Did you know that replacing the tires on a vehicle with another brand can potentially make the vehicle overloaded? Different tires have different weight ratings. Departments need to check before they select a replacement.

Gross axle weight ratings are based on the lowest weight rating of the tires, wheels, hubs, drums, axle, suspension and possibly the frame rails. The GAWR is usually found on a plate on the driver’s door jamb, but it only reflects the rating at the time the vehicle was built. If any of the components change during the life of the vehicle, then the GAWR can change as well.

Tire ratings are based on the manufacturer, style, size, number of plies, inflation pressure and other factors. Sometimes something as simple as replacing a tire with a different brand or style can reduce the load capacity of the tires and reduce the axle weight rating. Always check the published load ratings to maintain adequate load ratings.
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This feature offers a variety of short tips and facts about apparatus specifications, maintenance and testing. Look for it every month. Submissions of 150 words or less are welcome from our readers, subject to editing. Send them to Senior Editor Chris Cavette at cavettes@ix.netcom.com