TSPS MAR 2025 FINAL REV - Flipbook - Page 27
SAFETY ARTICLE
vehicle to be in park on level ground and running to check
this 昀氀uid level. Newer vehicles could use synthetic transmission 昀氀uid. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for
transmission service intervals and instructions. Only add the
proper transmission 昀氀uid based upon the owner’s manual,
color and type of 昀氀uid.
• Transfer case 昀氀uid. 4 x 4 or all wheel drive vehicles have
a transfer case with 昀氀uid that must be maintained and replaced. This may be at a 25,000 mile interval. Check at each
oil change interval. Follow the owner’s manual for speci昀椀cs.
Running a vehicle on low transmission or transfer case 昀氀uid
could cause expensive damage as well as down time.
• Differential 昀氀uid. Check the rear differential 昀氀uid every oil
change. Replace it according to the owner’s manual interval,
typically 12 months/12,000 miles up to 5 years/60,000 miles.
• Radiator/cooling system. Today’s vehicles usually have an
over昀氀ow radiator 昀氀uid container where the 昀氀uid level can
be checked without opening and removing the radiator cap
and releasing the system pressure. Keep the system 昀氀uid level within the recommended marks or level indicators on this
container. Always use caution as the cooling system is under
high pressure and reaches high temperatures. Add appropriate coolant 昀氀uid as needed, and according to the color and
type recommended in the owner’s manual.
increase in tire pressure after driving, especially in the hot summer months.
Check your spare tire pressure occasionally, also. Failure to
do this could, over time, leave your spare tire underin昀氀ated and
possibly not usable if it is needed.
Rotate tires between 6,000 to 8,000 mile intervals to ensure
even wear. Failure to rotate tires can result in early and costly
replacement of tires due to uneven wear. Keep tires balanced
when rotated and check tire balance if you experience vibration
while driving at highway speeds. Some tire store chains will
rotate and balance tires at no charge, especially when you purchase tires from these dealers.
• Tire condition. Visually inspect your tires on a weekly to
monthly basis, and especially before getting on the road for
a lengthy trip. Look for cuts and gashes in the tread and on
the sidewalls. Look for objects such as nails, screws or wire
imbedded in the tread or sidewalls. If found, don’t pull these
out, go to a tire repair shop. Removing these objects can open
the puncture and allow all the air to escape.
• Tire tread. When a tire wears to a tread depth of 2/32 inch,
the tire or set of tires should be replaced. Use a tread depth
gauge or use a penny. The top of President Lincoln’s head is at
the 2/32” depth from the edge of the coin. The less tread, the
longer the stopping distance your vehicle needs to come to a
complete stop under good road and weather conditions. Wet
roads require greater stopping distances.
• Wheel alignment. Proper all wheel alignment helps ensures
straight steering and prevents uneven tire wear. Check or realign when you suspect pulling to one side, after hitting a
pothole, or after steering or suspension repairs.
Tires, wheels, and tire pressure
Driving on constantly underin昀氀ated tires can cause damage to
a tire, as well as adversely affecting handling and fuel ef昀椀ciency. Don’t count on the automatic tire pressure system only to
keep your tires fully pressurized. Some of these
systems don’t register low until the tire pressure
is 25% or more below the recommended tire pressure. Check tire pressure weekly and visually inspect tires more often. Use a tire gauge that you
know is reasonably accurate. Keep the tires 昀椀lled
to the pressure chart on the driver’s door frame.
Most vehicles have a chart with several tire sizes
with appropriate pressures listed. Check tire presW. J. BREAUX, RPLS,
Chair, TSPS
sure before driving your vehicle, which warms the
Safety Committee
air and increases tire pressure. Allow 3 psi – 5 psi
Lights
Occasionally, have someone assist while you turn
on and check all headlights for proper high and
low beam operation, brake and taillights and turn
signals. Also pay attention to the red and amber side lights on your vehicle. Replace bulbs as
required. Test the hazard 昀氀ashing lights. Replace
bulbs as required.
March 2025 THE TEXAS SURVEYOR
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