If you own one or more semi trucks, it’s important to have a working knowledge of truck tires. Purchasing the wrong semi tires could result in disastrous consequences. There are several factors you should always consider when purchasing truck tires, including their size, ply rating and load rating.
In the article below, we’ve provided plenty of information that will help you decide on the right commercial truck tires.
The importance of size
The best way of determining what size tires your truck needs is by checking the owner’s manual. The owner’s manual should also provide recommendations for tire-inflation level and load range. For most trucks between the weights of ¼-ton and ½-ton, it’s best to use P-Metric and Euro-Metric truck sizes. Trucks weighing over 1 ton often require LT-Metric sizes.
P-Metric (or Passenger-Metric) tires are commonly used on lighter-duty vehicles, such as minivans, small SUVs, etc. LT-Metric stands for Light Truck-Metric. These tires are used on vehicles designed to carry slightly heavy loads, like pickup trucks and Class 1-3 commercial vehicles. They often feature a higher maximum inflation pressure and a deeper tread depth than P-Metric tires. Euro-Metric tires are commonly used for passenger vehicles.
Differences in load ratings
Load ratings tell you how much weight tires can handle. This is an especially important metric for those with commercial trucks. Buying tires with the wrong load ratings could result in a multitude of problems. The load range also tells you the maximum pressure amount for your tires. You should also be able to find this information in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Load ratings for light trucks fall into the categories of B, C, D, E and F. The higher the letter, the higher the tire’s pressure psi (pound per square inch). For example, tires that fall in the F range have a pressure of around 95 psi, while those in the C range have a pressure of 35 psi. Heavier trucks have load rates ranging from F through L.
Finding the right tires
There are several things to consider when trying to decide on the right tires, including how much weight your trucks carry on a daily basis. For the most part, a reputable semi truck parts dealer can point you in the right direction of great tires.
It’s usually best to avoid buying used tires, as these don’t last very long and can end up costing you more in the long run. Instead, buy top-quality, new tires from a reputable local dealer. The right dealer will offer fair prices on all their semi truck tires and parts. You might even consider asking for a warranty.
It’s also important to properly maintain your tires after purchasing them. This means routinely checking the tread, pressure and alignment of your tires. Be sure to have your tires routinely inspected by a professional as well.
For all your semi truck tire and part needs, contact J & M Trailer Repair today. We have a full line of top-quality commercial truck tires—all available at fair prices. We even offer tire rotation and balance service.