Commercial Truck Tire Life Expectancy

Ask Waterford businesses “How long do commercial truck tires last,” and you’ll probably get as many answers as you’ve asked questions. While your commercial truck tire life expectancy depends on a number of factors, there are general rules of thumb that can tell you what to expect when it’s time for you to buy new tires for your commercial fleet.

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What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

Age Limit

One of the more hotly debated topics is “use by” dating. While many drivers prefer to use the wear of their tires as a guide to their life expectancy, many, particularly those subject to DOT inspection, religiously follow the recommendations set by the manufacturer. Check your sidewall for date of manufacture and use it to look up the advice set by your tire manufacturer.

Wear

Trucks that carry light loads around Northern Chicago could get 30,000 to 50,000 miles out of their tires, while Milwaukee area drivers who haul heavy loads might only get 15,000 to 20,000 miles or less from their investment. Your tires should be inspected regularly to check for wear so you can determine how much or how little life is left in your tires.

Maintenance

It’s no secret that the better you care for something, the longer it will last you. Your tires are no exception. Regular maintenance, including vehicle alignment, inflation checks, and tire rotation, will help your tires wear more evenly, so you can keep them in service longer.

Type

The type of tire you choose for your commercial service impacts how much use you’ll get from it. New, high-quality radial tires have a longer shelf life than retreads under heavy load. However, well-maintained retreads that have been properly maintained and repaired could last years longer than even the best tires if they’ve been neglected.

Driving Style

Perhaps the most critical factor determining your tire’s longevity is the way you drive your truck. Smooth acceleration and deceleration, even loading, and careful stopping will help keep your tires from wearing down before they should. Aggressive driving — you guessed it — will strip miles of usable tread from your tires and send you back to the store sooner.

Learn More At Lynch Truck Center

To schedule maintenance for your new or used commercial vehicle, or to schedule a Racine area test drive, contact an associate at Lynch Truck Center today. While you’re here, get a few more tips for taking care of your tires in cold weather with tire chains.

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