Wilson Trailer GOOSENECK LIVESTOCK User manual
Wilson Trailer Company
GOOSENECK LIVESTOCK
TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL
This manual has been prepared to help you operate your new Wilson trailer
successfully, economically, and safely. Should you have any questions, we ask
that you contact a Wilson Trailer Company factory representative immediately
for a clear explanation.
We thank you for expressing your confidence in us through the purchase of
your new Wilson Gooseneck trailer.
We want you to know that it was designed to meet your specific needs for
a livestock trailer and was built for long life and low cost operation. With
regular, proper maintenance and your common sense use, we are confident
that it will do so.
Additional owner’s manuals and decal kits for this trailer are available without charge.
This manual Includes:
• Certificate of Limited Warranty
• Disclaimer and Exclusive Remedies to Which the Sale is Subject
MODEL NO. SERIAL NO.
- 2 -
Table of Contents
This safety alert symbol is to raise your awareness to
important messages in this manual. When you see this
symbol, be alert to the possibility of personal injury and
carefully read the message that follows.
TABLE OF CONTENTS by SECTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Normal Trailer Operation......................... ..................................................4
Loading and Unloading of Livestock......................................................4
SAFETY
Modification of Trailer..................................................................................5
Decals and Emblems....................................................................................5
Over-the-Road Safe Handling.......................... .........................................7
Wheel Torques...............................................................................................8
Tire Safety Information.......................... ......................................................9
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit.............................................9
Glossary of Tire Terminology.................................................................. 11
Tire Safety - Everything Rides on it........................................................ 17
Safety First - Basic Tire Maintenance.......................... .......................... 18
Tire Safety Tips............................................................................................. 25
Tire Safety Checklist................................................................................... 25
OPERATION
Inspection Procedure Before Trip.................... ..................................... 26
Safety Chains......................... ...................................................................... 26
Coupler Attachment......................... ........................................................ 26
Brake and Electrical Controls.................................................................. 27
Brake Controls............................................................................................. 27
Tires................................................................................................................. 27
Gates......................... ..................................................................................... 28
Wheels and Rims........................................................................................ 28
Door Locks.................................................................................................... 29
Side Structure............................................................................................... 29
Operating Instructions.................... ......................................................... 30
Operation of Brakes......................... ......................................................... 30
Operation of Gates.................................................................................... 30
Operation of Coupler................................................................................ 31
Fifth Wheel & King Pin Engagement................................................... 31
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Table of Contents
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Fastenings .................................................................................................... 32
Gate and Ramp Hinges............................................................................ 32
Operating Slam Lock................................................................................. 32
Floor ............................................................................................................... 32
Wheel Bearings........................................................................................... 33
Oil or Grease Seals ..................................................................................... 33
Optional Oil Bath Bearings ..................................................................... 33
Washout Notice.......................................................................................... 33
Brakes............................................................................................................. 34
Brake Adjustment....................................................................................... 35
Wheels and Tires ........................................................................................ 36
Torque Requirements ............................................................................... 36
Wheel Nut Torque Guide........................................................................ 37
Electrical System ......................................................................................... 38
Breakaway Battery Charger Instructions............................................ 38
12 V Sealed Lead-Acid Battery............................................................... 39
Electric/Hyd. Brake Application - Wiring Diagram.......................... 40
Electrical Connector - Wiring Diagram................................................ 41
Electrical Junction Box ............................................................................. 42
Electric Brakes - Wiring Diagram........................................................... 43
Vacuum/Hydraulic Brakes - Wiring Diagram.................................... 44
Electrical Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 45
Troubleshooting Guide/Vacuum/Hyd. Brakes................................. 48
Troubleshooting Guide/Electric Brakes.............................................. 54
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Reporting Safety Defects.......................................................................... 56
Keep Informed ............................................................................................ 56
Customer Assistance ................................................................................. 56
Tire Registry Information ......................................................................... 56
Authorized Repair Facilities..................................................................... 57
Certificate of Limited Warranty.............................................................. 60
Extended Warranty Schedule ................................................................ 62
Vendor Warranties .................................................................................... 63
Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler................................................................... 64
Square Jack, 12,000 lb.............................................................................. 70
Index............................................................................................................... 76
- 4 -
General Information
Normal Trailer Operation
This Wilson trailer is designed for
operation within legal highway speed
limits on reasonable road surfaces
for the type of service it was built to
perform, in accordance with the noted
weight restrictions.
Normal use means the loading,
unloading and transportation of
uniformly distributed legal loads, in a manner which does not subject the
trailer to stresses or impacts greater than imposed by reasonable use.
