How to Maintain Your Commercial Truck Tires
Your commercial truck's tires play a key role in your trip's safety. Tire failure is one of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents, which is why preventative tire maintenance is so important. We've created the following guide to maintaining your commercial vehicle's tires. If you have any questions or want to explore commercial trucks for sale, head over to DeBary Truck Sales. We are a commercial truck dealer conveniently located in Sanford, Florida, so come on by today!
1. Start with the Right Tires
Your first step in commercial tire maintenance is making sure you are using the right tires. There are many options on the market and you'll want to get ones optimized for your commercial vehicle and your project needs. Consider various factors such as the length of your trip, the load capacity the tires will need to handle, and the weather conditions you will encounter. For example, you may need tires tailored for long hauls or snowy roads. If you need help finding the right tires, visit a knowledgeable commercial truck dealer for advice (such as DeBary Truck Sales).
2. Regularly Measure the Air Pressure
Tires need to be inflated to the right pressure levels in order to cope with the forces pushing on them and to reduce the chance of a blow out. Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the levels and then check that number against the manufacturer's recommendations. Try to measure the tires each day (or at the very least, each day that you'll use your truck). It's better to discover air pressure issues before your trip, so that you have time to make the necessary adjustments. If you can, measure the tires when they are cold to get the most accurate reading.
Of course, checking the air pressure by hand can be time-consuming. Some commercial vehicle drivers will invest in a tire pressure monitoring system. This will provide you up-to-date information throughout the day about your tire pressure.
3. Inspect the Tires
You know it's important to give your commercial truck a thorough inspection so that you can catch any issues early on. The same principle applies to your tires. Look over your tires for any damage. Remember that even a small rip can lead to a large problem if left unaddressed for too long.
You'll also want to measure the tread level. Tread gets worn down naturally as you drive your commercial truck on your routes—eventually, it'll get worn down enough that the tires will need to be replaced entirely. You'll also want to keep an eye out for tread that wears down at an usual rate or uneven rates between the tires. These situations can suggest a weight distribution issue, a tire balance issue, or even a mechanical issue.
4. Load Your Commercial Truck Strategically
How you load up your commercial truck can impact your tires. Never overload your commercial vehicle. You'll also want to avoid putting too much weight on your tires or not distributing the weight evenly from front to back or from side to side.
5. Pack a Spare
You can do your best to maintain your tires and extend their lifespan. But accidents happen. For example, you could unknowingly cruise over a nail and puncture a tire. Pack a spare tire and a jack to help you in such situations. You'll be able to continue on your route or head over to the nearest mechanic without having to hire an expensive tow truck.
6. Use Proper Storage Techniques
Sometimes your commercial vehicle may be sitting for an extended period of time. Leaving too much pressure on one area of your tire for too long can result in deflation and wear. If you won't be using your commercial truck for a while, you'll still need to care for your tires. Either get them off the ground completely or rotate them every so often to relieve the pressure.
We hope you found this guide helpful. If you want more advice or want to shop commercial vehicles for sale, visit DeBary Truck Sales. Our experts can assist you with whatever you need. Whether you have questions or need to find the right commercial vehicle, we are ready to help. We welcome all those coming from Atlanta, Georgia.