When you’re on the road, your truck tires play a major role in your vehicle’s safety. When your tire tread is low, you are more at risk for slipping and skidding. This low tread is also referred to as “balding” and means that your tire tread has fallen below 2/32”. Here are a few reasons why you should be inspecting your truck tires regularly to keep you and your vehicle safe.

The Importance of Maintaining Tire Tread Depth

1. Prevent Skidding

The grooves in your tires are responsible for channeling snow, ice, and rain on the road. When the depth is deeper than 4/32,” your tires will be better able to grip the road. However, when your tires begin to bald, you are more likely to slip and skid whenever you hit the brakes, turn, or accelerate.

2. Extend Tire Longevity

Keeping an eye on your tire tread can also help extend their life span. If your tires appear to be wearing unevenly — such as more wear occurring on the front tires — it’s smart to have your tires rotated. This involves swapping the location of your truck tires, which allows them to wear evenly.

While the front tires of passenger vehicles normally wear faster, the rear tires of diesel trucks tend to wear down faster. Placing these tires on your front axels will increase the amount of time you’ll be able to use them. Aim to have a rotation done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

3. Reduce Blowouts

When your tires are balding, the rubber is more vulnerable to damage. This means that hitting a curb or speed bump at a high speed can cause a blowout. This is extremely dangerous and can be avoided by regularly measuring your truck tire tread.

How to Measure Tread

The easiest way to measure your tire tread is to use the penny test. Take a penny and place it upside down inside of a tire groove with the head facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, this means your tires have worn too far down and need to be changed right away.

When you’re due for new truck tires, trust the experts at C L Enterprises in Clifton Springs, NY. This truck, trailer, and tire facility has been in business for over 20 years. In addition to performing commercial truck repairs, they can also help your business create a maintenance schedule that will keep your fleet running smoothly. Learn more about services such as semi-truck roadside assistance online or by calling (585) 289-7900 today.