Heavy Truck Tire Maintenance
When we think of truck accidents, most of us would place the blame on driver impairment, driver inexperience, or road conditions. But there’s a more basic and essential reason behind most of the heavy truck accidents that occur every year━tire failure. Failing to follow proper tire care can be incredibly dangerous. Even one blowout can cause a major accident and when you’re hauling that kind of weight, the consequences can be serious.
We at Tri-County Truck & Equipment want all our patrons to stay safe on roads. We’ve compiled this guide to help you take care of your heavy truck tires. For all your heavy truck needs, visit our dealership in Pompano Beach. We’re proud to serve all our friends from Fort Lauderdale and Tri-Cities, FL!
Get the Right Tires
The first step to proper tire care is, of course, getting the correct tires for your heavy truck. There are a lot of different types of tires because different heavy trucks fulfill different needs of the trucking industry. Some will be better for long hauls while others are best suited for city deliveries.
Think about the load capacities the tires are going to have to bear, as well as the mileage, to narrow down your options. Off-road tires can provide greater grip if that’s what you need. There are tires that are built to suit wet or snowy roads, so think about the climate of the areas you’ll be covering. Avoid mixing and matching your options, as this can create balance and control issues.
If you have a lot of tires to purchase, you might want to consider buying a few options in smaller quantities and then seeing how they run over a shorter period of time. Then, when you’ve picked out the tire that best suits your needs, you can buy them in larger quantities.
Use the Right Tire Pressure Tools
To take care of your heavy truck tires, you’ll need the right tools. At the very least, use a good tire pressure gauge. You’ll have to check the tire pressure on a daily basis, or at least every day you use your truck (though finding out at the last minute that your tires are flat can create its own set of problems).
The best time to check your heavy truck tire pressure is in the morning when the tires are cold. If you don’t want to spend too much time checking your tires, get a tire pressure monitoring system. This gives you tire updates without needing you to get down on your hands and knees.
Remember that your tire can run over a nail or some other sharp object at any time so you should always carry a spare. This can help you or your driver get to the nearest mechanic without having to call a costly tow truck.
Conduct Regular Inspections
You should inspect your tires as often as you check the tire pressure. This can save you a lot of problems in the long run. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Any potential issue should be addressed immediately as a small rip today can lead to a bigger mess later. If the damage is severe enough, then you’ll want to replace the tire before hitting the road again.
Ensure that all your heavy truck tires have enough tread. The tread continues to wear down as the tires are used over and over again before wearing down completely. You should replace tires before they’re completely bald. If you notice your tires are wearing out unevenly, you could be loading your truck wrong, leading to an uneven weight distribution.
We hope these tips help you take care of your heavy truck tires for years to come. If you’d like more information, please visit Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach and ask our friendly staff. We invite all our friends from Fort Lauderdale and Tri-Cities, FL!