Caution: Do not mix bias-ply and radial tires on the vehicle except in emergencies, because vehicle handling could be affected and may result in the loss of control.
Radial tires are constructed of the following material:
| • | Casing plies which run perpendicular to the tread direction |
| • | Several layers of steel or fabric tread-reinforcing plies just under the tread area |
This construction permits flexing of the tire sidewall with the following advantages:
| • | A minimum of tread distortion |
| • | Better traction |
| • | A softer ride |
Tubeless radial tires are recommended for this vehicle.
When inspecting the tires, check the valve stem cores for leakage. Also check around the tires for embedded steel, rock, or glass. If these objects remain in the tread, these objects may eventually cause a failure. In some cases a puncture will occur, and removal of the foreign object will cause the tire or the tube to lose pressure.
Overloading causes many kinds of cord body breaks. Overloading is due to abnormal flexing or overworking of the cord body of the tire. Overload flex breaks occur in the sidewall or in the shoulder of a tire. These breaks run with the circumference of the tire. Sometimes the breaks are only 51-76 mm (2-3 in) long. Other times these breaks will extend partly around the tire. These breaks may cause a blowout or a pinched tube that allows the tire to go flat.
Normal flexing of a tire can go on for long periods of time without causing any great damage to the cords. If the tire is overworked or overflexed abnormal heat is generated, and the cords may become weak and will break.
The following conditions may cause flex breaks:
| • | Underinflation |
| • | Sprung axles |
| • | Mismatched dual tires |
| • | Poor load distribution |
You may avoid this condition by using proper size and type of tires and rims which are large enough to carry the load. Do not attempt to increase the rated carrying capacity of a tire by inflating the tire beyond the maximum recommended pressure. For information on bias-ply tire inflation, refer to the manufacturer's information.
