Commercial Tire Maintenance Checklist

Times are tough for commercial truck and trailer owners. While you cannot control the price of fuel, there are things truck and trailer owners can do to manage their costs. Taking care of their commercial truck tires is one of those things.

Here is an easy-to-remember tire inspection checklist you can use to get the most value out of your commercial truck tires and to keep your ride smooth and safe.

Pre-Trip Checklist

• Balance your load - Balanced trailer load means all of your tires will bear the load equally, leading to even wear.

• Keep them clean - Wash or brush away debris so you have a clear view of each tire’s condition.

• Look for damage - Do a quick visual inspection to look for nails, sidewall damage, etc.

• Check your tread - Buy a tire tread depth tool and check each tire’s tread depth before each haul. U.S. Department of Transportation regulations set a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inches. Unusual tread wear can also indicate alignment, braking or suspension issues. Some commercial tires, like the Gen 2 I-19A, feature specific pattern design and siping channels to protect from irregular wear. Additionally, with the Peace of Mind Warranty coverage, Ironman commercial tires carry a casing allowance for 2 retreads and extend the value of your investment.

• Check tire pressure - Too little or too much pressure accelerates tire wear. Remember that pressure changes so be especially vigilant as the weather warms and cools.

• Check your spare - Hitting the road without checking your spare is like jumping out of a plane without checking your parachute.

Every Three-Month Checklist

Unless you discover a problem during one of your pre-trip tire inspections, taking a look at the following items every three months should be sufficient.

Rotation

Tire rotation schedules are a smart way to maximize the life of your commercial truck tires. Rotating helps spread the burden on road wear across all of the tires on your truck or trailer, promoting even wear. Most experts recommend rotating your tires every three months, though mileage and road conditions may necessitate more frequent rotations. You should always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for specific rotation recommendations.

Alignment

Alignment checks go a long way to conserving your tires and making your drive smoother and safer. One easy check you can do is run your hand across each of your tires. If the surface feels smooth in one direction and rough in the other, you likely have an alignment problem called “feathering” where misalignment causes the tire to slide sideways. Spot that and it's time for an alignment. Aside from noticeable issues like feathering, all-axle alignment is recommended every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, or 12 to 18 months.

Final Thoughts on Commercial Tire Maintenance

Regular tire inspections may take you off the road for a few hours, but preventative maintenance will protect you from more serious, expensive, and time-consuming repairs. Take care of your tires, and they will take care of you.

When developing your own maintenance checklist for your commercial vehicle or fleet, you should be able to answer the following questions. What you know will help you stay safe and save money.

• What is the recommended pressure?
• How often should they be rotated?
• How much load weight can they bear?
• What are the signs of misalignment?

If you’re thinking about tire replacements consider Ironman commercial tires, and specifically our newly revamped I-Series Gen 2 tires. Get to know the upgrades and benefits including longer treadwear, increased mileage, and reduction in rolling resistance.