This trailer was built to carry cargo within the two weight ratings on the
identification plate located on the road side of the trailer near the front.
The GAWR (gross axle weight rating) is the structural capability of the
lowest rated member of the running gear component: suspension and
spring system, hub, wheels and drums, rims, bearings, brakes, axles, or
tires.
The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the structural capability of the
trailer when supported by the kingpin and axles with the load uniformly
distributed throughout the cargo space.
CAUTION
The maximum load indicated on the identification plate may
not be a legal load on the highway you plan to use. States have
differing laws and regulations affecting vehicle lengths and
weights on roads that are not a part of the primary interstate
road system.
Loading and Transport of Livestock
The loading of the trailer is important! Keep the center of gravity as low as
possible. Proper placement of the larger animals should be considered.
Because load types vary, the driver needs to drive with appropriate care
and within the limits of the load.
The well being of the gooseneck livestock trailer is dependent on the
stock density, ventilation, skill of driving, and quality of roads. Frequent
inspection of livestock and careful driving cannot be over-
emphasized!
- 5 -
Safety
Modification of Trailer
Any modification made to the trailer must comply with DOT and NHTSA
regulations and must not compromise the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of the trailer.
(Rev. 12-98)
WARNING
Any operation of the trailer outside the limitations stated
in this manual will void any responsibility of Wilson Trailer
Company for any of its results.
CAUTION
Personal Injury, death, and property damage may result from
improper operation or unsafe practices. Be sure to read and
follow all decals and emblems carefully.
Decals and Emblems
The following section contains the decals and emblems used on Wilson
Gooseneck Trailers. Due to differences in configurations and equipment,
your trailer may or may not use all the decals and emblems listed. Newer
trailers may also have decals and emblems that differ from older trailers.
Replace damaged or missing decals promptly.
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Safety
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Over-The-Road Safe Handling
IMPORTANT: Like any other vehicles, semi-trailers can tip or slide out
of control if turns are negotiated at too high a speed or when making
violent maneuvers such as abrupt lane changes or other evasive
actions to avoid obsacles.
YOU AND YOUR SAFETY
1. You - the OPERATOR - have control of the most important factors
that affect vehicle stability. Trailers are important tools in our
transportation industry and, like any tool, are safe in the hands of a
properly qualified operator.
2. The fifth wheel should be securely mounted to the tractor frame.
3. The driver should be familiar with the characteristics of the
particular trailer and the load being transported.
4. The driver should be familiar with the nature of the roads and
traffic which may be encountered during the trip.
5. Stability: Within the relatively narrow confines of road laws
limiting vehicle size and weight, together with the characteristics
of available tires, suspensions, and other components, there is
little that a manufacturer can do to affect the inherent stability of
a trailer other than keeping the loading decks as low as feasible,
considering the requirements for loading space and adequate tire
clearance. This means that the major factors affecting operational
stability are the knowledge and skill of the driver.
The predominant causes of the rollover accidents are:
• Excessive speed.
• Violent swerving or turning.
• Application of brakes or tractor power while turning.
• Entering curves at too high a speed may be caused by one of the
following factors:
- 8 -
Safety
Over-The-Road Safe Handling
a. Traveling at freeway speeds for long periods of time and failing
to recognize the high speed of travel and reducing it before
entering freeway interchanges or other curves requiring a
reduced and controlled speed.
b. Lack of familiarity with the vehicle characteristics to recognize its
safe speed with relation to posted speed limits on curves, which
are usually determined with automobile traffic in mind.
c. Failure to reduce speed sufficiently when approaching
congested traffic such as might be found at traffic signals on
highways. With the advent of today’s more powerful and
higher torque engines, the original practice of maintaining
momentum to avoid acceleration in traffic is outmoded.
6. Tire Characteristics: High pressure truck/trailer tires have different
characteristics under high speed cornering conditions than do
passenger car tires. As an extreme example, it is fairly common
knowledge that a skilled race car driver can consistently “drift”
his racer around tight turns where very high lateral “g” forces are
encountered. However, truck/trailer tires which are designed for
carrying high loads over long distances have substantially different
characteristics, and their lateral stability becomes unpredictable
when lateral forces approach 0.4 g. This means that commercial
vehicles must be operated in a conservative manner when
cornering.
7. Braking and Acceleration: Either braking or accelerating while
cornering can significantly reduce the stability of the vehicle and
should be avoided. The best driving practice is to decelerate to a
safe conservative speed before entering a corner or approaching
congested traffic, and then to apply only moderate power until a
straight path has been reestablished.
