Why Proper Tire Pressure Is Your Best Friend
The Most Under-Appreciated Tool
Tires are often the most under-appreciated part of any work truck. They are the only thing connecting your expensive vehicle to the hot asphalt. Because they are always under the truck and often covered in road grime, many fleet managers forget to check the air pressure until a driver calls with a flat. However, keeping your tires at the right pounds per square inch (PSI) is the fastest way to improve your fuel economy today. Under-inflated tires create extra drag, which acts like a heavy weight pulling back on your vehicle. This makes the engine work much harder and burns more diesel or gasoline.
Heat Is the Silent Enemy
When a tire is low on air, the sidewalls flex too much as the wheel spins. This constant bending of the rubber creates intense heat inside the tire. You cannot see this happening from the driver’s seat, but it is a recipe for disaster. Eventually, the tire fails because the extreme heat destroys the internal structure and causes the tread to separate. Therefore, a simple air gauge is actually a vital safety tool for your entire team. By checking the pressure every week, you prevent blowouts that could lead to dangerous accidents on the highway.
Uneven Wear and Alignment Problems
Proper pressure is just the first step in tire health. If you notice the tread wearing out on just one side of the tire, you likely have an alignment problem. Carrying heavy loads in a Class 4 or 5 truck puts a lot of stress on the suspension and steering parts. You should make it a rule to check the alignment every single time you buy new tires. This ensures you get every possible mile out of your investment. Tires are expensive, and letting a bad alignment eat through them is like throwing money out the window.
Automated Monitoring and Human Eyes
Many newer trucks come equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS. These systems are very helpful because they give the driver a warning light the moment a tire loses air. However, you should still perform manual checks with a physical gauge once a month. Technology is a great assistant, but a human eye can spot a nail stuck in the tread or a cracked sidewall before it causes a crisis. Taking five minutes to walk around the truck and check the tires is the best insurance a fleet manager can have.
References:
Tire Industry Association – Consumer Safety
U.S. Dept of Energy – Fuel Economy Tips
