Tires are the backbone of your trucking operation. Without proper tires and tire maintenance practices, your truck will be sitting and we know that a truck that is sitting isn't earning. Follow these tips to ensure your tires' safety, prolong their lifetime, and run them at peak performance.
Check Tire Pressure
Improperly inflated tires lead to uneven wear, decreased sidewall integrity and fuel efficiency, and an increased risk of tire blowout.
Use a tire pressure gauge before operating your truck to accurately check the tire's pressure. Kicking or hitting the tire does not guarantee proper inflation.
Inspect Tread Depth
Low tread equals low traction, especially in wet or icy road conditions, increasing safety risks.
Use a tread depth gauge, not your finger or coin, to get the most precise reading of your tread as to not exceed the legal minimum tread.
The legal minimum tread depths are:
4/32 for the Steer position
2/32 for the Drive and Trailer positions
Perform Regular Visual Inspections
Check for signs of damage including cuts, cracks, bulges, or embedded debris.
Examine each tire's D.O.T date on the sidewall. The last two digits indicate the year the tire was manufactured. Ideally, you don't want tires more than four years old on your truck.
Review Technicians' Work
Whenever you have your tires changed or serviced, look over the technician's work to make sure your tires were properly installed.
If you have directional steer tires, be sure they are facing the right way.
On a dual assembly, both wheels should sit flush to each other.
Check that all lug nuts are on the wheel and evenly torqued; in addition to checking that no studs are broken or loose. A general rule of thumb to follow is to retorque lugs every 500 miles.
Rotate Your Tires and Align Your Wheels
Rotating tires event out wear patterns and extends tires' lifespan.
For commercial trucks, it's recommended to rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
Proper wheel alignment prevents uneven tire wear, improves handling, and increases fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels can cause your truck to pull to one side.
Balance Your Tires
Unbalanced tires cause vibrations, uneven wear, and strain on your vehicle's suspension.
If you notice vibrations, visit your tire dealer to check that your original balance solution is properly functioning.
Balancing your tires evenly distributes the weight around the tire providing a smoother, safer ride.
Properly Store Your Tires
Store spare or seasonal tires in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
Proper storage prevents dry rotting, deterioration of the tire compound, and extends tire life.
Following these guidelines will keep your tires at their optimal performance, last longer, and keep you and others safe.
To schedule a tire inspection or service with GTT Commercial Tires, CLICK HERE.
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