(Rev. 6-02)
Wheel Torques
Proper torquing and retorquing the wheel nuts are critical to prevent the
premature loss of wheel equipment
Wheels must be checked and retorqued after 50 to 100 miles of use. This
is important every time you change a wheel.
- 9 -
Tire Safety Information
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit - Trailer
Determining the load limits of a trailer includes more than understanding
the load limits of the tires alone. On all trailers there is a Federal
certification/VIN label that is located on the forward half of the left
(road) side of the unit. This certification/VIN label will indicate the trailer’s
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the most weight the fully
loaded trailer can weigh. It will also provide the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). This is the most a particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple
axles, the GAWR of each axle will be provided.
If your trailer has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, there is a vehicle
placard located in the same location as the certification label described
above. This placard provides tire and loading information. In addition,
this placard will show a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity.
Cargo can be added to the trailer, up to the maximum weight specified
on the placard. The combined weight of the cargo is provided as a single
number. In any case, remember: the total weight of a fully loaded trailer
can not exceed the stated GVWR
For trailers with living quarters installed, the weight of water and propane
also need to be considered. The weight of fully filled propane containers is
considered part of the weight of the trailer before it is loaded with cargo,
and is not considered part of the disposable cargo load. Water however, is
a disposable cargo weight and is treated as such. If there is a fresh water
storage tank of 100 gallons, this tank when filled would weigh about 800
pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water can be off-loaded to
keep the total amount of cargo added to the vehicle within the limits of
the GVWR so as not to overload the vehicle. Understanding this flexibility
will allow you, the owner, to make choices that fit your travel needs.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly to prevent
overloading front to back and side to side. Heavy items should be placed
low and as close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too many items on
one side may overload a tire. The best way to know the actual weight of
the vehicle is to weigh it at a public scale. Talk to your dealer to discuss
the weighing methods needed to capture the various weights related to
the trailer. This would include the weight empty or unloaded, weights per
axle, wheel, hitch or king-pin, and total weight.
Excessive loads and/or underinflation cause tire overloading and, as
a result, abnormal tire flexing occurs. This situation can generate an
excessive amount of heat within the tire. Excessive heat may lead to tire
failure. It is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the load, so
proper inflation is critical. The proper air pressure may be found on the
certification/VIN label and/or on the Tire Placard. This value should never
exceed the maximum cold inflation pressure stamped on the tire.
- 10 -
Tire Safety Information
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit - Trailer
1. Locate the statement, “The weight of cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. This figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity.
3. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity.
The trailer’s placard refers to the Tire Information Placard attached
adjacent to or near the trailer’s VIN (Certification) label at the left front of
the trailer.
Trailers Over 10,000 Pounds GVWR
NOTE: These trailers are not required to have a tire information
placard on the vehicle.
Determine the empty weight of your trailer by weighing the trailer using a
public scale or other means. This step does not have to be repeated.
Locate the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer on your
trailer’s VIN (Certification) label.
Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from the GVWR stated on the
VIN label. That weight is the maximum available cargo capacity of the
trailer and may not be safely exceeded.
- 11 -
Tire Safety Information
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit - Tow Vehicle
1. Locate the statement, “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who
will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage capacity calculated in Step # 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the tow vehicle’s manual to
determine how this weight transfer reduces the available cargo and
luggage capacity of your vehicle.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio and heater, to the extent that these items are
available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not).
Bead
The part of the tire that is made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by
ply cords and that is shaped to fit the rim.
Bead separation
This is the breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.
Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid
at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Carcass
The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated,
bears the load.
- 12 -
Tire Safety Information
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Chunking
The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.
Cold inflation pressure
The pressure in the tire before you drive.
Cord
The strands forming the plies in the tire.
Cord separation
The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.
Cracking
Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending
to cord material.
CT
A pneumatic tire with an inverted flange tire and rim system in which the
rim is designed with rim flanges pointed radially inward and the tire is
designed to fit on the underside of the rim in a manner that encloses the
rim flanges inside the air cavity of the tire.
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional engine.
Extra load tire
A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures
than the corresponding standard tire.
Groove
The space between two adjacent tread ribs.
Gross Axle Weight Rating
The maximum weight that any axle can support, as published on the
Certification / VIN label on the front left side of the trailer. Actual weight
determined by weighing each axle on a public scale, with the trailer
attached to the towing vehicle.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
The maximum weight of the fully loaded trailer, as published on the
Certification / VIN label. Actual weight determined by weighing trailer on
a public scale, without being attached to the towing vehicle.
