As a professional in your field, you need to be well versed in the tools of your trade. In this case, your truck is the most important component of your business. There is more to your truck than simply getting engine oil changed at the right intervals or fueling at a reputable station. Tires play an important role in keeping your trucks on the road. They don’t just aid with traction, but they need to be of the proper tire weight rating if your business is to succeed. Why exactly do you need to have the right tires?
Handling Proper Weight
Yes, the tires on your truck should be the correct rating if they are going to carry all that weight without problems. Trucks are limited by federal statute to carrying 80,000 lbs. gross weight. You need to choose tires that are capable of handling all this weight. What this means is the entire weight of the truck and the goods being transported should not exceed the federal limit. You have to know the exact weight of your truck when unloaded, as this will help you find the right tires for the job the truck will be handling.
Weight also plays a fundamental role in how the treads on your tires wear out, and how you respond to situations such as blown tires. You need to monitor how the tires wear and make the appropriate changes before something serious happens. The two steering tires at the front are the most critical. If one of them were to blow up while the truck is traveling at over 70 mph, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and crash.
Car haulers especially need to pay attention to the front tires. With some models of car haulers putting more weight on the cab, there is increased pressure on those two front tires. If you fail to follow proper tire weight ratings, you increase the risk of tire blowouts.
Counteracting Weather Conditions
The outdoor temperature of the location the truck drives through is going to impact tire pressure. If your truck is going to crisscross areas with varying temperatures, it would be best to keep in mind tire pressure changes with the ambient outdoor temperature. Different tire pressures have a limit on how much weight the tires can support. If you have a heavy load and are driving from cold temperatures to hot, or vice versa, pay close attention to the tire pressure.
The weather conditions can also affect the tires themselves. Cold weather can crack tires while letting the tires out in the sun for extended periods intensifies the rate at which the tires wear. While it is upon the carrier or the truck owner to make decisions on tire purchases, the ultimate responsibility while out on the road falls onto the driver’s shoulders. Since it is the driver who will be out there experiencing different weather conditions, they need to maintain a proper pre-trip routine.
Enabling Safe Braking
According to research conducted by the CVSA, the number one reason drivers were issued certification is for driving too fast given the weather and road conditions. In such situations, drivers would resort to using engine braking and the complex air braking system found on trucks. The air brake system will only function to its full potential when the truck is running on tires with the proper weight rating.
The right tires are pivotal to safe braking.
Conclusion
If you need tires with the proper weight ratings, then we can be your guide. We will help guide you through the proper PSI requirements for your fleet, as well as enable you to gain access to great discounts on premium tire brands such as Yokohama and Bridgestone. Connect with us to get started today.
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The England Carrier Services (ECS) division offers a variety of 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 who are 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.