Truck tires remain one of the most significant investments commercial fleets can make, regardless of their size or specific application. By implementing a few key strategies, fleet managers can protect their truck tire investment and maximize performance to align with their long-term operational goals.
Top Tips for Optimizing Tire Performance & Longevity
Before you can optimize your tire performance and longevity, you need to consider your fleet’s specific application and overall performance expectations. In addition to selecting the tire best suited to your fleet’s application, you’ll want to consider the following factors when making your initial tire investment:
- Rolling Resistance: Fuel costs represent the single highest non-payroll operating expense for commercial fleets. Selecting tires with even a 3% lower rolling resistance can translate into 1% fuel savings for fleets.
- Maximum Loads: Each tire is designed to withstand a specific carrying load at a specified pressure. Refer to the manufacturer’s published load and inflation charts to select the best tire for your needs.
- Casing Quality: For the strongest return on your truck tire investment, select tires with high-quality casing and belt package. This will let you know how well the tire will hold up and the potential it will have for retreading.
Once you’ve decided on the right tires for your fleet, it’s time to develop a strong maintenance and tire retreading strategy.
Add Value Through Tire Retreading & Routine Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is essential for optimizing tire performance and longevity. Developing a routine tire maintenance program should include the following key elements:
- Inflation: Ensure each tire’s cold inflation pressures are properly set before travel.
- Rotation: Tire rotations are recommended once they have been 50% worn, or even earlier if they show signs of irregular wear-and-tear.
- Speed: Be sure to note the tire’s maximum recommended speed as this may be lower than posted speed limits.
- Tread: Closely monitor tread depth to prevent against wearing through the tread package.
- Inspection: Perform a visual inspection to identify cuts, tears, cracks, bulges, and penetrations.
While preventative maintenance can help extend the life of your tires, developing a tire retreading strategy will provide an even stronger return on your investment. Tire retreading will not only enable ongoing use of your initial purchase, but will lower the overall operating costs for your fleet. Be sure to select a knowledgeable retreading facility that uses the industry’s most advanced tools and technologies, like the professionals at STTC using Michelin Tire Retreading Technology.
STTC Tire Retreading & Maintenance for Your Commercial Fleet
Whether your fleet requires a personalized maintenance plan or a tire retreading strategy, the expert technicians at STTC have you covered. Start getting the most out of your truck tire investment with the maintenance and retreading strategies you need to optimize performance and longevity for your fleet. Contact STTC to find out how we can help protect the integrity of your truck tire investment today!
