Trucks are among the largest vehicles plying on roads, weighing around 80,000 pounds and transporting heavy loads and potentially hazardous cargo. They often travel long distances and navigate through bad weather conditions along their route, putting the driver and cargo at risk of injury and damage. One way to prevent mishaps is to use good quality truck tires. Here are a few crucial factors to consider while buying tires for trucks.
Type of terrain
Tires for commercial trucks are usually designed considering the terrain on which they will be used. For instance, while some tires are manufactured for smooth highways, others are built for rough urban routes. If you use tires designed for the highways on rocky urban terrain, their tread might scrape off sooner, demanding a change. So, always consider your most frequented routes when buying tires to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Weight rating
This is one of the most simple yet important factors to consider when buying truck tires. A tire’s weight or load rating, typically found on the sidewall, indicates the maximum weight it can bear when inflated to its highest pressure. Always pay special attention to this rating and ensure it is compatible with your truck and the load.
Warranty
Like other products in the market, tires come with a warranty. It can save you from paying extra to fix manufacturing defects or other problems within the set timeframe. Most major manufacturers provide a warranty period of seven years and three retreads. This period can differ based on the company you choose. So, always inquire about the truck tires’ warranty before selecting a product to avoid additional expenses.
Manufacture date
Another critical factor to consider when buying truck tires is their manufacture date. This date is usually found on the tire in the form of four digits. The first two indicate the week it was manufactured, and the other two represent the year. Remember that truck tires older than five years are more susceptible to defects and tears. On the other hand, those built within the last five years are less likely to have problems and guarantee increased safety while on the road. Do not buy tires with a missing manufacture date or with a date that is not clearly printed.
Tread size or depth
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the minimum tread size for tires on the front wheels is 4/32 of an inch. The other tires of the truck can have a tread depth of 2/32 inches. If the depth is less than this, it can result in penalties. So, conduct a tread depth inspection before finalizing the purchase. Tires with the right tread size provide sufficient grip on the road, lowering the chances of accidents.
Maintenance records
Many truckers buy used tires as they provide substantial cost savings. When buying used tires, thoroughly inspect the previous owner’s maintenance records. A clean record will ensure the tires are in good condition and can be used to haul heavy loads on the road. Besides checking the maintenance records thoroughly, look for visible signs of defects like nail marks and deep scratches. These issues indicate the tires will not last long and must be avoided at all costs.
Types of tires
There are different types of truck tires in the market, such as max traction, all-terrain, highway, winter, and mud tires. Choose a suitable type depending on your type of truck, the terrain you drive on, and the weather conditions on your route. Consider all-terrain truck tires if you travel through different terrains and often encounter challenging conditions. They will help you transition from one terrain to another with ease.
Tire quality
When investing in commercial truck tires, assess their durability. Tires with soft rubber compounds provide a smooth driving experience but are more prone to wear and tear and do not prove fuel efficient. Buying such tires will require you to spend a lot of money to make the best use of them in the long run. Similarly, tires with harder compounds may have problems with traction while driving in extreme conditions. So, conduct thorough research according to your needs and wants to make an informed decision.
DOT and UTQG rating
In addition to the above, check whether the tires have the DOT (Department of Transportation) code. All you have to do is look for “DOT” printed on the sidewall. Some tires also have a UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) code, which provides information about their traction and temperature grades.
These are some of the most important factors that should influence your decision when choosing truck tires. To make the best purchase, consider all your options and needs before heading to the store. Also, think about whether you should stick to your previous tire model or opt for a new company depending on your experience. You might want to look at options that increase fuel economy and provide low rolling resistance. While the best products can be expensive, they use quality materials and meet all the safety standards to keep you and your cargo safe during the journey.
Truck driving is a physically taxing job. Truck drivers may make some typical mistakes due to their continuous driving and constant presence on the road, which could be hazardous for them and other road users. These mistakes can be expensive for trucking businesses, but more crucially, they put the driver at serious risk of harm. This article will discuss typical errors that truck drivers make and suggestions for avoiding them.
Overspeeding
Speed limits are not suggestions. They are laws. Speed restrictions should always be followed to keep everyone safe and avoid mishaps. Be mindful of the truck’s speed while navigating motorway curves or city streets. The imposed speed restriction can be affected by whether there is road maintenance nearby or other vehicles parked on both sides of the route, which could reduce visibility. And again, always obey driving laws.
Ignoring traffic signs
There is a reason for traffic signage. Even though these signs are designed to keep you safe, and on the right track, truck drivers often tend to overlook or pay less attention to them. Unfortunately, disobeying traffic signs is one of the most common blunders truck drivers make. The worst sign a truck driver can ignore is the clearance sign. If the sign says the ruck won’t fit, it won’t. Still, many drivers try their luck and get stuck.