- 13 -
Tire Safety Information
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Hitch Weight
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler.
Innerliner
The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the
inflating medium within the tire.
Innerliner separation
The parting of the innerliner from cord material in the carcass.
Intended outboard sidewall
The sidewall that contains a white-wall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire or the
outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side
that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Light truck (LT) tire
A tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on
lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load rating
The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation
pressure.
Maximum load rating
The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for
that tire.
Maximum permissible inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Measuring rim
The rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimension requirements.
Pin Weight
The downward force applied to the 5th wheel or gooseneck ball, by the
trailer kingpin or gooseneck coupler.
- 14 -
Tire Safety Information
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Non-pneumatic rim
A mechanical device which, when a non-pneumatic tire assembly
incorporates a wheel, supports the tire, and attaches, either integrally
or separably, to the wheel center member and upon which the tire is
attached.
Non-pneumatic spare tire assembly
A non-pneumatic tire assembly intended for temporary use in place of
one of the pneumatic tires and rims that are fitted to a passenger car in
compliance with the requirements of this standard.
Non-pneumatic tire
A mechanical device which transmits, either directly or through a wheel
or wheel center member, the vertical load and tractive forces from the
roadway to the vehicle, generates the tractive forces that provide the
directional control of the vehicle and does not rely on the containment of
any gas or fluid for providing those functions.
Non-pneumatic tire assembly
A non-pneumatic tire, alone or in combination with a wheel or wheel
center member, which can be mounted on a vehicle.
Normal occupant weight
This means 68 kilograms (150 lbs.) times the number of occupants
specified in the second column of Table I of 49 CFR 571.110.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column
of Table I of 49 CFR 571.110.
Open splice
Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or innerliner that extends to
cord material.
Outer diameter
The overall diameter of an inflated new tire.
Overall width
The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated
tire, including elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands
or ribs.
Ply
A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
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Tire Safety Information
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other
materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the
traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed regular production options
weighing over 2.3 kilograms (5 lbs.) in excess of those standard items
which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory
weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
Radial ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid
at substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Recommended inflation pressure
This is the inflation pressure provided by the vehicle manufacturer on the
Tire Information label and on the Certification / VIN tag.
Reinforced tire
A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures
than the corresponding standard tire.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Rim diameter
This means the nominal diameter of the bead seat.
Rim size designation
This means the rim diameter and width.
Rim type designation
This means the industry of manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or
code.
Rim width
This means the nominal distance between rim flanges.
Section width
The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated
tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.
- 16 -
Tire Safety Information
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Sidewall
That portion of a tire between the tread and bead.
Sidewall separation
The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the
sidewall.
Special Trailer (ST) tire
The “ST” is an indication the tire is for trailer use only.
Test rim
The rim on which a tire is fitted for testing, and may be any rim listed as
appropriate for use with that tire.
Tread
That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.
Tread rib
A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.
Tread separation
Pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass.
Treadwear indicators (TWI)
The projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual
indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.
Vehicle capacity weight
The rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150 lbs.) times the
vehicle’s designated seating capacity.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
The load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two.
Vehicle normal load on the tire
The load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant
weight (distributed in accordance with Table I of CRF 49 571.110) and
dividing by 2.
Weather side
The surface area of the rim not covered by the inflated tire.
- 17 -
Tire Safety Information
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Wheel center member
In the case of a non-pneumatic tire assembly incorporating a wheel, a
mechanical device which attaches, either integrally or separably, to the
non-pneumatic rim and provides the connection between the non-
pneumatic rim and the vehicle; or, in the case of a non-pneumatic tire
assembly not incorporating a wheel, a mechanical device which attaches,
either integrally or separably, to the non-pneumatic tire and provides the
connection between tire and the vehicle.
Wheel-holding fixture
The fixture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly securely during
testing.
Tire Safety - Everything Rides On It
The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a
brochure (DOT HS 809 361) that discusses all aspects of Tire Safety, as
required by CFR 575.6. This brochure is reproduced in part below. It
can be obtained and downloaded from NHTSA, free of charge, from the
following web site:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/tires_index.html
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing
tire and vehicle load limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle
than your tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, and
inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the most
important things you can do to avoid tire failure, such as tread separation
or blowout and flat tires
These actions, along with other care and maintenance activities, can also:
improve vehicle handling, help protect you and others from avoidable
breakdowns and accidents, improve fuel economy, and increase the life of
your tires.
