Tires play a key role in providing stability, traction and safety for your fleets. Bad tires, on the other hand, are less stable, have reduced traction and invite the risk of crashes or tire damage. Inspecting and maintaining your tires is essential for proper fleet maintenance in Spokane. Knowing what to look for in a tire is the first step towards a safe trip and a reliable vehicle.
That’s why we’ve listed some tips to choosing the right tires for your fleet and safety:
Elements: Know The Climate And Terrain
Commercial vehicles may have the luxury of swapping winter tires for summer tires, but with fleet vehicles, it’s not as simple. Choose tire trend, traction and durability based on what the climate of the area tends to be. If tires are ill-suited to wet, rainy conditions, then it brings unnecessary and dangerous risk to the drivers.
Handling tire choice with the elements is a matter of choosing the right steer tires. Steer tires are specifically made to keep water away from the tires, and the tires in contact with the road. Tires with a large void ratio have a wide-open space in the treads, which helps provide more rubber to road contact. For snow, ice or loose dirt, look for more siping on the tires. These slit grooves on the blocks will provide more movement and so more safety for these types of conditions.
Equipment: Consider Your Loads
Either with fleet vehicles towing heavy loads or carrying them, remember that that strain is also applied to your tires. A tire must be able to handle the load properly, and if not, it risks overheating or even breaking. Load capacity should be chosen based on the gross weight of the vehicle, plus any additional weight. Added weight includes things such as the drivers or any other loads that are being transported at the time.
To choose a safe tire, look for ones that offer higher load capacity, to ensure they can handle any weight. Also, look for stronger sidewalls to help protect tires from curbing damage as well as stronger cut and chip damage resistance. Learn more about fleet maintenance in Auburn.
Routes: Go For Durability And Density
The type of routes that your fleet vehicles have to take will play a big role in deciding on the right tire. In many cases, durability should be the top factor for picking a tire. A fuel-efficient tire may be a tempting choice, but those benefits will be lost in a tire that is damaged by scuffs or potholes. In regional routes, for example, you want a tread pattern that is more robust than other tires.
The right tread also plays a role in driving comfort and the noise level of the vehicle. If your fleets are doing regional work, then noise restrictions may play a role in those areas. Finding a balance with tread wear, traction and durability, are always factors to look out for in a tire.
Motorplex provides fleet maintenance in Spokane, WA and fleet maintenance in Auburn, WA for all your needs. We have the experience to safely check your vehicles and tires. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we can help point you in the right direction. Contact us here.
Web Story: Choosing The Right Tires For Your Fleet
