicle engineers and logistics planners in developing different truck components, data recording and retrieval systems, communications systems and other projects. And it is popping up more and more on the consumer vehicle side, with such services as
Sensing Alternatives
Remember the near-daily news stories about tire-related SUV accidents? And all the finger pointing that tried to pin the cause on the tires or vehicles or, in some cases, even driver error? Well, the dust has settled and the wheels (no pun intended) of the government fix-it-meisters have been turning. The TREAD Act was enacted
Retreading Smaller Tires
Retreading Smaller Tires The popularity of radial commercial light truck tires has increased dramatically in the last several years – especially in Classes 3-5. The most popular sizes have 16- to 19.5-inch wheel diameters and differ from their traditional light-duty or recreational service counterparts by having design features and materials commonly found in larger commercial
Sensible Safety
For most in the commercial trucking business, the first couple months of the year are typically less hectic than several of the preceding months and, therefore, is a good time for reflection. The old saying "made it through another one" begins to evolve from a trite expression to an air of determination, resolve and grit.
Torque and Re-torque
Torque and Re-torque Although we usually discuss tires and tire-related issues in this column, this month’s subject is the next closest thing – wheels. Specifically some important guidelines for remounting tire/wheel assemblies. What’s so different or difficult, you may ask, about the simple task of mounting a wheel on a medium or heavy-duty highway truck?
Size Isn’t All That Matters
e and the increased inflation pressure required to support that load. Similar differences can be found on some applications of sizes 11R22.5 Load Range H and the more popular Load Range G version, and with the Load Range G vs. F versions of a 245/70R19.5. Generally, the wheels used for these tire sizes are designed
Run-Flats For Trucks?
Run-Flats For Trucks? Tires for passenger cars have become so dependable that many drivers take for granted the day-after-day performance and trouble-free miles they deliver. This fact was driven home to me recently when a friend related that neither of his teenage daughters had ever changed a flat tire. The two teens had a combined
Axle-Specific Tires
Axle-Specific Tires It’s been common practice in the trucking industry to equip Class 5 and larger vehicles with different tire designs on steer, drive and tag or trailer axles. The primary reasons for this are performance and economics. No surprises there, but we need to take a closer look to understand some of the underlying
Dynomometer Testing
lished by several manufacturers include: ®′ Bigger dyno rolls are better from a tire durability standpoint ®′ Shallow tread tires are preferred to deep tread tires ®′ Used tires are preferred to new tires ®′ Limit dyno "on time" to the minimum necessary to perform the necessary vehicle tests ®′ Allow one- to two-hour cool
Maintenance or Management?
Maintenance or Management? Truck operators today are quite conscientious about their choice of tires and the care given them. This protective attitude is readily explained by the prominent position tires hold in the hierarchy of operating expenses for most trucking operations – tire program costs rank second only to fuel for most fleets and owner-operators.
Scrap Yard Gumshoe
Scrap Yard Gumshoe Regardless of the type of spent machinery, component equipment, or materials they provide a gathering place for, scrap yards contain an abundance of information. Witness the differences in average mileage accumulated or failure modes for various models of automobiles prior to reaching their final rusting place. Or the average age difference between
Going Single in a Dual World
Going Single in a Dual World By now you have likely heard about the new single wide-base tires – super wides, as we call them – being offered for line haul applications by several of the major truck tire manufacturers. Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone/Firestone and Continental all have their versions, and all are in various states