Proper Tire Inflation; Under Inflation; How Overloading Affects Your Tires; Tires And Wheels - Airstream Interstate 2019 Owner's Manual

Sprinter Van

Proper Tire Inflation

The level of air in your tires affects your vehicle's
overall performance� Not even the highest quality tire
will perform well if it's not inflated properly. The correct
pressure varies from vehicle to vehicle and depends
in part upon driver preference� Each vehicle has a
recommended inflation pressure, usually found on a
placard� Check the Sprinter manual for all weights and
tire information and the placard location�
Correct tire inflation is a key component in tire care.
The recommended inflation pressures for your tires are
indicated on the certification label or in your owner's
manual� Since touring coach's can be loaded with
many different configurations, the load on each tire will
vary� For this reason, air pressure should be checked
based on the load on each individual tire. Cold Inflation
Pressure should be adjusted to handle the maximum
tire load, and all tires on the axle should carry the same
inflation pressure. Cold tire inflation pressure is the tire
pressure checked in the morning before you drive more
than a few miles or before rising ambient temperatures
or the sun's radiant heat affect it� Check your tire air
pressure at least once a month, before each trip, and
each morning you drive during a trip� Tire pressure
should be checked cold, as tire pressure ratings have
been designed with typical running heat/pressure build
up in mind� Make sure the valves and caps are free of
dirt and moisture�

Under Inflation

Under inflation brings a higher risk of susceptibility
to damage due to road hazards, reduces tire casing
durability, and causes a loss in fuel economy, plus
uneven or irregular tire wear. Severe under inflation
brings about an increased risk of tread separation,
handling difficulties, and possibly tire failure, which is
caused by overheating�
NOTE
It is a common practice for motorhome owners to
lower tire pressure in their search for a smoother
ride. This is not only dangerous, it is relatively
ineffective, and the difference in ride quality is
not significant. When minimum inflation pressure
requirements are not met, tire durability and
optimum operating conditions are compromised.
Tire inflation pressure should always meet at least
the minimum guidelines for vehicle weight.
7-4
• It may be necessary to inflate your tires at a truck
stop or truck service center in order to achieve
adequate air pressure for your coach's needs
• Only permanent air seal metal valve caps should be
used�
• Be safe - if a tire has been run 20 percent under
inflated, it must be dismounted and inspected by a
trained professional. It should not be inflated without
a full inspection or without using a safety cage� Use
a calibrated gauge� If your tire is rated for higher
inflation pressures, a special gauge designed for
larger tires will be required�
• Don't bleed air from warm tires to reduce pressure
buildup�
• Don't inflate tires to cold psi rating beyond rim
specifications.

How Overloading Affects Your Tires

Tire pressure is what enables your touring coach tire to
support loads� Overloading your tires can have serious
consequences for passengers and your touring coach�
Too much weight can cause stress on your touring
coach's suspension system, brake failure, shock
absorber damage, handling and steering problems,
irregular tire wear and possible tire failure� Excessive
loads or under inflation can lead to an excessive
amount of heat and tire failure� If you discover that your
tires cannot handle the load, lighten the weight of the
load on your tires�

Tires and Wheels

(This section is partially excerpted from the Mercedes-
Benz Sprinter Van Operator's Manual�)
Check tires regularly for even tread wear, tread depth
(note legal requirements), and signs of external
damage� Use only wheels and tires of the same size,
make, and pattern�
Do not install tires that are not approved for the size
and type of wheel installed on the vehicle itself� Only
use those wheel sizes that were delivered to you by
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer�
Use only wheels and tires that have been tested and
approved by the vehicle manufacturer�
Break in the tires at moderate speeds for a distance of
about 65 miles�
2019 Interstate