TM 9-2320-361-10 3-14. WHEELS AND TIRES (Contd) f. Tire Inflation. (1) General. Tires require a weekly pressure check. Inflation pressure is one of the most important elements of tire care. Pressure recommendations for all tires on all models have been carefully selected to provide good tire life (refer to table 1-7 for recommended tire pressures). Check and adjust tire pressures when tires are cold, because pressures normally increase during operation. Never decrease pressure of warm tires except for operations in mud, sand, or snow. Reinflate tires which were deflated for operations in cross-country, mud, sand, or snow. After operations are completed, tires must be removed, and reinflated in a tire inflation cage by maintenance personnel. (2) Tire Gaging. WARNING Stand clear of tire while gaging and inflating. Injury or death to personnel may result from exploding wheel components. (a) Remove tire inflation gage (10) and hose (4) assembly from stowage compartment. (b) Start at one corner of vehicle and gage all tires. Remove tire valve caps, apply tire gage air chuck (8) on tire valve stem (7) and press down to read tire pressure on gage dial (9). Reinstall tire valve caps and tighten caps finger tight. (3) Tire Inflation. (a) Start engine (refer to para. 2-14 or 2-15) anti apply parking brake. Make sure air reservoir pressure is higher than recommended tire pressure by checking air pressure gage on instrument panel. (b) Remove coupling half cover (3). Install hose coupling half (5) to left-front emergency air coupling half (1) to inflate front tires, and right-rear emergency air coupling half (1) to inflate rear tires. Turn air valve handle (2) 90 degrees counterclockwise to release compressed air to gage (10) and hose (4) assembly. (c) Remove tire valve cap, apply air chuck (8) on tire valve stem (7), and press down firmly. Depress air chuck lever (6) to inflate tire. Release lever (6) momentarily to read tire pressure on gage dial (9). Adjust tire pressure as necessary. 3-26