tire mistakes

The Top 5 Tire Mistakes That Cost Truckers

Posted & filed under Carrier Connection, England Carrier Services.

Tires and tire maintenance represent over 25% of truck maintenance costs, and when tire mistakes are made, that number can quickly rise.

Fortunately, some of the costliest mistakes are also the most preventable.

Of all mistakes, the biggest mistake is buying unreliable, sketchy tires. Click your desired tire below to get new, premium, tier-one tires at a special price.

 

 

Here are the top 5 tire mistakes that cost truckers.

 

  1. Improper Tire Inflation

Inflating your tires can take five minutes and save you hundreds of dollars.

For context, an underinflation of only 10 psi can result in a 1% reduction in fuel economy. If your gas bill is $750, that amounts to an extra $7.50 every fill-up. Underinflated tires can also create irregular wear patterns that shorten tire life.

Unfortunately, underinflation is all too common—some reports estimate that 30% of all semi-truck tires are underinflated.

Take the few minutes to inflate your tires to save hundreds.

 

  1. Irregular Tire Wear and Inadequate Rotation

Neglecting to rotate your tires will increase the likelihood of uneven tire wear.

Uneven tire wear shortens the expected lifetime of the tire, requires more frequent tire changes, and increases your tire costs. These costs are exacerbated by the risk of tire wear compromising your ability to operate your truck safely.

As a rule of thumb, consider rotating your tires at any of the following intervals:

  • When the tread is half its original depth
  • When you’ve traveled a quarter of the tire’s mileage
  • If you notice uneven wear begin to accumulate

Regardless of when, tire rotations must be a staple of your tire hygiene.

 

  1. Postponing Repairs

A small leak today is a massive headache tomorrow.

Too often, many truckers see small punctures or slow leaks as an annoyance, but not a matter of urgency. This way of thinking is a fantastic way to run up your costs.

When a tire retains minor damage over a long period, the gradual losses in functionality add up. Eventually, minor defects will result in huge problems.

When a neglected repair finally culminates in a breakdown, the costs extend far beyond the tire. They include damage to the truck, lost revenue that would have been made if not sidelined, and insurance costs.

The best remedy for postponing repairs isn’t complicated. When you see a problem, fix a problem.

 

  1. Exceeding Tire Lifespans

When a trucker exceeds the lifespan of a tire, they might rejoice; after all, they’re free miles at that point, right?

This belief is a tragic irony. These miles are some of the costliest.

Because the tire is so worn, tires exceeding their lifetime pose three major costs to a trucker:

  • A lack of fuel efficiency
  • A significant risk of an accident
  • An insurance liability should an accident occur

Tires should be replaced as soon as they reach the end of their lifetime, for the sake of your wallet.

 

  1. Inadequate Inspections

Consider this: When was the last time you inspected your truck?

Infrequent or nonexistent inspections allow defects and damage to grow freely uninhibited, guaranteeing a surprise blow-out.

When performing an inspection, look for irregular wear patterns, visible damage, proper tread depth, and cracks in the sidewall. The tread depth should not dip below 4/32”.

The most mundane tire mistakes can also be the costliest. By practicing easy, regular tire hygiene, you can save thousands.

 

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The England Carrier Services (ECS) division offers various services for carriers ranging from maintenance to support. As ECS members, carriers have access to nationwide discounts on fuel and tires from dedicated team members committed to finding the best price. ECS also provides factoring services with benefits such as same-day funding to a bank account or fuel card. These options allow carriers the freedom to focus on growing their business while saving time and money.