Truckers put a lot of wear and tear on their tires. Between the long distances across different terrain and heavy loads, tires get worn thin quickly. A tire blowout can be quite costly, and it can also place yourself and other drivers in danger, take you off the road, and potentially lead to missed deadlines.
Most modern trucks have wear indicator sensors that can let you know when your tires are failing. However, these are prone to mechanical failures as well. So the best strategy is to know the signs that your tires are close to needing replacement and avoid the issues before they start. Here are some things to watch out for:
Excess Vibration
One of the biggest signs that it is time to replace your tires is when you feel excess vibration while driving. Even if it doesn’t necessarily indicate that your tires need to be replaced, vibration is always a sign that your tires are unbalanced. The moment you notice excess vibration, call a mechanic to schedule a tire inspection to find the cause.
Cracks And Blisters, Mean Truck Repairs
One of the obvious signs your tires are wearing out is the appearance of cracks on the tire wall. Cracks are a bit difficult to see without an up-close inspection. However, it’s always a good idea to routinely check your tires for signs of cracking. Blisters can also appear and cause your tires to bulge, leading to a blowout. If your tires are showing these signs of wear, they need to be replaced at once.
Tread Depth
Tread depth is a great measure of the state of your tires. As you drive your vehicle, your treads begin to wear down. A lack of good tread can lead to slipping, especially on wet or snowy roads.
An excellent way to check the tread on your vehicles is with a tread depth gauge. A general rule of thumb is if the tread is less than 1.6 mm deep, it’s time to get new tires. However, you should always check with the tire manufacturer for the ideal tread depth on the tires you currently have.
The truck repairs at J & W Mechanical Fleet Services include first-rate tire maintenance solutions. Whether your tires need a rotation or have to be completely replaced, our experts on truck repairs can help. Give us a call at (403) 248-1696 if you notice any of the signs we’ve discussed in this article.