The success of managing any fleet or truck operation today requires a focus on fuel economy, especially as costs continue to rise. There are a few ways to reduce how much you’re spending on fuel, but none may be more significant than trailer maintenance and tire quality. Irregular tire wear not only affects gas mileage but also shortens the life of your tires, meaning you’ll spend even more money on tractor and trailer maintenance.
Tires play a role in fuel economics mostly through their rolling resistance, which is defined as the force needed at the axle to make the loaded tire roll. Tire dimensions, materials, construction, and maintenance all play a role in how much force is necessary. Tire maintenance often revolves around proper inflation pressure but noticing and adjusting to irregular tire wear is also important. That’s because the more force needed to move the tire, the more energy is needed.
Irregular wear patterns typically develop when the tires are misaligned or at mismatched heights. This also leads to poor traction. When this happens, the tires drag instead of roll, which can increase friction and the amount of fuel needed to move the load.
What’s more, irregular tire wear can also contribute to cracks and other damage to the tires. This may increase the wear on some tires so much so that it puts them at risk for blowouts. As tread depth decreases due to this unwanted wear, the casing is more exposed to potential puncture from road debris.
Increased friction from irregular tire wear increases the temperature of the tire, casusing higher internal pressure. The higher the pressure is on the irregularly worn tires, the greater risk for of a blowout.
The goal then for any fleet is to find a way to minimize the risk of irregular tire wear. There are several potential ways to do that:
Keep your vehicle operating at its best by investing in proper routine trailer maintenance. That includes the tires! We can help.
STTC offers 24/7 emergency road service if you have a blowout, as well as routine maintenance to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly. Give us a call now at 610-954-8473 or contact us online when you need trailer maintenance.