Guide to Commercial Truck Tire Wear by Type

Commercial truck tires take on a large load every day. They travel over all types of conditions and surfaces. It’s no wonder they can sustain significant wear. However, as a truck driver or fleet owner, it is essential that you inspect and pinpoint any examples of irregular wear that could cause accidents. Here are some examples of patterns that require attention.

Irregular Drive Tire Conditions

There are several indications of irregular drive tire conditions to monitor for. Ask the following questions – are your commercial truck tires showing:

• Several cuts and chunking? Small cuts on the surface of the tread with portions of the tread missing create a rough appearance. This often occurs due to operating the vehicle on rough surfaces or a poor application of tread compound. 
• Cuts or lines around the tire from spinning? In this wear pattern, you may notice cuts or lines that extend all the way around the tire. This happens due to contact with some type of vehicle components like the bumper or mud flap brackets. It can also occur due to the spinning of the tires on loose road surfaces or ice. 
• Damage to the brakes or skidding? This type of wear pattern typically includes spots of excessive wear on the tread face with abrasion marks or flat spots. Sometimes the damage extends into the casing. This is typically due to the installation of new brakes, frozen brake lines, unbalanced brake systems, or poor driving. Inspect the brake system as a primary solution here.
• Stones stuck in your tire treads? Embedded gravel or stone between the tread blocks is a common condition when operating on gravel surfaces. It can also happen due to over-inflation or poor application of the tire. Remove the stones and ensure inflation pressures are set properly.
• Wear and tear on the tires’ heel and toe? In this situation, the lug around the tire is worn from a high to low point from the front to the back edge. This often happens when inflation in tires is not even on all tires, or the tire diameters are different in a dual assembly. It can also happen if there are high torque conditions or mountainous terrain. Update your fleet’s tire maintenance practices.
• Lug wear or cupping on the tires? Cupped-out areas that indicate fast wear around the tread can occur when inflation does not match, or diameters differ in dual assembly. Poorly maintained suspension components can worsen this condition. Check for mechanical problems before tire maintenance. 

Irregular Trailer Tire Conditions

Inspect trailer tires on a routine basis to ensure they remain in good condition. Some potential examples of irregular trailer tire wear include:

• Uneven Wear: Here, one or more of the interior ribs are worn down below the ribs next to it, often around the full circumference of the tire. This is often due to worn suspension components, underinflation, improper bearing adjustment, or mismatched dual diameter tires.
• Localized Diagonal Wear: Areas of diagonal wear are often flat spots across the tire diagonally at various points around the tire that are brought on by improper bearing adjustment or misalignment. Inflation pressure and mismatched dual tire diameter are common causes. 
• Damage from Skidding and Brakes: Often brought on by new brakes, a frozen brake line, or an unbalanced brake system, these skid marks are specific areas of excess wear on the tire. 
• Wear and Tear from Shoulder Step: In this case, there’s evidence of the tire wearing on one edge of the shoulder, often over 12 inches in circumference. 

Let Us Help with Your Commercial Truck Tire Needs

These are just a few examples of the commercial truck tire wear by type patterns you may notice. If your tires look even slightly unsafe, don’t drive your vehicle without giving us a call. STTC offers 24/7 emergency road service and full commercial tire repair to get you back on the road. 

Give us a call now at 610-954-8473 or contact us online for an appointment.