On the surface, purchasing tires seems to be a rather simple transaction. Typically fleets run a few comparative tire tests and stick with that proven tire and tread design.
With tire and truck technology changing so rapidly, historical data may no longer be the best way to select tires. By the time a full tire life cycle analysis can be completed the tire compounds, designs, and performance of newer products have changed. Therefore, tire testing should be a continuous process to measure tire life, retread ability, traction, fuel efficiency, and overall cost, however emphasis must be given to the new product developments and warranties.
The OE tire manufacturers do a good job educating fleets on their tire line up and matching their recommended tire options to the fleet’s usage application. Most tire manufactures publish an application and data book about their tire offering. Typically tires are categorized by vehicle application — urban, city, regional, and linehaul.
There are several key factors you need to consider when evaluating which tires are right for your fleet.
Failure to consider all of the above in the tire selection process can result in increased tire cost, more tire failures, and an increased risk for a blowout.
