What tire conditions require immediate attention before patrol, and what inflation guidelines should be followed?

• A. Inspect only for tread depth.
• B. Inflate to maximum sidewall pressure regardless of weight.
• C. Inspect for cuts, cracks, bulges, or excessive wear; inflate to the tire's recommended pressure per sidewall and adjust for rider weight and conditions.
• D. Only replace tires if they are flat.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is making a safety-focused tire check and using the correct inflation to protect grip, handling, and tire life before every patrol. Tires should be examined for any signs of damage or wear that could fail in the field. Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, or excessive tread wear on both the tread and the sidewalls. These issues indicate the tire structure may be compromised and could fail suddenly, which is a real danger during patrol.

Along with checking for damage, you should inflate the tire to the recommended pressure listed on the sidewall, and you may need to adjust within that range based on your weight and the riding conditions (how much gear you’re carrying, the road surface, weather, etc.). Following the manufacturer’s guidance helps maintain the correct contact patch, ride quality, and heat management, all of which affect traction and puncture resistance.

Avoid inflating to the maximum sidewall pressure regardless of weight, because that ignores your load and conditions and can lead to a harsher ride, increased wear, or bead issues. And don’t wait for a flat to address tire conditions; damage or excessive wear should be resolved before riding to keep you safe on patrol.