Did you just purchase a brand set of truck tires? Do you want to learn how to keep them neat and healthy in the long term?
Acquiring new truck tires is a significant investment; there’s no doubt why truck owners work hard to maintain their tires hale and healthy.
Thankfully, commercial truck tires last for 3 to 6 years.
However, different factors, such as lack of maintenance or poor road conditions, can decrease your tires’ lifespan.
But don’t worry; there is plenty truck drivers can do to guarantee their tires have a long, healthy life.
In this article, truck and trailer experts from Tire Bolt will share 9 tips on extending the life of your commercial truck tires.
Extending the Lifespan of your Truck Tires: 9 Tips
Do you want to keep your heavy-duty truck tires in good shape for as long as possible?
We divided the tips into two parts:
- Truck tire maintenance tips
- Truck driving habit tips
Continue reading to learn how to make the most out of your tires:
Truck Tire Maintenance
Tires need love and care, just like any other component of your vehicle. Without proper maintenance, you can forget that your tires will last as long as expected.
There are many types of tire maintenance services. The following are the essential services you shouldn’t skip to ensure healthy tires for the long run:
- Regular Tire Alignment
Tire alignment is a core truck maintenance service. It involves adjusting your tire angles so your wheels drive strength.
This procedure has countless benefits, including enhanced fuel economy, safety, and tire lifespan.
When your wheels are poorly aligned, they tend to wear more quickly and unevenly, cutting short the life of your tires.
A professional truck shop can assess your tires and ensure they are perfectly aligned.
- Balance Your Tires
Tire balancing is another standard truck maintenance service. Balanced tires wear more slowly and evenly and provide a smooth drive.
Here is what you must know when it comes to truck tire balancing:
- Balance new tires before installation.
- Balance tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or every 6 months.
- Balance tires after every repair service.
- Balance tires if you notice a vibration in the steering wheel or truck pulling to one side.
- Practice Periodical Tire Rotation
Regular tire rotation is one of the smartest things you can do to maximize the life of your vehicle’s tire.
Tire wear is the number one reason to replace tires. Periodic tire rotation helps spread wear evenly, especially if you drive pick-up trucks with uneven loads.
Tire rotation extends tires’ overall lifespan and should be an essential part of every truck driver’s maintenance routine.
Make sure to schedule a rotation service every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. And always follow the correct rotation pattern for your truck’s unique configuration.
- Proper Tire Pressure
Tire inflation is another crucial aspect of maintaining the longevity of your truck tires.
Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear and unexpected blowouts. These can damage tires and cause dangerous accidents on the road.
To avoid tire pressure hazards:
- Check tire pressure regularly, ideally once a week.
- Get a reliable tire pressure gauge.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure.
- Keep in mind that temperature fluctuations can affect tire pressure.
- Check Tread Depth
When all your tires have proper tread depth, they more easily handle the pressure of regular driving and heavy loads, especially in challenging conditions.
Additionally, sufficient tread depth promotes balanced weight distribution, reducing strain on specific tire areas.
Without adequate tread depth, tires would wear down prematurely without adequate tread depth or present abnormal wear.
You can use this quick test to check tire tread deep:
Grab a small coin and stick it in between the treads. If you can see less than half the coin, then your tires are good to go. But if most of the coin is outside the tread, it may be time to purchase new truck tires.
Truck Driving Habits
Truck maintenance is crucial to keep your tires in good shape, but it is not the only factor to consider.
Your driving habits can significantly impact your tires’ longevity—positively or negatively.
Let’s discuss some driving practices to adopt or avoid to take good care of your tires:
- Avoid Harsh Braking or Accelerating
Heavy-duty trucks are tough vehicles; still, a gentle driving approach can do wonders for tire longevity.
Harsh braking and rapid acceleration are driving habits that can cause greater tire damage. Furthermore, riding the brake and swerving back and forth can also result in premature tire wear.
- Keep Your Tires Clean
Road grime and chemicals can degrade your tires’ rubber over time. Clean the tires periodically using a mild soap and water solution to maintain them in top condition.
- Store Your Truck Properly
When you’re not driving, properly storing your truck and its tires can extend their longevity.
Store your vehicle in a clean, dry, and ventilated environment. This will protect your tire and other truck components from harsh weather conditions that cause damage and degradation.
If your trucks will be inactive for an extended period, consider elevating your tires with tire cradles to avoid flat spots.
- Don’t Overload Your Truck
Overloading your truck might lead to tire tear and wear.
Don’t exceed your vehicle’s maximum cargo capacity.
Additionally, implement efficiency load management practices. For example, ensure the load is evenly distributed across your truck’s axle.
Need Help Taking Care of Your Heavy-Duty Truck Tires?
Do you want your truck tires to stay as good as new for as long as possible?
Most truck owners make a significant investment in high-quality tires. Not taking good care of them can lead to premature wear or tear, leading to the purchase of new tires and a significant burn on our budget.
By adopting good driving habits and working with a professional truck maintenance shop, you’ll extend your tires’ lifespan and enjoy safe, smooth drives for the long run.
