Tire management is a vital part of being successful in trucking. Trucknews.com reports that there is no magic to managing tires. It is a straightforward process. It involves a few steps that truckers must always follow. If they follow these steps, chances are high that there will be verifiable results as soon as possible. Paying attention to such detail ensures that truckers save a lot. ATA's TMC did a study to find out the most common causes of breakdowns. They included tires in the survey. The aim is to educate truckers to avoid being stuck on the roadside with tire issues.
Mount Tires and Wheels Properly
Something as basic as mounting tires and wheels correctly can make or break your tire’s performance. Improper mounting leads to alignment issues, uneven wear, and premature failure. Always ensure that whoever mounts your tires aligns them correctly and uses plenty of lubricant. Skipping this step or using insufficient lubricant can lead to drying, cracking, or uneven pressure points. Proper mounting isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential for getting the most out of your tires.
3heck for Runout
Radial and lateral runout can wreak havoc on your tires. Runout occurs when a tire or wheel isn’t perfectly round, often caused by rust or improper installation. This issue can lead to vibrations, wobbling, or even tire failure at high speeds. After mounting your wheels, always check for runout. Catching these issues early can save you from premature tire wear and costly replacements.
Analyze Failed Tires
When a tire fails, it’s not just bad luck—there’s always a reason. Take the time to analyze failed tires to understand what went wrong. Was it improper inflation, alignment issues, or wear caused by environmental factors? Learning from a failed tire helps you prevent the same issue from happening again. Without this step, you risk repeating the same mistakes and shortening the life of your new tires.
Proper Inflation Is Key
Inflating your tires to the correct pressure seems like common sense, but many truckers still get it wrong. Even minor deviations from the recommended pressure can lead to uneven wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and a shorter tire lifespan. Tires are designed to operate at specific pressure levels. Keeping them properly inflated ensures they perform at their best and last as long as possible. Don’t underestimate the impact of this simple yet crucial step.
Use Available Resources
Managing tires doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Most tires come with guides, terms, and maintenance recommendations—use them! These resources are designed to help truckers diagnose and address common tire issues. From proper inflation techniques to routine inspections, following these guidelines will help you maximize your tires’ performance and lifespan. Staying proactive with the resources at your disposal is the key to long-term tire success.
Conclusion
Tires are one of the most significant investments for any trucker, and taking care of them should be a top priority. From using tracking software to maintaining proper inflation and analyzing failures, every step you take helps ensure your tires deliver maximum performance and value. By following these best practices, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a safer and smoother ride.