This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety, including
information on the following topics: basic tire maintenance, uniform tire
quality grading system, fundamental characteristics of tires, and tire safety
tips.
Use this information to make tire safety a regular part of your vehicle
maintenance routine. Recognize that the time you spend is minimal
compared with the inconvenience and safety consequences of a flat tire or
other tire failure.
- 18 -
Tire Safety Information
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and
load-carrying capability of your vehicle. Underinflated tires and overloaded
vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. Therefore, as mentioned above, to
avoid flat tires and other types of tire failure, you should maintain proper
tire pressure, observe tire and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards, and
regularly inspect your tires.
Safety First - Basic Tire Maintenance
Finding your Vehicle’s Recommented Tire
Pressure and Load Limits
Tire information placards and vehicle certification labels contain
information on tires and load limits. These labels indicate the vehicle
manufacturer’s information including:
• Recommended tire size
• Recommended tire inflation pressure
• Vehicle capacity weight (VCW-the maximum occupant and cargo
weight a vehicle is designed to carry)
• Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR- the maximum
weight the axle systems are designed to carry).
Both placards and certification labels are permanently attached to the
trailer near the left front.
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with
load-carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the vehicle.
The tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates the amount of air
pressure- measured in pounds per square inch (psi)-a tire requires to be
properly inflated. (You will also find this number on the vehicle information
placard expressed in kilopascals (kpa), which is the metric measure used
internationally.)
Manufacturers of passenger vehicles and light trucks determine this
number based on the vehicle’s design load limit, that is, the greatest
amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry and the vehicle’s tire size. The
proper tire pressure for your vehicle is referred to as the “recommended
cold inflation pressure.” (As you will read below, it is difficult to obtain the
recommended tire pressure if your tires are not cold.)
Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle,
tire manufacturers list the “maximum permissible inflation pressure” on
the tire sidewall. This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that
should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
- 19 -
Tire Safety Information
Checking Tire Pressure
It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month
for the following reasons:
• Most tires may naturally lose air over time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other
object or if you strike the curb when parking.
• With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine
underinflation by visual inspection.
For convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle.
Gauges can be purchased at tire dealerships, auto supply stores, and other
retail outlets.
The recommended tire inflation pressure that vehicle manufacturers
provide reflects the proper psi when a tire is cold. The term cold does not
relate to the outside temperature. Rather, a cold tire is one that has not
been driven on for at least three hours. When you drive, your tires get
warmer, causing the air pressure within them to increase. Therefore, to get
an accurate tire pressure reading, you must measure tire pressure when
the tires are cold or compensate for the extra pressure in warm tires.
Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle’s tire
information placard, certification label, or in the owner’s manual.
Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires.
Step 3: If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly release air
by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of your tire gauge
until you get to the correct pressure.
Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the
measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure. These “missing”
pounds of pressure are what you will need to add.
Step 5: At a service station, add the missing pounds of air pressure to each
tire that is underinflated.
Step 6: Check all the tires to make sure they have the same air pressure
(except in cases in which the front and rear tires are supposed to have
different amounts of pressure).
- 20 -
Tire Safety Information
If you have been driving your vehicle and think that a tire is underinflated,
fill it to the recommended cold inflation pressure indicated on your
vehicle’s tire information placard or certification label. While your tire may
still be slightly underinflated due to the extra pounds of pressure in the
warm tire, it is safer to drive with air pressure that is slightly lower than the
vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure than to drive
with a significantly underinflated tire. Since this is a temporary fix, don’t
forget to recheck and adjust the tire’s pressure when you can obtain a
cold reading.
Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the
vehicle’s original tires or another size recommended by the manufacturer.
Look at the tire information placard, the owner’s manual, or the sidewall
of the tire you are replacing to find this information. If you have any doubt
about the correct size to choose, consult with the tire dealer.
Tire Tread
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your
vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. In
general, tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn
down to 1/16 of an inch. Tires have built-in treadwear indicators that let
you know when it is time to replace your tires. These indicators are raised
sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When
they appear “even” with the outside of the tread, it is time to replace your
tires. Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the
tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the
top of Lincoln’s head, you are ready for new tires.
Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment
To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates, the
tire must be properly balanced. This balance is achieved by positioning
weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the wheel-
and-tire assembly. A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels
so that they are positioned correctly relative to the vehicle’s frame. This
adjustment maximizes the life of your tires. These adjustments require
special equipment and should be performed by a qualified technician.
Tire Repair
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and
a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole.
Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but
punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. Tires must be removed
from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched.
Safety First - Basic Tire Maintenance
Table of contents
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