Before ACCU-THUMP® a drivers options of effectively controlling tire failure costs were:
Accu-Thump® is not a cure-all, nor is it meant to replace the air gauge. However, and with the exception of the air gauge Accu-Thump® detects dangerously low tires UNDER-LOAD easier and quicker than all the other hand held forms of testing. Because time is one commodity drivers are always in short supply of, by utilizing Accu-Thump® low tires will be discovered MORE OFTEN thereby allowing the driver to better manage uninvited downtime and make scheduled arrivals.
After thumping with Accu-Thump®, and a low tire is detected or suspected, naturally a tire gauge should be utilized to determine what practical course of action should be initiated.
Previously, the standard air gauge has been considered the best possible device to locate underinflated tires. However, how many drivers, who are PUSHED for time, regularly use them? Evidently, even the Government realizes this reality, and apparently concludes that in an imperfect world any testing device is better than nothing. For example - the CDL test manuals I've read say: "check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge, or inflation by striking tires with a mallet or other similar device." Likewise, the State of Georgia says that a driver taking the driving pre-trip test - "You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation."
A slogan was initiated before the invention of the Patented Accu-Thump®, saying: "Don't Thump'em - Pump'em". In theory this is a catchy well meaning phrase. But, as I said previously - how many drivers actually or consistently use the gauge, except, maybe, when the boss is around. Furthermore, I've heard it said that constant use of an air gauge causes valve stem problems or slow leakers.
Not only do professional drivers bear the burden and responsibility of complying with Govt & company rules to check their tires, they are like any other human and subject to all the frailties of being such. Thus, they don't like taking excessive time away from what they do best, which is DRIVE!
In the past, most drivers have not been furnished with reliable methods of checking tires. I realize that it's expensive to furnish drivers with something generally only occassionally used. Yet, and in contrast, the alternative, using nothing or something that dosen't work well is even more drastic to the pocket.
We all know that it's an unspoken rule that drivers are expected to buy/use some kind of tire testing device . So, and accordingly, some drivers have been heard to say: "if it's not my equipment I don't care... I'm not spending my money... if the company dosen't care about their tires why should I..."
The truth is, in my opinion, until Accu-Thump® a professional driver couldn't buy/use anything of significant value anyway, and still make the miles. Oh sure, there are air gauges for 10-20 bucks, that take 5-10 minutes to use. But, what mythic professional driver is willing to spend that much TIME at each stop, in blistering hot, freezing, rainy weather, in a bent-over, compromising position at night where all sorts of lurking shadows prowl? Consequently, excessive tire repair/replacement costs are the norm instead of the exception. Clearly, in this "Just In Time" competitive economy this unfortunate reality needs modification.
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Created: 06/11/98
Last Rev.: 03/05/00