Not communicating with the operations manager
If you run into a problem on the road, always contact your operations manager for assistance. They, like you, are crucial to the trucking company you work for, and they are responsible for assisting and supplying you with all you require to complete your job safely. Remember the following:
Speak gently and precisely to ensure that they understand what you require.
Inquire about anything you need clarification with.
Let them know if there is a problem on the road ahead of you, such as an accident or unexpected weather, so they can plan for anticipated traffic delays and aid you in safely managing the issue.
Not preparing yourself for the challenges ahead
Although truck driving is physically demanding, truck drivers should be aware of potential sources of stress and how to manage or avoid them. Truck driving can be a physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful activity. Driving for long periods can be physically draining, especially if you are not well-rested or fed before your shift. When driving conditions are less than ideal, terrible weather or traffic congestion can cause annoyance, wrath, and distraction. Regardless of what’s going on in your personal life, speaking condescendingly, haughtily, or disparagingly to other truck drivers produces unnecessary arguments and influences everyone involved. Warrior Logistics’ core beliefs include treating everyone with honesty, responsibility, and professionalism.
Burnout
Truck driving is a taxing activity. You must be physically and emotionally prepared for it. To stay in peak shape, you must get enough sleep, eat right, and care for your body. Also, one must avoid driving if one is feeling under the weather. Your safety should always come first; if you work for a trucking company, it will also be their top priority.
Not employing semi-truck roadside assistance in an emergency
Whether you’re a colossal truck owner-operator or part of a fleet, you deserve support if things go wrong. It would help if you had a roadside help package in case of an accident, a dead battery, running out of gas, or mechanical problems. When you need a tow or a tire replacement, commercial trucks’ roadside assistance programs may be available 24 hours a day. They may even show up to give assistance if you are in an accident or to help you get into your cab if you find yourself locked out.
Not maintaining positive communication with dispatchers or shippers/receivers
Be courteous and professional when dealing with your dispatcher, driver management (DM), and shippers or receivers. Even though none sign your paycheck, all these people implicitly manage your workload.
Panicking about lane changes
If you need to change lanes, do it as soon as possible and with enough space. Otherwise, it’s usually better to wait. Switching into the passing lane may be frightening for you and incoming vehicles if there isn’t enough space for everyone. You might get stranded behind a Sunday driver doing ten miles per hour with their indicator on.
Ignoring the trailer
It may appear ridiculous, but people frequently forget that they are trailed by a caravan at least 28 feet long. In addition, new truck drivers are more likely to underestimate turning distances or movements because they need to be more experienced with the size of their trailer. Before turning, examine your blind spots and give yourself enough room. Of course, everyone will honk at you as you cross an intersection, but it won’t enrage them as much as a caravan running into their broadside.
These are nine mistakes that rookie drivers typically make because they may be lacking in the second category. Fortunately, many unfavorable circumstances may be avoided with quick thought and information. When you contact us today, you can learn more about your semi-truck roadside support services options. Be cautious out there, and make sure you have a backup plan! We’ll see you out there, partner.
Guide to Buying a Pickup Truck
Buying pickup trucks is very fun. Browsing through all the different models, test driving some; all while dreaming of the perfect one. However, if you have a tight budget, you may have to be careful about the choice you make to avoid wasting your money.
It depends on you that if you want a new pickup truck or if a used one. After deciding this, you can move to the next level of purchasing a truck.
Used trucks can be great as they are affordable, but you will have to check every part carefully so that somebody doesn’t fool you. If you want a new truck, you can just check for deals and offers for these on their websites. For example, GMC Sierra deals on trucks will save you some money, and you will have a new truck as well.
Following is a list of things that you should keep in mind before buying a pickup truck.
New or used
It is important first to decide whether you can afford a new truck or you should go with the used one. If you are planning to go with new one the check out GMC Sierra deals for exciting discounts on pickup trucks. But, if you are going with used ones then before buying the truck check it thoroughly and go for a test drive and check if you are comfortable with it.
Budget
Pickup trucks range from USD 20,000 to USD 60,000, so if you are planning to buy a new pickup truck, then your budget should be within this. But, you can get a used truck in less than that, so if a new one is not in your budget then go for used ones offered on sales and discounts. The features of the truck also vary according to the price. So, if you want a basic truck, then chances are that it might be affordable as well.
Types of trucks
Pickup trucks come in two categories smaller sized models and full-sized trucks. It depends on your requirements, so if you have a lot of heavy things to load, then you should buy the full-sized truck, although if you need it for basic work, then a small-sized truck will do your work too.
Features
What features you look for in a pickup truck is important. There are so many features that brands offer these days, and not all of them are necessary, so you will have to pick what your major requirements are. Some of the most important features you should look for are engine and fuel economy, towing, safety features, convenience, a navigation system, and connectivity.
No matter which pickup truck you buy, the journey before buying it is confusing and needs a lot of thinking. So, think properly and don’t do buy in a hurry. Do check GMC Sierra deals or other brand deals before buying any new or used truck.