Color isn’t a safety factor when inspecting aerial apparatus tires; focus on inflation, type, and condition.

Tires on an aerial apparatus aren’t just a detail to glance at before you roll out. They’re a safety net, a reliability belt, and—let’s be honest—a big factor in how smoothly your ride handles height and weight. When you’re going through a quick check, you want to zero in on the areas that actually impact performance. So, which aspect is not really a part of the safety screen? Color. That’s right—color isn’t a meaningful signal for safety or capability. Let me walk you through the three critical areas to assess, and how to approach each without turning a tire check into a mystery.

The big three you should always inspect

Inflation

Here’s the thing about air pressure: it’s the linchpin of handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires flex more, heat up, wear unevenly, and run the risk of a blowout. Overinflated tires can reduce the contact patch, making steering feel twitchy and increasing the chance of a harsh ride and faster wear in the center of the tread. The goal is the tire’s stated pressure for the vehicle and the payload you expect to carry, and you’ll want to check when the tires are cold (before you’ve run the engine or done a lot of driving for the day).

• Use a reliable gauge. Don’t guess by feel or by the way the tire looks.

• Check all tires, including the spare. Don’t forget the duals on heavy apparatus—one can be a little lower or higher than the other, and that difference affects traction.

• Compare against the OEM spec printed on the door jamb or in the operator’s manual. If you’re unsure, a quick call to the depot or a supervisor can save you a roadside headache.

Type

This isn’t about fashion. The “type” of tire matters because it needs to match the mission, terrain, and load. A tire designed for highway cruising isn’t ideal for heavy lifting or off-road work, and the wrong choice can compromise traction, stability, and overall maneuverability.

• Check the tire’s construction type and rating (radial vs bias, load rating, and speed rating). In many aerial ops, you’ll see heavy-duty, radial tires built to handle big payloads and long service life.

• Make sure the tire size and tread pattern align with the vehicle’s specifications and the typical routes you’ll run. Mismatched tires can wear unevenly and throw off steering geometry over time.

• If you see a tire that isn’t a proper match for the axle or for the weight you’re carrying, flag it before you roll out. A small mismatch can become a big problem under load.

Condition

This is where the rubber meets the road—literally. The “condition” check is about how well the tire can grip, absorb bumps, and shed heat under load. Look for wear that’s even, tread depth that’s adequate, and any damage that could lead to a failure down the line.

• Tread depth and wear patterns: Uneven wear, cupping, or bald spots point to alignment, rotation, or inflation issues that should be corrected.

• Sidewall integrity: Cracks, cuts, bulges, or embedded objects are red flags. A compromised sidewall can fail suddenly, especially during dynamic maneuvers or when the apparatus is at height.

• Surface damage: Nails, screws, or grooves that expose the cord are not minor. Address these promptly, and replace if needed.

• Rotational balance and alignment: If you notice pull to one side, vibration, or unusual steering feel, check the alignment and ensure the tires are balanced. Even small misalignment can wear tires unevenly and affect control.

Color: the red herring you shouldn’t chase

Color is not a reliable indicator of tire health. Fading, staining, or a bright cosmetic stripe may look interesting, but it doesn’t tell you if the tread is deep enough, if there’s a crack in the sidewall, or if the tire has the right load rating. Think of color as a cosmetic fingerprint, not a safety metric. If someone tells you to swap because “the color looks off,” don’t buy it. You’re looking at inflation, type, and condition—not hue.

A practical, no-nonsense tire check you can stand by

• Bring the right tools: a reliable tire pressure gauge, a flashlight for inspection in dark areas, and a notebook or device to log readings.

• Inspect all tires on the apparatus, including the spare. Note any unusual wear or damage and document it.

• Check inflation when cold. Record the pressure for each tire and compare to the spec. If you’re off, adjust and recheck after a short drive or wait period (per your guidelines).

• Assess tread and sidewalls: depth, even wear, cracks, bulges, embedded objects. If you find anything suspicious, mark it and escalate.

• Validate the tire type and size match the vehicle’s requirements. If a tire doesn’t fit the axle’s needs or the expected load, flag it immediately.

• Confirm no visible leaks around the valve stems or rims. A slow leak can sneak up and bite you later.

• Confirm all lug nuts are at the proper torque after any tire service. You don’t want a loose wheel on a tall ladder platform.

Real-world notes from the field

Here’s a scenario you might recognize. A crew rolls out to a site on a chilly morning. The tires look fine, color perfectly ordinary, but one tire shows a visible bulge on the sidewall after a quick lift of the platform. It didn’t look dramatic, but it’s a fracture waiting to happen under load. The crew replaces that tire before the mission, not after. Color didn’t save the day; careful inspection, recognizing abnormal features, and acting on it did.

Another common pitfall: folks focus on tread depth alone and miss the bigger picture. A tire can have decent tread but cracked sidewalls or a lagging inflation reading. The result? Reduced grip, heat buildup, or a blowout when the platform is extended or the vehicle is maneuvering under pressure. That’s why the three-pronged check—inflation, type, and condition—tells you what you need to know, fast.

Why this matters in the real world

Aerial apparatus operate in demanding environments: urban streets, uneven grounds, sometimes slick surfaces, and often heavy loads. Tires don’t just support gravity; they act as the first line of defense against slipping, skidding, or losing control at critical moments. You’re balancing speed, response, and safety every time you move. So the goal isn’t to memorize a rulebook; it’s to develop a reliable habit: quick, thorough, repeatable checks that you can perform in minutes and trust when it matters most.

A few quick tips to keep things simple

• Make tire checks part of your start-up routine. A consistent sequence saves time and reduces mistakes.

• Use a single, trusted gauge and a standard procedure for cold reads. Consistency beats guesswork.

• Keep an eye on the wear indicators and the general health of the wheel assemblies. A small issue now can turn into a bigger problem later.

• Don’t overlook the spare. It’s easy to forget, but the spare is part of the fleet’s reliability.

• Document anything abnormal. A quick note now helps you stay on top of maintenance in the longer run.

Putting it all together

The key takeaway is straightforward: when you’re assessing the tires of an aerial apparatus, focus on inflation, type, and condition. Color won’t tell you if the tire is safe to drive or capable of supporting a load. By centering your checks on the actual performance factors—air pressure, correct tire type for the job, and the physical condition of the tread and sidewalls—you build a solid, dependable routine. In the field, that translates to better handling, safer operations at height, and fewer surprises on the route.

If you’re part of a crew that wants to improve safety and reliability, start by refining your tire-check habit. Keep the measurements consistent, stay curious about any odd wear, and trust the data you collect over impressions alone. Tires are where the rubber meets the road—literally. Treat them with respect, and they’ll repay you with steadier performance when you need it most.

Final thoughts

Color might be something you notice, but it shouldn’t drive decisions. Inflation, tire type, and overall condition are your compass. With a simple, repeatable checklist, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and keep your aerial apparatus ready for action. After all, in the world of high-reaching platforms and heavy loads, dependable tires aren’t just a convenience—they’re a cornerstone of mission-ready reliability.