Heavy Duty Trucks: Tire Maintenance Tips
Whether you’re an independent contractor or own a fleet, you rely on heavy duty trucks to get cargo from A to B. From shipping packages to hauling gear from one worksite to another, a truck is vital for your work—and your truck’s tires are, as well! These tires take a lot of punishment to make sure you get supplies and materials to the right place at the right time, so it’s only fair to repay the favor. How? With these handy maintenance tips!
We here at Fyda Freightliner know you work just as hard as your truck, but with these easy steps, you can extend their lifespan and ensure your work goes uninterrupted by heavy maintenance. If you want more advice, or you’re on the hunt for some new tires, contact any of our seven stores throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Our friendly and experienced staff will find what you need at the prices you want!
Owner’s Manual
Like with any maintenance process, your first job is to locate your vehicle’s owner’s manual. While we’ve got some great general tips and information, that manual was written specifically for your machine. It will have additional steps and recommendations that we can’t make unless you bring your truck to one of our service departments. If you can’t find the manual, don’t worry. Most manufacturers have a copy of the owner's manuals they’ve produced on their website. Just download or print it out and you’re good to go!
Tire Choice
Next, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right tires for your region and job. There are plenty of specialized tires out there, so make sure you’re properly equipped. To determine which tires are best, consider:
- The average length of your drives
- The typical or maximum load capacity your tires will be carrying
- Weather conditions you expect to encounter
For example, if you’ve got a lot of snowy distance to cover, you’re going to want snow tires or tires otherwise built for durability and traction. If you’re having trouble finding the exact right tires, our parts and service departments are ready and waiting to help you narrow down your search.
Check PSI Regularly
Tire pressure is, of course, immensely important to keeping your tires in good condition. If the air pressure is too high or too low, your tires have a higher risk of blowout and sliding. To check the levels, use an air pressure gauge early in the morning before you head out. Release any extra air or add what’s missing to optimize your tires’ performance, which increases fuel efficiency and makes your rides safer.
We also recommend investing in a tire pressure monitoring system. This will automatically keep you up-to-date on your tire pressure, meaning you won’t need to check by hand.
Visual Inspection
Your eyes will always be one of the most important tools in a maintenance procedure, so give your tires a once-over before heading out. Look for cracks, gouges, or dents in the sidewalls, which can weaken the structural integrity of the tire. Check the tread level on each wheel, and make sure it’s wearing down evenly between all of your tires. If it’s uneven, you may have a weight distribution problem or an issue with your alignment, which will require immediate maintenance.
Weight Distribution
On the subject of weight distribution, how you load your heavy duty truck has an immense impact on your tires’ lifespan. Avoid overloading your vehicle, and make sure to evenly distribute the cargo from left to right and front to back. Improper distribution can wear your tread down unevenly and impact your fuel efficiency and handling.
Proper Storage
If your truck is ever going to be sitting still for extended periods of time, your tires are at risk. The tread against the ground will be bearing the truck’s entire weight for a while, which can wear the tread down on that one spot significantly. Unless you’re able to get the wheels off the ground entirely, you’ll need to rotate the tires by about one-quarter every so often to relieve the pressure and distribute the weight. You should also avoid leaving the truck out in the sun for long periods of time. The sun can dry out and stiffen the rubber of your tires, causing them to crack and lose structural integrity.
We hope these tips help you care for your tires as well as they care for you! If you’re looking for more tips and advice, or you just want to browse the heavy duty trucks we have for sale, contact us at Fyda Freightliner. We proudly serve the people of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky—let us serve you today!