Tires for heavy-duty trucks: purchasing and the law
Construction trucks, trash trucks, hauling trucks, trailers and recreational vehicles perform various tasks that require heavy-duty tires with very precise features.
Indeed, different weights, routes and types of hauling require compliance with different laws that have been specifically designed for each activity and which vary from country to country.
Factors to consider when purchasing tires for heavy-duty trucks
Depending on the country you’re in, the equipment recommended by vehicle manufacturers can be influenced by a number of aspects: the dimensions of the tires, their structure, their load index, their speed rating, etc. That’s why you should always verify the regulations that are currently in effect in your area.
Other recommendations to guide you in your choice of tires:
- Consider the demands that will be placed on them, including the average trip length, whether they’ll be used during the winter or under extreme road conditions, etc.
- To guarantee your safety and compliance with current regulations, you should always have used tires professionally inspected before they are mounted.
- Tires mounted on the same axle should be of comparable wear. There are even laws specifying a maximum allowed variance. Depending on the country, it may be required or at least strongly recommended to use tires with a similar design and tread when they are mounted on the same axle.
- You should always respect your tires’ technical specifications. Exceeding the limits of a vehicle’s geometric parameters can have consequences on tire performance.
Finally, it’s vitally important to take the time to choose appropriate tires, as a poor choice in tires or the misuse of tires can lead to premature wear and tear on certain mechanical components.
The importance of choosing the right wheels
As a crucial element in the safety of a vehicle, the wheels should also be chosen with care. Their role is as essential as it is varied:
- They provide a seal with the tire
- They carry the load
- They affect fuel economy
- They transmit power
- They help dissipate heat
- They allow for weight increases
- They improve the vehicle’s appearance
Here’s a quick summary of the three steps to choosing the right tire
Before you begin, you should know that heavy-duty vehicles have three different types of axles: steering axles, driving axles and carrying axles.
Now, all you have to do is follow the three steps below:
- Define precisely how the tire will be used
- Determine the appropriate tire dimensions
- Choose the right tread
Are winter tires required on heavy-duty trucks?
Unlike other vehicles, heavy-duty trucks are not required to be equipped with tires designed for winter driving. Instead, they’re equipped with all-season tires, which provide superior traction and feature a tread depth twice that which is typically found on car tires.
A specialist in heavy-duty vehicles to guide you!
Are you looking for a specialist in tire sales and installation? TruckMaster offers a vast selection of tires for heavy-duty trucks, trailers and RVs.
Contact our qualified team to learn more!