Truck tires represent one of the biggest recurring expenses for heavy-duty fleets, playing a crucial role in safety, operational uptime, and fuel efficiency. As equipment managers recently convened in Nashville for TMC’s Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, the topic of truck tire issues took the spotlight.
Cost: The Main Concern
The primary focus of discussions was cost. “Pricing is the number one concern,” stated Patrick Etheridge, strategic OE/fleet account manager at Double Coin, in an interview during the event. Following closely behind are performance metrics that fleet managers seek to justify their investments, particularly durability and mileage.
Tim Abel, sales manager for truck stops at Double Coin, added, “While fuel efficiency is important, the prevailing message is that fleets desire tires that have longevity. This involves having casings sufficiently robust for retreading and a tread life that maximizes the investment.”
Recognizing Tires as Assets
This perspective transforms tires from being consumables into valuable assets. Proper management of these assets is crucial for maximizing returns, starting with consistent maintenance practices.
The Importance of Air Pressure
Experienced maintenance professionals unanimously recognize that maintaining proper air pressure is essential for extending tire life. “Air pressure is always number one,” Etheridge asserted, noting that every fleet maintenance manager highlights this point. Proper air pressure is fundamental to both tire longevity and fuel performance.
Statistics on scrap tires reinforce this view: “Around 90% of the failures we observe can be traced back to air pressure issues,” Abel confirmed. Initial damage from road hazards can worsen if tires lose air, ultimately diminishing their capacity to carry loads. Therefore, maintaining proper air pressure is vital.
Casing Care for Retreading
To maximize tire investments, the care of casings is of utmost importance. A well-maintained casing can allow for retreading or resale, significantly extending the tire’s lifespan beyond its initial tread. “Think of it as an asset program,” Abel clarified, emphasizing that thorough evaluations at the end of a tire’s life cycle are essential. Key considerations include whether the tire is suitable for retreading, if there are any warranty claims, and if any damage renders it irreparable.
Valuing Scrap Tires
Even when tires reach the end of their useful life, their story is far from over. Current recycling initiatives are transforming previously discarded tires into new resources. “There are now advanced programs that de-vulcanize rubber and separate embedded steel,” Abel mentioned. While these recycled materials may not be used for road construction, they find purpose in surfaces, grounds, and various other applications, reflecting a shift toward more sustainable tire management.
Key Insights for Equipment Managers
For truck equipment managers, an effective tire strategy transcends being a mere line item; it’s a careful balance of cost, performance, maintenance, and sustainability. Key takeaways include:
- Regular air pressure checks are critical for tire maintenance.
- Pre-trip inspections, particularly for trailers, are essential for extending tire longevity.
- Treating tires as long-term investments promotes better retread and casing management.
- Even tires at the end of their life can retain value through careful recycling.
In an industry where every mile and dollar is significant, adopting a proactive tire management strategy is not just advisable—it is vital.
Welcome to Fleet Equipment Unscripted. This video interview series brings you insights from leading experts in the heavy-duty trucking sector. Fleet Equipment Unscripted is sponsored by Hendrickson.
