Purchasing tires is one of the most expensive parts of fleet maintenance. Learning how to maximize their usable life span produces significant savings down the road. Performing visual inspections of the rubber after each trip and following a rigid tire repair schedule is the ideal way to get the most out of your tires. The do’s and don’ts guide below will instruct you on the basic maintenance tasks to perform. 

Do:

Maintain proper tire pressure.

Over- and under-inflated tires can result in premature wear. The former creates irregular wear at the center and could cause a blowout. However, under-inflation is usually the issue, and this can lead to excessive shoulder wear, weakened sidewalls, carcass stress, and structural failures. 

Don’t:

Skip on tire rotations.

A tire’s placement on the vehicle will determine how it wears. The front, or steer tires, wear more at the shoulder. The drive tires experience more center damage, and rear ones are prone to scrubbing. Rotating at regular intervals keeps an even tread and extends how long the tires can be used. 

Drive aggressively.

Making hard starts and stops can cause significant wear to the tires and several other parts of a commercial vehicle. If you drive this way, expect to make regular tire repairs and maintenance because the rubber will develop flat spots. It’s also not surprising for brake issues to occur more frequently. 

When you want a quality selection of tires at competitive prices, visit Auto World Tire & Auto in Hazelwood, MO. For over 30 years, this independent auto repair and tire shop has provided quality workmanship and friendly service to residents of St. Louis County. In addition to selling the leading tire brands, their ASA®- and ASE®-certified technicians also perform spin balancing, flat tire repairs, and tire rotations. Call them today at (314) 895-4455 to schedule a repair or maintenance, and visit their website to view their selection of passenger and commercial tires.