Truck tires regularly make contact with the road, so they need proper maintenance to remain in good condition and extend their life span. Otherwise, they wear out quickly, which makes driving more dangerous. Here are some tips to keep you safe on the road and help you get the most out of the wheels.
How to Maintain Truck Tires
1. Check Pressure Before Each Trip
Underinflated tires create more friction against the road, producing excessive heat and increasing the likelihood of a blowout. This also makes the vehicle less efficient, since the engine has to work harder to overcome the extra resistance.
Many modern trucks have automatic sensors alerting you when the wheels have improper inflation. However, temperature changes can impact pressure and make these features less reliable, so check the tires before each trip and add air if needed.
2. Inspect The Tread
Tread provides the traction necessary for the rubber to grip the road and avoid slipping. For a commercial truck tire, the federal government requires its depth to be at least 4/32” in between all major grooves.
Because tread deteriorates gradually, you should check for uneven wear between each trip. This issue could signal the need for realignment. Once the depth reaches 4/32” or you detect any bald spots, the affected tire will require a replacement.
3. Rotate Tires
Tires wear unevenly based on where they’re installed. For example, those in the front deteriorate quickly. It’s also possible for wheels on the right side to wear down faster if you make lots of right turns on your route.
About every 6,000 miles, have all your tires rotated so they can change position. This service will allow them to wear down evenly, helping prevent tread loss in a single area and extending the rubber’s life span.
If you’re looking for truck tires or tire service, contact Texas Commercial Tire. With locations in Hutchins and Temple, the TIA-certified team of professionals is available 24/7 and provides quick response times for roadside service and emergency repairs. They also offer general maintenance, service, and new and used tires. Visit the website for a full list of options. For any questions, call (254) 321-9961 for the Temple location or (972) 225-6640 for the Hutchins shop.