3 Tips For Determining When Your Semi Truck's Tires Need Replacing
If you have just started driving a semi truck for a living, you may wonder how you can tell whether your tires need replacing. If so, use the tips below to help you determine whether your truck's tires are good enough for the next trip or need to be replaced before you head out.
Look For Bulging In The Rubber Side Walls
While inspecting your tires, stand back and look at the side walls. Even under the weight of a full load, they should be flat and even, except for a slight bulge where the rubber meets the road.
However, if you see bulging anywhere else on one of your truck's tires, the rubber may have thinned and weakened. If it is not replaced, it could blow out while making a turn or hitting a bump in the road.
Inspect The Tires For Metal Tread Bars
Another thing to look for when deciding whether your tires are safe are signs of metal tread bars. These bars run under the rubber to give the tires structure and stability. They also indicate whether the tread has worn down to the point of being dangerous to drive on.
If you see even a glint of shiny metal in your tread, rake your fingernail across it to make sure it is not a speck of metal the rubber picked up while driving. If the metal does not give, this is the tread bar, and the tire will need to be professionally inspected to see if it should be replaced or retreaded.
Stick A Penny In The Tread
If you do not see any of the signs above, it does not mean that your semi truck's tires are good to go. The tread may be wearing down evenly, making it hard to determine its depth by just looking at it.
One simple test to see how well your tread is holding up is to stick a penny in each groove. If you cannot see Abraham Lincoln's face, your tread depth is still good. However, the more of his face you can see, the more worn your tread has become. You may need to have your tires replaced, especially if his entire face is showing.
If you notice one or more of the above while looking at a tire, both tires on that axle should be replaced to avoid uneven wear and tear. Before you head out on your next run, take your truck to a semi truck tire service to have them professionally inspected so they can recommend the correct tires for your rig.