Understanding Wheel Choices

4 Ways To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Semi Truck Tires

24 August 2017

Abigail Hayes

As a semi truck driver, your tires are what keep you safe and comfortable on those long stretches of highway. An unexpected flat is not only expensive and a hassle, but it can also add delays to your trip that cost you money. Driving on semi truck tires that are worn down or that don't have enough tread is incredibly dangerous, so the best option is to buy the best tires you can afford and then take great care of them to keep them functioning well for as long as possible. Here are a few simple ways to help protect your semi truck tires and extend their lifespan:

Check Tire Pressure Frequently

Because you spend so much more time driving than a non-commercial driver, your air pressure doesn't last nearly as long. Tires that are improperly inflated wear down more unevenly and sooner than they should, are more prone to flats and blow-outs, and reduce your fuel economy. If your semi is newer, it most likely automatically alerts you of your tire pressure, but it's important to never ignore this alert and always add more air when needed.

For an older truck, you will need to use a tire gauge to measure your air pressure and then fill it to the manufacturer's recommendation before every trip, or every leg of each trip if you are driving cross-country.

Have Your Tires Aligned Regularly

Over time, your wheels come out of alignment due to the friction on the road. For this reason, it's important to have your alignment checked and your tires re-aligned if necessary, every few months or so. Tires that are not aligned properly will wear down more quickly on one side, which means you'll end up having to replace tires much more often than you would otherwise.

Consider Tire Retreading

Semi truck tire service centers often offer retreading services specifically for semi truck tires. Retreading adds brand-new tread to your semi truck tires, helping them drive like new for longer. Tire retreading is much less expensive than buying replacement tires and can often be done a couple of times per tire. This can seriously extend your tires' lifespan while still giving you a lot of the comfort, safety, and performance of new semi truck tires.

By following these tips, you will protect the investment you make in your semi truck tires and give your semi's safety and performance a boost at the same time.

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