When it comes to commercial vehicle safety, tires are one of the most overlooked yet critical components of fleet performance. Poor tire maintenance doesn’t just lead to costly blowouts and downtime—it can also contribute to serious accidents, DOT violations, and rising insurance premiums. For trucking companies, implementing a proactive tire safety program is a cost-effective way to reduce risk, improve fuel efficiency, and keep trucks on the road longer.
Here’s a breakdown of practical, routine maintenance tips to keep your tires—and your business—rolling safely and efficiently.
1. Conduct Daily Tire Inspections
Before any truck leaves the yard, drivers should perform a pre-trip inspection that includes a close look at tire condition. Make sure your team is trained to check for:
- Uneven wear patterns
- Embedded objects like nails or debris
- Sidewall cracks or bulges
- Low tread depth (below 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on other tires per FMCSA requirements)
Encouraging drivers to log these inspections in your fleet management system can help identify patterns and catch issues before they become problems.
2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Underinflated or overinflated tires are a leading cause of blowouts and irregular tread wear. Both conditions reduce fuel economy and increase the risk of roadside emergencies. Tire pressure should be checked:
- At least once a week, using a calibrated pressure gauge
- When tires are cold (before the truck has been driven)
- According to manufacturer specifications, which vary depending on the tire type and load rating
Consider installing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) across your fleet. TPMS provides real-time pressure and temperature data, helping drivers and managers respond to changes before they cause damage.
3. Rotate and Align Tires Regularly
Just like with passenger vehicles, commercial truck tires benefit from regular rotation and alignment. These procedures:
- Promote even wear
- Extend tire lifespan
- Improve handling and fuel efficiency
Set a tire rotation schedule based on mileage or operating hours—typically every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Misalignment should also be checked during routine maintenance or anytime a vehicle shows signs of drifting or vibration.
4. Balance Tires and Check Suspension
Imbalanced tires can cause vibration, increase wear, and strain suspension components. Likewise, worn shocks or bushings will create irregular tire contact with the road, leading to premature tread wear. Include the following in your preventive maintenance:
- Tire balancing every time tires are rotated or replaced
- Suspension inspections during major service intervals
Keeping your suspension in top shape is essential to protecting both your tires and your cargo.
5. Track Tire Performance Data
Use telematics and fleet maintenance software to log tire-related data. Metrics like:
- Tread depth over time
- Inflation history
- Roadside repair frequency
- Replacement timelines
…can help you identify underperforming tires, poor driving habits, or recurring maintenance issues. This data is valuable for budgeting, selecting better tire brands, and improving driver accountability.
Final Thoughts
Tire safety is not just a maintenance issue—it’s a business issue. By investing in routine tire inspections, pressure checks, alignments, and performance tracking, you protect your drivers, reduce your liability, and extend the life of your fleet assets.
Remember, one tire blowout at highway speed can cost thousands in repairs, downtime, and insurance exposure. But a proactive tire maintenance program? That’s an investment in your fleet’s safety and profitability.