Semi-truck tire repair is a primary concern for drivers hitting the open road. Just talk to any truck driver who’s had the misfortune of hauling a heavy load when the worst happens.
Recently in Oregon, a driver was injured while hauling a crane when a blowout sent his big rig careening out of control into the Columbia River Gorge.
Thankfully, the injuries were minor, but it resulted in a massive loss for his company and 47 miles of I-84 being closed off for several hours.
A nightmare situation for any driver and completely avoidable!
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about semi-truck tire repair, so you don’t have something like this happen to you. (And if you do, you’ll at least know what to do!)
What Influences the Lifespan of a Tire?
The lifespan of a commercial truck tire depends on several factors. These include the type of truck, the load’s weight, and the roads’ conditions.
It’s essential to know the lifespan of a truck tire because it can help you plan when to replace them or seek tire repair.
The hazards of not knowing the lifespan of your tires are many. One of the most important is that you may not be able to plan for regular replacements, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Additionally, you may not know when it’s time for a tire repair, which can also be dangerous.
Depending on how you drive and the weight of your load, you may need to replace your tires every 10,000 miles or every 50,000 miles.
Most truck tires are designed to last at least 40,000 miles and can go up to 150,000! That said, tires driven on rough roads or carrying heavy loads will wear out more quickly.
Truck drivers can help extend the life of their tires by driving carefully and avoiding potholes and other hazards.
In addition, regular maintenance, such as checking tire pressure and alignment, can also help to prolong the lifespan of commercial truck tires.
Truck Tire Repair vs. Replacement
A truck driver can usually tell when a tire needs to be replaced by the tread depth. The tread is the part of the tire that comes into contact with the road.
The depth of the tread is essential because it helps to provide traction, which is necessary for braking and accelerating. Most tires have tread depth indicators, which are raised sections of the tread that show how much tread is left.
When the tread depth reaches these indicators, it’s time to replace the tire. In some cases, a truck tire repair may be preferable.
This is usually due to a puncture or cuts in the tire’s sidewall. Generally, a qualified technician can repair these.
If you have a tire issue, you must count on your other tires to get you to the nearest shop. However, that’s not always possible, and it may not be good for your other tires.
In those cases, consider parking it and phoning a mobile tire repair service to meet you at the nearest safe location.
Tips for Expanding the Life of Your Tires
As previously alluded to, drivers and shop personnel can do things to expand the life of each tire.
Check the air pressure in your tires regularly. This helps to prevent the tires from becoming overloaded, which can cause them to wear down prematurely.
Avoid potholes and other obstacles whenever possible. Hitting a pothole can damage the tires and cause them to lose air.
Be careful when turning corners. Sharp turns can stress the tires and cause them to wear down over time.
Avoid driving on rough roads whenever possible. Driving on bumpy roads can damage the tires and decrease their lifespan.
Regularly rotate your tires. This helps to distribute the wear and tear on the tires evenly, so they last longer overall.
These tips will help you reduce the time a truck spends in the shop, present fewer hazards to other motorists, and reduce liability from accidents caused due to poor maintenance.
Factors to Consider in an Emergency Tire Repair Situation
Your truck is experiencing tire issues at an inconvenient time and place. You can’t get to a shop, or the nearest one doesn’t open for several hours.
You need emergency tire repair as soon as possible. But what factors should you consider when reaching out to a potential tire repair service?
First, you’ll want to ensure that the service is open and available when you need it. You’ll also want to consider the location of the service, as you’ll want to make sure that it’s convenient for you and the route you’re traveling.
Additionally, think about the cost of the service. Drivers, is it someone in your company’s service network? You don’t want to be left responsible for an enormous repair bill because you failed to read the fine print.
Finally, consider the reputation of the service. Reliability beats price any day of the week and may even save you money in the long run regardless of how much they charge.
Timely Semi-Truck Tire Repair Can Save Money and Lives
Semi-truck tire repair is an important factor for keeping your loads on time. They’re also essential for ensuring your drivers and other motorists stay safe on the roadways.
Unfortunately, you can’t always count on tire issues to occur during regular office hours or in the most convenient locations. That’s where we come in.
Keating & Sons Tire and Commercial Services have many years of experience serving companies in Belton, Temple, and the surrounding areas. We’re open 365 days a year and ready to perform whatever tire repair issue you need. Contact us today for 24-hour emergency assistance.
