Maintaining Truck Tyres

Vehicle tyres will need to be replaced as time goes by. Every motorist understands that this is simply a cost of ownership, but when it comes to commercial vehicles, these costs can have a much greater impact. In many respects, the condition of the tyres on a vehicle that is designed to turn a profit for its owners can make a significant difference to the size of the actual margin. Why is it important to pay extra special attention to commercial truck tyres?

It All Adds Up

A big truck or truck-and-trailer combination requires a large number of comparatively expensive tyres, and it is vital to ensure that every one of them lasts for as long as possible. Tyres are, of course, an expensive product and will definitely cut into the profit potential for a particular vehicle if they are not looked after carefully.

Pressure

On a daily basis, internal pressure must be perfectly maintained to ensure that each tyre avoids excessive or irregular wear. If they are underinflated, the shoulders of the tyres will wear unevenly, as they will need to deal with most of the weight of the vehicle. Indeed, the sidewalls will eventually rupture, if this kind of condition is maintained. If the tyres are overinflated, this will cause excessive wear towards the centre and will also decrease the life of the tyre itself.

Rotation

Front and rear tyres face different stresses, and it's a good practice to rotate them at regular intervals. Otherwise, the front tyres can face additional wear on the edges as the vehicle steers around corners, while the tyres on the driven wheels will tend to wear out in the centre as power transfers to the road surface. Many vehicle fleet owners view rotation as a time-consuming exercise with little value, but this should be scheduled when each vehicle comes in for its regular servicing.

Misalignment

Misaligned wheels can also cause excessive tyre wear, and this is a particular problem with large vehicles and those that spend much of their time on unsealed surfaces. Camber and caster angles are critical, and it's important that tyres on each axle within a vehicle's "train" are aligned carefully for optimal tyre wear.

Planning Ahead

If it's time for you to invest in new tyres for some of the vehicles in your fleet, make sure that you schedule regular inspections and service visits so that you make the most out of your purchase.