Tire Maintenance Checklist What to Inspect and When to Replace
To keep your Harley davidson safe and run smoothly every HD bike must get professionally serviced on a consistent basis. Garden state HD recommend Tire maintenance checklist what to inspect and when to replace for service in the following steps:
1. TIRE INSPECTION
Before you can determine whether your tires need replacing, you need to inspect them regularly. A visual inspection is the best way to identify any issues that could lead to a blowout or loss of traction. Here are some common issues:
- Tread Depth: The tread on your tires is what provides the necessary grip to the road. As the tread wears down, your tire’s ability to maintain traction decreases. The legal minimum tread depth is 1/32 of an inch, but for optimal safety, you should replace your tires once they reach 2/32 of an inch.
- Sidewall Damage: The sidewall of your tire is the part that faces outwards and is in direct contact with the road. Look for any cuts, punctures, or bulges in the sidewall, as these can cause a blowout while riding.
- Cuts or Punctures: If you notice any cuts or punctures in the tread area of your tire, they can lead to slow leaks or even blowouts.
- Cracks: Over time, the rubber on your tires can dry out and crack, particularly if the bike is parked in direct sunlight. Cracks can weaken the tire’s structure and make it more prone to punctures or blowouts.
- Age: Tires have a shelf life, even if they are not in use. The rubber can degrade over time, and after five years, the tire’s structural integrity can become compromised. Check the date code on your tires’ sidewalls to determine their age.
2. TIRE PRESSURE
Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for optimal performance and safety. Under-inflated tires can cause handling issues and affect fuel economy, while overinflated tires can lead to a harsh ride and reduced traction. Check your tire pressure regularly, preferably before every ride, and adjust it as needed.
To determine the correct tire pressure for your Harley Davidson, reach out to garden state HD, our team of experts are always happy to help in a timely manner. It is essential to use a high-quality tire gauge to check the pressure, as cheap gauges can be inaccurate.
3. TIRE ROTATION
Rotating your tires is a necessary part of tire maintenance. It helps to distribute wear evenly across all four tires, which can prolong their lifespan. Harley Davidson recommends rotating your tires every 5,000 miles. However, if you notice uneven wear or other issues, you may need to rotate them more frequently.
To rotate your tires, switch the front and rear tires and move the left side tires to the right and vice versa. This pattern ensures that the tires wear evenly.