A Guide to Proactive Maintenance for Commercial Truck Tires in Winter

The winter weather can have a significant impact on your commercial tires. Taking a proactive approach to protecting your vehicle’s tires is the best way to ensure that tires remain in peak condition for the months ahead. Our team at STTC has comprehensive experience in the tire industry and within our new post, we’re highlighting our guide to proactive maintenance for commercial truck tires in winter.

Here’s a video to check out our Guide to Proactive Maintenance for Commercial Truck Tires in Winter

Check Tire Pressure Before Each Trip

The science shows us that for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature, tires running at 100PSI can drop by 2PSI. Drivers making long hauls or traveling between states should check their tire pressure before making each trip to ensure that the tire is inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires are an issue in terms of the level of safety and control the driver is able to achieve. Underinflation will also lead to premature tire wear and in some cases catastrophic tire failure. But over-inflation is also a challenge.

When a tire is over-inflated it can lessen the tire’s ability to retain traction on the road and will wear faster in the middle of the tread. Truckers should also maintain tire pressure in accordance with the load being carried to maximize safe driving performance over the coming months.

Watch for Tread Spotting

Tread spotting is an issue that occurs when a tire makes contact with the pavement after sliding on ice. This causes the tread within a specific patch on the tire to wear down. DOT tread minimums are measured based on the lowest tread depth, and so the issue of flat spotting can take the tire completely out of commission prematurely, due to one section being out of the optimal range. Before each trip, ensure that drivers check the tread depth of their drive tires and then optimize the alignment of the tire based on the required depth.

Have drivers note any vehicle vibration

Vehicle vibration is often related to a minor short-term issue on the road, but in some cases, the vibration is the result of salt and other winter road debris being caught in the hubs, rims, and wheels of the truck. Washing recently used equipment with warm water is one of the best ways to avoid damage to tires relating to winter road debris.

Working with a trusted tire specialist and maintenance professional can help to keep commercial truck tires working to their peak capacity throughout the winter season. Our team at STTC are noted experts in this area of the market and we’ll be happy to assist you. To learn more about us, contact us today!