When it comes to semi-trucks and heavy-duty trucks, the tires are one of the key components. For any company that transports products or hazardous materials, the truck tires have a significant effect. They directly impact not only the fuel economy of the truck but the safety of the driver, the cargo, and everyone around as well. For this reason, semi-truck tire inspection should be the first thing you do before embarking on a trip.
When Should Semi-Truck Trailer Tires Be Replaced?
Although truck tires can last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres, how do you know when it’s time to replace them? There are a lot of factors to consider such as the terrain, the load capacity, or the season. Knowing what to look for is the key to success.
Tread Depth
Tread offers protection from weather elements like snow and rain. Therefore, tires with a good amount of tread will allow you to drive in such weather conditions without a problem. If your tires show a sign of deep tread wear, then it’s time to replace them.
A quick way to test this is with the penny test. Take a penny with Lincoln’s face, and place it facing downward between the tire treads. If you can see Lincoln’s entire face, then the tread is too far gone, and you need to replace those tires.
Uneven Wear
Uneven wear can be caused by weather conditions, road conditions, improper tire pressure, improper tire alignment, or driving habits. Whatever the cause, uneven wear can lead to major safety and operational issues.
Be mindful of balance and alignment. If you replace tires on one side, but not the other, this can result in uneven wear as well. Always perform a visual semi-truck tire inspection before hitting the road.
Too Much Vibration
This is a clear indication that something is wrong. If you feel rough vibrations, immediately stop and inspect the tires. Ignoring the string vibrations can lead to serious problems like blowouts.
Load Capacity
Depending on the load capacity, truck tires can often lose air pressure. If you have to inflate them constantly, then it’s time for a change. The load capacity can affect the tires significantly. The bigger the truck and cargo capacity, the stronger your tires will need to be.
Type of Driving
The right truck tires will depend on the type of driving. Off-road driving will require a different type of tire in comparison to driving on paved roads. For long interstate hauls, you might need a certain type of tire in comparison to local hauls.
The Risks of Neglecting Your Tires
To avoid a catastrophic accident, trailer inspection is a must. Just like tires for regular vehicles, semi-truck tires must be thoroughly inspected and properly maintained for safety reasons. The risks of neglecting your tires include:
- Risk of puncture. Tire punctures and blowouts are unavoidable. However, new and proper tires with full treads can significantly decrease the chance of a puncture.
- Low air pressure. Worn-out tires are not only an easy target for road debris, they lose air pressure faster as well, which makes them more vulnerable to harsh road and weather conditions.
- Losing control on snow or ice. Low air pressure combined with a worn out tread can make steering much more difficult, especially on snow and ice.
- Hydroplaning. Hitting a deep puddle of water with bald tires can cause sliding. Thus, the tire treads serve an important purpose. It’s their job to help you stay in control.
- Decreased gas mileage. Last but not least, tires that are worn-out and not properly inflated will make your engine work harder, and increase the gas expenditure.
Conclusion
Your truck tires are one of the most important parts of your truck. They work harder than any other part of the vehicle. Keeping them in check is paramount. If you think you might need professional help with tire truck trailer repair or semi-truck truck inspection, the AMWI shop is the best truck repair shop in Calgary. The team of experts at AMWI will ensure that your fleet remains in the best condition possible on the open roads.
