Issue link: http://pfmmag.epubxp.com/i/77229
UP CLOSE Tire Basics - Tire Forensics As a rule, the belts cover the face of the tread from just beyond one outer groove to just beyond the other outer groove. Te whole idea is to engage that belt package with the patch / plug. Tat way the belts will grab and hold the patch / plug in place, and the patch / plug will keep moisture out of the belt package. Te only way to be sure the plug portion of the patch / plug combo gets inserted into a belt is to limit repairs to the portion of tread inside the two outer grooves. Instead of being able to repair a tire with a puncture anywhere on the footprint, in reality, only the center section of the foot- print can be repaired – just 80 percent of the footprint. Tires that have been punctured are usually driven for some time either under inflated or actually flat. Tese almost flat tires can suffer internal damage to the inner liner and ply cords. Tis damage is not visible from the outside. Te only way to determine if the tire can be repaired and placed back in service, or if it must be replaced, is the removal of the tire from the wheel and a competent visual inspection of the tire. If properly inspected and repaired with a patch / plug combo (maximum of one repaired area), most tires retain their original speed rating. On the other hand, many agencies do not allow repaired tires on pursuit-oriented, enforcement-class vehicles. Instead, these properly repaired tires are used on admin and support vehicles. Or they are simply discarded. A high-speed tire failure may simply be not worth the risk…a new tire is about $100. Post your comments on this story by visiting www.pfmmag.com PREVENTS DEAD BATTERIES SHUT DOWN TIMER "ON WHEN IGNITION TURNS OFF" t Battery and Equipment Protection Device t Monitors Battery Voltage. Low Voltage shuts down load t Thousands Installed on Police Patrol, Fire/Uitiliy Vehicles with MDC/MDT, approved by states, cities, and counties t Automatic On/Off, 30 AMP, 12 Volt DC t Programmable with external DIP switch for selecting time t Made in USA. One year warranty. MZL-100 HEAVY DUTY 75 AMP DELAY TIMER / LOAD MANAGMENT MZL-90 90 AMP IGNITION SENSING SHUTDOWN DELAY TIMER WITH A BUILT-IN 6 FUSE OUTPUT P.O. BOX 710548, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77271 5FM t 'BY Toll Free: 800-888-0909 XXX BDEDJOE DPN t TBMFT!BDEDJOE DPN REDUCES VEHICLE DOWNTIME Circle Reader Service #20 or click on EInfo at www.pfmmag.com 48 Police Fleet Manager Jul-Aug 2012 S Goodyear's Rick Wendt recommends rotating tires during every 3,000 miles. When you change the oil change, check the air pressure. S Firestone's TJ Tennent said the leading cause of tire failures is under inflation. Under inflation allows sidewall flex, which generates heat -- the number one enemy of a tire. SAVES MAINTENANCE COSTS Visit Us at PFE 2012, Booth #145 PROTECTS ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT