Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/34501
SPINNING Major tire damage can occur in a short period of time when a tire spins on a surface at high speeds. When the speed difference between the wheel with good traction and the wheel without becomes too great, the tire begins to disintegrate. This can occur on any slick surface (such as ice, mud, and snow) or on a dry surface where there is a variance in traction. The resulting difference in speed of the assembly can be as high as 4 times the registered speed indicated, resulting in tire and/or differential damage on the vehicle. ROTATION MICHELIN ® radial tires should be rotated when necessary. If the tires are wearing evenly, there is no need to rotate. If irregular wear becomes apparent or if the wear rate on the tires is perceptively different (from axle to axle for drive tires and side to side for steer tires), then the tires should be rotated in such a manner as to alleviate the condition. There is no restriction on criss- cross rotation, including directional steer tires that have worn 50% or more of the original tread. When rotating tires, the following points should be taken into consideration: • The load carried by a particular tire in a particular position. The inside tire of a dual mounting carries more load than the outside tire on the same axle. • Adjacent dual tires should not differ more than 1⁄ 4" in diameter (4⁄ 32" in tread wear). If there is a difference in tread wear, fit the least worn tire in the outside position. • Curbing on dual applications often damages tire sidewalls. If so, rotate the wheel and tire to the inner wheel position. • Often it is beneficial to rotate the tires so that irregularly worn tires are moved to a position where they are turning in a direction opposite the original position. Rotation procedures such as those recommended by vehicle manufacturers and those included in TMC RP 642A, Total Vehicle Alignment Recommendations for Maximizing Tire and Alignment Related Component Life may be followed. Note Directional Tires:When mounting any new directional tire, ensure directional arrow points toward the direction of travel during the original 50% of tread life. Directional casings that have been removed from service and retreaded should be considered non- directional tires. SIPING There is no reason to ‘sipe’ new MICHELIN ® tires. Michelin incorporates siping as needed in its designs to enhance tire performance. Experience suggests degradation in tread wear, vehicle ride and handling, and tire durability may be caused by poor or improper tire tread siping. Drive tires (M/S) are optimized to provide desirable traction in dry, wet, snow, and icy conditions. Siping does not automatically affect the MICHELIN warranty* that covers workmanship and material. However, if a tire fails or is rendered unserviceable as a result of ‘siping,’ the tire is not warrantable. BRANDING 1. The following limits apply when branding MICHELIN ® truck tires using equipment without accurate temperature control or which may exceed 465°F (240°C). (Hand-held equipment is typically used for this “HOT BRANDING.”) a. Brand Temperature/Maximum Depth 570°F (300°C) 1⁄64 inch (0.4 mm) 480°F (250°C) 1⁄32 inch (0.8 mm) b. Only brand in the “BRAND TIRE HERE” area. 2. For equipment capable of “COLD BRANDING,” i.e., controlled temperatures below 465°F (240°C), the following restrictions apply: a. Temperature Maximum 465°F (240°C) b. Contact pressure Maximum 100 psi c. Time of contact Maximum 1 minute d. Character Height Maximum 1 inch e. Character Depth Maximum 0.040 inch (1.0 mm) f. Location: Circumferentially — in the “BRAND TIRE HERE” area. Radially — in the “BRAND TIRE HERE” area with no portion of any character extending more than 1" above the outline of the area. *See warranty for details. Section Three: Extending Tire Life 45