If you drive a passenger car or 4WD and you need to get your tyres changed, the tyre retailer will most likely ask you a series of questions around driving conditions and driving style.
When we need new truck tyres, this process rarely happens. But it really needs to!
Tyres are the second most costly item for your truck after fuel.
Get your tyres right and they will last longer and result in less fuel burn, whilst also ensuring a safer ride.
The right questions result in the best outcomes.
What type of roads are you driving on?
Consider the road conditions and environment where the truck will be operating.
For instance, in outback Australia, where the roads can be rough and rugged, it is important to choose tyres that are designed to withstand the harsh conditions. In contrast, in metro driving, where the roads are well-maintained, it is important to choose tyres that provide good fuel efficiency and handling.
Do you have a specialised truck tyre dealer?
Partnering with a tyre dealer that is great with truck tyres will help to guide you through the best tyres for your driving environment, load and driving behaviours.
They should be asking you questions before fitting your tyres, such as:
• What type of work is the truck doing?
• What are the general conditions of the roads?
• What is the average load?
• Metro or regional?
Not all tyres are equal, so having the right tyre for the right drive position will make a huge impact on your fuel, tyre wear and traction. Let’s take a look at tyre types and different drive positions:
Steer Tyres
Steer tyres are typically designed to provide superior grip, stability, and steering response. As such, they are typically made with a shallower tread depth, which provides better handling and manoeuvrability. When selecting steer tyres, it is important to consider the load capacity of the truck as well as the road conditions. For instance, in metro driving, where the roads are well-maintained, steer tyres with a lower profile may be suitable. However, in outback Australia, where the roads can be rough and rugged, steer tyres with a deeper tread depth may be required.
Drive Tyres
Drive tyres, on the other hand, are designed to provide better traction and grip on the road, particularly in wet or slippery conditions.
Drive tyres typically have a deeper tread depth than steer tyres, which enables them to provide better traction. In addition, drive tyres have larger tread blocks, which enables them to better resist wear and tear.
When selecting drive tyres, it is important to consider the type of cargo that will be transported, as well as the terrain that the truck will be travelling over.
For instance, in line haul driving, where the terrain is relatively flat and smooth, drive tyres with a shallower tread depth may be suitable.
Trailer Tyres
Trailer tyres, as the name suggests, are located on the trailer of the truck and are responsible for supporting the weight of the cargo.
They are designed to provide stability and durability, and typically have a shallower tread depth than drive tyres.
Trailer tyres are also designed to provide better fuel efficiency, as they have lower rolling resistance.
When selecting trailer tyres, it is important to consider the weight and volume of the load and road conditions. In this situation we would recommend:
Steer tyres, drive tyres, and trailer tyres all have their own unique characteristics that make them suitable for a specific application.
When selecting tyres, it is important to consider the load capacity of the truck, as well as the road conditions and environment where the truck will be operating.
By choosing the right tyre for the right application, truck owners can ensure that their vehicle performs optimally and safely, regardless of the conditions they may encounter.
For more tyre information visit Tyres4U.com.au.