Truck tires are important; there is no disputing that. They can make the difference between safety and danger during harsh weather conditions or when loading your truck with heavy cargo. While truck tires are relatively similar to vehicle tires, there are some significant distinctions that you should consider when shopping for them. Let's take a quick look at the 3 biggest mistakes most people make when maintaining truck tires: whether you own a Big Rig truck, 18-wheeler truck, or semi-trucks, you need to know this.
Not checking the air pressure of your tires regularly.
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to truck tires is not checking the air pressure regularly. If you don't get into the habit of checking your tire pressure, you might find yourself in a situation where you're driving along, and suddenly one of your tires blows out—and that's dangerous for everyone on the road.
You also need to check your tire pressure before going on long trips or driving in extreme weather conditions since both can affect how much air is in your tires.
Rotating your tires too infrequently.
When you rotate your truck tires, you're doing more than simply switching out the fronts and rears. You're also moving the weight of your vehicle's load from one side to another, which helps distribute wear evenly and prevent premature wear. But many drivers are rotating their truck tires too infrequently—or not at all. Here are the guidelines for how often you should rotate your tires according to the size of your vehicle:
Trucks up to 4,500 lbs.: Rotate every 3,000 miles.
Trucks up to 6,000 lbs.: Rotate every 2,500 miles.
Trucks up to 8,000 lbs.: Rotate every 1,500 miles.
Letting your truck tires go bald.
If you've been driving a bit too fast, or if you're just not that good at keeping up with maintenance, it's possible that your truck tires are starting to show their age. But don't worry! You can still get those tires back to their original condition—if you know what to look for.
The first thing to do is take a look at the tread of your tires. If there are any signs of cracking or wear on the sides, it's time to replace them. If you can see through the treads in your tires, they're definitely ready for replacement.
Next, check how much air is in each tire by pushing down on them with your hands (take care not to press too hard!). If they feel flat or lumpy, they need more air added before driving on them again—and make sure you check all four tires!
Finally, if any of your tires are showing signs of cracking or balding on the surface (which will usually appear as stripes), that means there's some damage inside those treads and it's time for a replacement ASAP!
Takeaway
Taking care of your truck tires will keep them lasting longer. This means checking them regularly, keeping them properly inflated, and replacing them when they are worn out.
If you are unsure of how to check the tire pressure, there are many online resources that can help you determine if your tires need to be filled up more. If you do not have access to a tire gauge, then ask a friend or family member who does to help you out.
When it comes to properly inflating your tires, keep in mind that underinflated tires can lead to premature wear on the wheel bearings and suspension parts. Overinflated tires will put unnecessary strain on the other parts of your vehicle's drivetrain, such as the transmission and engine mounts.
If you need a truck detailing company to help you maintain your truck, Mccoy's is the best in town in St. Louis, Mo.
Replacing old tires with new ones is an important part of maintaining a safe ride for both you and those around you on the roadways at large. When shopping for new tires, make sure that they meet certain safety standards set by organizations like The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
