If you drive a truck you know that you don’t want to violate vehicle maintenance rules. Therefore, you’ve got to be on the lookout for a re-grooved tire on the front of a truck, an underinflated tire, weight carried exceeding the tire load limit, exposed fabric, ply or belt material on the tire, sidewall or tread separations, and/or tread depth that’s not deep enough to pass inspection.
Maintenance is Key
Before you take a trip, do pre-trip inspections and thorough logging– and while driving, notice if you’re experiencing high vibrations which could indicate a problem with the tires. Many tire violations can be avoided by maintaining accurate records of tire inspections, maintenance, and replacements. This documentation shows compliance and can help drivers in the event of roadside inspections or audits.
Moreover, overloading a truck puts extra stress on tires, increasing wear and the likelihood of blowouts or violations. Always check your load weight and adhere to legal limits.
In snowy or icy conditions, failure to use tire chains when required can result in violations. Drivers should carry the appropriate chains and ensure they are installed correctly when conditions demand.
Ideally, whenever you suspect something’s wrong with a tire on your truck, fix it. Replace worn parts or damaged tires immediately.
Signs Your Tires Are Bad
How would you know if your tires are bad? Look for tread separation, cuts and tears, bulges, exposed fabric (including belt or body ply), tread tearing or chunking, puncture damage, issues with beading, embedded objects and/or excessive cracking.
Another major issue with truck tires is tire pressure. Whether you use TPMS (tire pressure monitoring systems) or a calibrated tire gauge, it’s important to make sure your tires have more than 50% of their maximum pressure or else they’re considered flat. It’s a good idea to check tire pressure daily, even on inner tires in dual setups. Keep in mind tires may lose pressure in colder temperatures. You don’t want to run on under or overinflated tires.
Basically, by inspecting tires and maintaining them, you’re doing your part to not only meet the standards set forth by the industry, but also reducing the risk of hazardous driving conditions, thereby making the roads safer for everyone.
Tire regulations can vary by state and federal guidelines, and they may change over time. Staying informed on the latest requirements ensures you remain compliant and avoid unnecessary citations.
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