Tires are consistently named as one of the top maintenance costs for commercial trucking fleets, and managers continue to search for ways to minimize this expense. One way managers can reduce the costs associated with an unexpected tire repair and replacement is by understanding the lifespan of their semi-truck trailer tires and planning their budgets accordingly.
Semi-Truck Tire Repair & Replacement Guidelines
Most experts agree that semi-truck tire replacement should occur every three to six years. If your tires were purchased more than six years ago, it’s probably a good idea to start looking at replacement tires for your fleet.
Another benchmark fleet managers can use is the tire’s mileage. While these milestones are useful to know, their vast range can be confusing or even unreliable as additional factors contribute to your tire’s lifespan. Fleet managers need to be aware of the factors contributing to tire wear for their specific application. For each application you can expect different mileages from your tires.
Factors Affecting Tire Lifespan
Unfortunately, knowing when to replace your semi-truck trailer tires is not a one-size-fits-all situation. There are plenty of other factors that affect your fleet’s tire lifespan, including the following:
- Mileage: Mileage covered isn’t the only thing managers need to consider when preparing to repair their semi-truck trailer tires. Tires that are exposed to more back country driving or possible stone drilling near construction sites or quarries, should be replaced sooner than those used mainly on highways since these roads tend to increase tire wear and tear.
- Tire Type: The type of tire you use for your fleets will also affect how soon you’ll need to replace them. Special trailer tires (STs) are highly recommended by experts as their composition is built to support fifth wheel trailers and travel trailers. ST radial tires offer an even longer lifespan with some reportedly reaching up to 40,000 miles before needing replacement.
In short, the best way for fleet managers to anticipate semi-truck tire repair or replacement is to understand their fleet’s yearly mileage as well as miles per 1/32nd tread depth loss. Luckily, tools exist that allow managers to do just that with little manual effort required.
STTC Semi-Truck Tire Repair & Replacement Services
STTC provides fleet managers with the tools they need to better manage their semi-truck trailer tire repair and replacement needs. Our advanced BIB TREAD™ asset tracking software allows you to keep track of all tires in your inventory and provides you with a real-time view of each casing in process. We also provide preventative maintenance services so you’ll always get the most out of your tire expenses. Contact our team to find out more about how we can help your semi-truck trailer tires last longer!
