Why Lorry Tyre Maintenance is Important

Making sure your tyres are in good condition is essential because it is:

·       Safer. Keeping your tyres in top shape reduces the risk of them bursting or losing control on the road—the two main causes of accidents involving lorries.

·       Fuel-efficient. Your lorry consumes less fuel when all its tyres are in good condition.

·       Cost-efficient. Consistently checking your tyres can help you save on avoidable repairs and tyre replacements.

 

Lorry Tyres Maintenance 101

 

Inspect your lorry’s tyres

It is good practice to do a quick tyre check monthly to identify if there is any issue. Here are a few things you need to pay attention to during these inspections:

·       Signs of damage or separation. Check for cuts, punctures, bulges, or uneven wear (which might indicate alignment or balancing issues) on the tyres.

·       Tyre tread depth. Ensure it meets the minimum legal requirement of 1.6mm. Depending on your driving habits and road conditions, consider changing your tyre once the treads are below 2.5mm. Read more about tyre tread depth here.

·       Tyre pressure. Keep all your truck's tyres, including spares, at the manufacturer-recommended pressure. Remember to check your tyre pressure with a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold and never when they are hot.

 

Rotate your lorry’s tyres and balance its wheels

Using the manufacturer's recommended rotation patterns and balancing the lorry’s wheels can help:

·       even tyre wear

·       extend tyre life

·       improve vehicle handling

·       prevent vehicle vibrations

 

Practice good driving habits

Lorry drivers can take precautions when driving to help extend their tyres’ lifespan. Among them include:

·       Avoiding sudden brakes and acceleration on the road to maximise the durability of your lorry’s tyres.

-       Maintaining consistent speed, as excessive speeds can increase tyre temperature, causing overly worn tyres and blowouts.

·       Taking regular breaks during long journeys for your tyres to cool down; too much heat increases the risk of them bursting.

 

Avoid overloading your lorry

Lorry drivers should adhere to weight limits as overloading the vehicle puts excessive stress on its tyres. This stress would end up causing premature wear to the tyres and increase the likelihood of them blowing out.

 

Choose suitable truck tyres

Before you decide to purchase tyres for your lorry, consider these factors: the usual road and weather conditions, your lorry’s typical load, and your driving habits. Choosing a durable lorry tyre is a key part of this decision. When buying lorry tyres, account for tyre quality and brand reputation. Bridgestone has multiple options of high-quality truck tyres to choose from, depending on the factors mentioned.

 

Go for regular professional lorry tyre services

When in doubt, it is always best to consult with a professional. Regular inspections and maintenance by qualified professionals are essential to confirm that your lorry tyres are functional. A trained eye would be better at detecting and solving any issue. Go to a reputable tyre service provider and rest assured that your vehicle will be well cared for.

Proper tyre maintenance can go a long way. Not only will you improve tyre performance, but you can save money, fuel, and lives (of yourself and others on the road) if you give your lorry tyres the care they need.

Check out the complete list of Bridgestone tyres.