The Wheel Deal: Keeping Your Semi-Trailer Tires Rolling and Ready!
When it comes to keeping your big rig rolling smoothly down the highway, nothing is more essential than your trailer tires. They are the key to staying on the road, ensuring safety, and saving you big bucks on mileage and fuel costs. Neglect them, and you’re looking at a whole lot of trouble, including blowouts, downtime, expensive after-hours service calls, and poor fuel efficiency. So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of tire maintenance, inspections, and preventive measures to keep things rolling!
Roll With It: The Importance of Semi-Trailer Tire Maintenance
Trailer tires might not be as glamorous as a shiny new cab or the latest GPS system, but they do play an important role for your business. Think of them as the foundation of your organization. Without them, you’d be going nowhere fast, and neglecting them can turn into a disaster that’s anything but funny when you’re stuck on the shoulder.
What happens when you skip tire maintenance?
- Increased chance of blowouts
- Downtime that halts your cash flow
- Costly after-hours service calls
- Sub-par fuel efficiency that dents your wallet
All of which can be minimized, and possibly avoided, by keeping tire care top of mind.
Inspections and Maintenance: Tire TLC
Let’s face it, no one wants to deal with a tire emergency, so regular inspections and maintenance are your best friends. Here’s how to keep those tires in top shape:
Visual Check
- Uneven tire wear: If your tires show signs of uneven wear, it’s time for a closer inspection.
- Cracks, bulges, punctures: Address any cracks, bulges, or punctures immediately.
- Other visible damage: If you notice any visible damage, it should be checked out promptly.
Tread Depth
DOT requirements: Your tires should have a tread depth of at least 2/32nds. Grab a penny, and if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.
Tire Pressure
Optimal PSI: Generally, you’ll want to keep your tires between 75-100 PSI, but always check the manufacturers information for recommended air pressure. Too high or too low, and you’re in for a bumpy (and costly) ride.
Prevention: A Stitch in Time Saves Tires
Preventive maintenance isn’t just smart; it’s essential. Here’s how to stay ahead of the game:
Equipment for Maintenance and Inspections
Invest in good-quality tire gauges, tread depth indicators, and a trusty flashlight. Yes, even your tires deserve a little spotlight time.
Load and Weight Management
Overloading or uneven loading will lead to uneven wear, sidewall damage & a lot more.
Alignment Adjustments
If your semi-trailer alignment is off, your tires will wear unevenly. It’s like trying to walk straight with one shoe taller than the other. Keep an eye out during your visual inspections and while driving. If your vehicle pulls to one side or you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, take the trailer in for a proper inspection.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer: Hot weather can increase tire pressure. Check it regularly to avoid blowouts.
- Winter: Cold weather can decrease tire pressure and make rubber brittle. Keep an eye on it and store tires properly to prevent damage.
Desert Trailer Systems is Here To Help!
So, there you have it! The extra time spent upfront on regular maintenance, knowing what to look for, and preventive measures will keep your semi-trailer tires in top-notch condition and pay off ten-fold on the back end! This is not to mention the peace of mind to be had whether you are driving across town or across the country. Safe travels and keep those wheels turning!
And if your tires should bring you to Phoenix, AZ, please stop by and see us. We are always happy to help with tires and anything else you might need for your trailer!
