It takes up to 25 minutes to remove valve caps and check air pressure on all 18 tires. For many drivers and maintenance people, that's too time consuming and really not that important anyway...

 W R O N G!!

Just 20% underinflation will reduce tire mileage by 16%, increase irregular wear (because the tire footprint is distorted) and cause extra heat build-up due to excessive sidewall deflection. Heat induced tire degradation reduces retreadability and makes the tire more prone to punctures (hot tires "suck up" puncturing objects).

Once you've convinced your drivers and mechanics to start checking air pressures, then you need to talk to your tire professionals about when you need to check pressures, what gauges are most accurate and what pressure range is acceptable for each axle position.

This article originally appeared in a slightly different form in COMMERCIAL TIRE MANAGEMENT and is used with permission.