Tires take a hard beating every day. Whether you are a long-haul or short-haul truck driver, it is important to complete proper tire maintenance each time before your drive. Ensuring you have good tires will help keep you and others safe on the road.

1. Complete a Pre-Trip Inspection

Tire checks should always be part of your pre-trip inspection before you drive. Check the tire pressure, look at the tread war, and address any problems before hitting the road.

2. Check Tire Pressure

Drivers determine tire pressure using several methods.Truckers use their boot to kick the tire, use a tire thumper, or for a more accurate reading they use a pressure gauge. Regularly check the tire pressure to make sure the tires are inflated to the recommended air pressure. Inflating your tires to the recommended air pressure will also help you get better fuel mileage. 

3. Rotate and Align Tires Regularly

It is recommended to rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotating your tires will help you get a longer life out of them. Also, ensure proper tire alignment. Truck tires will wear out easier if they are out of alignment. A good way to tell if they are out of alignment is when your steering wheel is pulling one way or the other.

4. Be Prepared for DOT Inspections

Always ensure you meet DOT regulations before starting your drive. Various tire regulations need to be met. DOT checks for good tire tread, the same types of tires all around, no bulges in tires, over or under-inflated tires, and much more! Be sure to check out the full DOT regulations here.

5. Keep Tires Clean

Cleaning your truck doesn’t just make it look nice, even though that’s why most enjoy doing it! It is also good for the health of the tires and prolongs their life. You will want to wash away any road salt, grease, or grime that gets on them.

Daily tire checks will help make sure your semi-truck tires are always in the best condition and safe to be on the road.

How do you keep your truck tires in good condition?