Invest in the right commercial truck tires!

Buying commercial truck tires is not an easy task. Many things must be carefully considered before entering the buying process. The size and type of tires that are compatible with the vehicle and their detailed description should be considered. The proper tread for the truck must be determined because this can greatly affect the maximum mileage and overall performance of any vehicle.

Necessary Background

Before going to a retail store or shopping online for new commercial truck tires, it would be beneficial to get some simple background knowledge about the type you need and/or want. Here is some information that might be helpful when purchasing this necessary vehicle product.

1. Learn the exact reason for purchasing a new set of wheels for the vehicle.
2. Set if an entire set will be changed or if the decision is drive vs. to direct.
3. Determine the treads that are suitable for the truck. The thickness of the tread can be a good measurement to help decide whether to buy new ones. If the tread is less than the height of a dime, then it’s definitely time to buy a new set.
4. Check the speed index of current models. This can be done by looking at the side wall. This speed index is marked with symbols such as M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W, and Y. Each symbol corresponds to a specific speed index that is essential to know in order to maintain speed. . vehicle capabilities.
5. Make all purchases in pairs. They must be replaced on both sides to maintain vehicle balance and stability.
6. Buy the best quality you can afford. Good tires can save money in terms of fuel consumption. High-quality ones have good treads that can provide better traction for the vehicle. Treads help wheels run smoother and provide better highway mileage, which lowers fuel costs.
7. Please confirm the correct size before purchasing new ones. The correct size increases the performance capacity of a truck. This size can be determined by checking the owner’s manual, the cabinet in the driver’s door, or the sidewall of the tire. The Internet can also be used to confirm the proper size for a particular type of vehicle.
8. Determine the load capacity of the truck. Knowing the load capacity of the truck, the thickness of the tires that will be needed to support the maximum possible load will be verified.

Decoding of the letter code on the side wall

What you need to know about important alphanumeric numbers is stamped on the sidewall of your truck tires. As an example, consider: P250/70R20 110T M&S.

P – This letter refers to the Vehicle Type for which the tires were designed. This size usually starts with P, T and LT. The letter ‘P’ means that this type can be used for passenger vehicles; the letter ‘T’ denotes that it can only be used temporarily, such as when changing floors; and ‘LT’ indicates that it can be used for vehicles that can carry heavy loads.

250 – This number refers to the width of the tire in millimeters; for example, the number 250 indicates that there are 250 millimeters from the outer wall to the inner wall.

70 – This number refers to the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the height to the width of the tire. Given the example above, the height is 70% of the width.

R – This letter refers to the Radial Construction of the carcass plies. A pneumatic tire version is made up of a carcass ply that provides support in extreme conditions. The carcass ply or main body of the tire is made of fine textile fiber cords bonded to rubber, which determines its strength. This letter can be replaced with D, B, or F. Each letter signifies a different internal construction of the shell plies.

20 – These numbers refer to the Wheel Diameter. The number 20 indicates that the tire is designed to fit a 20-inch diameter rim. This number is expressed in ‘inch wheels’, which are even numbers from 8 to 28. Heavy trucks have tires with half-inch diameters.

110 – These numbers refer to the charge rate. The load index ranges from 0 to 279 and indicates how much weight the tire is certified to carry at the proper inflation pressure. In this example, ‘110’ can carry a maximum load of 2,337 pounds.

T – This letter refers to the Speed ​​Rating. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed at which a tire is certified to operate. The speed rating ranges from Q (lowest) to Z (highest), with the exception of the light truck (H) versions which are not rated.

M&S – These letters refer to Mud & Snow. This indicates that the tire meets the Rubber Manufacturers Association Standard for a type of mud and snow. Variations include: M+S, M/S, and M&S.

The tires that are placed on any commercial truck are the only link between that vehicle and the road surface. Keep this in mind when shopping and don’t let cost be the primary purchasing consideration. Investing in quality wheels is always a wise choice for safety reasons. It’s also a good choice for financial reasons, as buying high-performance commercial truck wheels can lower fuel costs and save money. Educate yourself and make a wise investment in commercial truck tires!