Tires are one of a truck fleet’s most important assets. By maintaining a tire throughout its lifecycle, fleet managers can make a big impact on the bottom line, while optimizing fleet efficiencies.
Below are five best practices recommended to fleets before, during and after a haul to promote safer driving conditions and efficient operations:
- Conduct a pre-trip inspection.
Drivers should always make sure a pre-trip inspection is performed to ensure there are no tire-related issues needing to be addressed before starting a route.
- Choose the right tire for the job.
Fleet managers should consider the proper tire size, load carrying capacity and service type, as well as additional factors to make sure performance expectations are met, such as application, size, load carrying capacity and route.
- Maintain proper cold inflation tire pressure.
Tire inflation pressure is a critical aspect of a tire maintenance program. It’s important to remember to check tire inflation pressure when a tire is cold. Cold inflation pressure is most accurately measured when tires have been parked for at least three hours or driven less than one mile at a moderate speed. Use a calibrated tire pressure gauge at each wheel position.
- Inspect tires often.
Hands-on inspections help identify irregular wear issues, low tread depth and road-related damage. Drivers should look for issues like irregular wear, flat spotting, cuts, cracks, bulges or penetrations before each trip. Frequent, manual inspections will help drivers address any issues before they impact tire performance.
- Follow a tire’s recommended speed rating.
Drivers should always abide by a tire’s maximum speed rating, which may be lower than posted highway speed limits. Drivers can help avoid various tire-related incidents that could cause downtime or create more road hazards for others sharing the road.
Stop by an MHC dealer on your route to inspect your truck today!