Semi Truck Tire Buying Guide
Shopping for semi-truck tires can be an overwhelming process. There are just so many types and features to consider. How do you even start? We strive to make your life easier, which is why we’ve created the following guide to answer common questions about truck tires. If you want more information or want to look at some high-quality trucks for sale, visit our dealership today!
When to Replace Tires?
There are a few situations where you'll want to replace your truck tires. Replace tires once they lose too much tread. The tread helps you maintain traction with the road and is a crucial part of your safety. It gets worn down naturally over time. Eventually, the tread wears down enough that it won’t be able to properly grip the road. Your owner's manual will let you know what tread level this occurs at. You’ll also want to replace damaged tires that can't be fixed. If the problems can't be repaired and they’re jeopardizing your safety, then the whole tire needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that if the tire itself is over ten years old, it’s time to get a new one.
Consider the Load Rating
Just because a tire is of the right size doesn’t mean it will work for your truck, so don’t make the mistake of overlooking the load and speed ratings. Choosing tires that can’t keep pace with your vehicle or carry its weight can lead to tire failure. Tires using both metric sizing and alphanumeric sizing will be printed with a number representing their load rating and a letter representing their speed rating. Look up the load rating in a truck tire load index to determine the amount of weight your tires can carry, and consult a speed rating chart to determine the maximum sustained speed capability of your tires.
Choosing the Right Tires
Needless to say, your tires are one of the most critical components of your truck, and getting the right match guarantees the best possible performance. A great place to start is your manufacturer’s recommendations. After all, who knows your truck better than the people who created it? After you narrow down the options based on the requirements of your vehicle, take into account your hauling jobs. Long-haul tires will give you the best gas mileage if you have to travel to far-off destinations.
If you know your semi will be making its hauls mostly in a contained metro area, maybe you can save money and opt for a more standard option. Just remember that you don’t want to go so cheap that you compromise safety.
We hope that you found this guide helpful! For all your truck needs, visit Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach, FL. We proudly serve all those in Fort Lauderdale and the Tri-County area.