TM 9-2610-200-14
2-13
CHAPTER 2. CARE, MAINTENANCE, AND INSPECTION (Con't)
SECTION II.
OPERATOR INSPECTIONS AND SERVICES
2-19. OPERATOR INSPECTIONS AND SERVICES.
a. The operator must ensure that the tires receive proper care and service to prevent injury and
unnecessary wear, and to extend their service life to the maximum. Although natural wear and tear affects
tire life, premature tire failure is often caused by abuse and neglect. Proper maintenance of tires will not
only result in better performance and longer service, but could prevent a hazardous tire failure causing
equipment damage, serious injury, or death.
b. In addition to the PMCS required by the vehicle TM, the operator must perform the following
inspection and services:
(1) Check tires before operation. Look for cuts, bruises, nails, rocks, and uneven wear. Tires
designed with built-in wear bar indicators will show solid bars of rubber across the tread crown area when
wear is sufficient to require the tire to be turned in for repair or rebuild. Report all tires requiring repair.
WARNING
Operating a vehicle with an underinflated or defective tire may lead to premature
tire failure and may cause equipment damage and serious injury or death.
(2) Check tire pressure before operation when tire is still cold. Inflate as prescribed in the vehicle
TM.
(3) Check for loose lug nuts. Tighten or have tightened as required.
(4) Check for missing valve caps. Replace as required.
(5) Check dual tires for proper match.
(6) Examine seal areas for oil or grease leaks.
(7) Inspect body and frame for security of mounting bolts
(8) Inspect steering mechanisms (wheel bearings. steering knuckles. steering gears. etc
(9) Operator must be aware of a wide variety of defects that may be experienced on radial/bias
belted tires during operation of vehicle. Blisters, bulges, ruptures, and cracks in the sidewall or tread
crown area may be directly related to tread/ply separation. Observance of any of the following would
require immediate evasive action to reduce speed and stop the vehicle. These may require the tire to be
turned in for repair or retread.
(a) Vibration (intermittent at a given speed).
(b) Tire squirm (similar to operation over ice conditions).
(c) Thumps, bounces, or wobbles.
(10) Report all tires requiring repair.
