How to Test Truck Tires in Your Fleet

How to Test Truck Tires in Your Fleet

Tires and regular tests are among the most important components of a semi-truck's health. To ensure that your tires are safe for long hauls, regular tests need to be done. Learn how to test truck tires in your fleet ahead.  

Use Broken-In Tires 

To get the best results, it’s recommended that you use broken-in tires when you perform a test. To know if a tire is broken-in, travel of at least 15,000 miles is usually a good indicator. By testing broken-in tires, you will get the most accurate readings. This is just the start of how to test truck tires in your fleet.  

Label Tires 

When you are doing a tire test, it’s also important that you communicate to others that a test is underway. The best way to this is by labeling the test tires with barcodes or radio tags. To take an extra step, you can even put the words “test tire” on the tire itself with a label of some kind. 

Check the PSI 

With any tire, it’s important to not only know the correct pounds per square inch (PSI) but to check it as well. The best way to know the correct PSI is by checking it when it’s either fully inflated or by checking the recommendations on the truck’s tire door. One thing to keep in mind with all these measurements is to record all the data for them as well, so they can be easily accessible in the future. A PSI check should be performed at least once a month.  

Inspect the Tire Tread 

A tire tread should also be inspected every 30,000 miles or when there is regular maintenance scheduled. When you measure the tire tread depth, it’s essential to do it at the same tire groove spot every time and use the penny trick—if President Lincoln’s head is covered when you put the penny in, then it’s a sign your tires are good to go. Also, look for any nails or other cuts that can point to serious issues for your tire while you are inspecting the tire tread.  

Rotate Tires and Check Alignment 

Like any vehicle, you should also rotate your tires during a tire test if necessary. Don’t stray away from what your fleet normally does. In addition to following tire rotation protocol, make sure you check vehicle alignment too.  

If you are in need of any International Prostar aftermarket parts, then you should look at UniTruck's wide selection to keep your semi-truck in good health.