Choosing right commercial tire for your semi truck.
Nowadays choosing a commercial tire for your semi-truck got very complicated with a variety of name brands there is. Often, the cheapest tire is not the most cost-effective. In this article we wanted to help the end user, does not matter if it is an owner of a semi-truck or large fleet, choose the right tire that fits your needs and budget. That is why Acme Truck Tires prepared a number of things to consider when purchasing new commercial tires.
First of all, pay attention or shoot a picture of the tires that you currently have, (check the tires for the uneven wear). Very often the way your tires look at the end of its life speaks for itself. Just by looking at it you can tell if there is anything wrong with your truck suspension or parts and fix the problem before you invest in a new set of tires which usually ranging anywhere from 1900- 5000$. Based on Acme Truck Tires customers and our partners feedback we created a list of parts recommended to check before new tire installation:
- Alignment
- Shock absorbers
- King pings
- Wheel bearing
- Wheel bushing (if applicable)
- Spring leafs
- Center bearing
- Tie rod ends
Cost per mile tire characteristics is one of the most important when choosing the right tires for your fleet, however, there are quite a few thing things to consider as well:
- Performance.
- Product quality
- Profitability
- Warranty/adjustment policy
- Fuel efficiency
- Retreadability
- Technical support
- End user brand awareness
- End user marketing support
- Original equipment supplier
Taking into consideration all of this tire specs you have to understand that commercial tires have Tiers classifications, and the higher Tire Tier is – the higher tire specs would be, better life, durability and warranty the higher cost you pay.
Here are some examples of tire brands divided into Tiers (levels):
Tier 1 brands – Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear (G models only)
Tier 2 brands – Pirelli, BF Goodrich, Firestone, Goodyear Marathon models, General, Toyo, Yokohama, Hankook
Tier 3 brands – Double Coin, WindPower, Ironman, TBB Tires, Triangle, Aeolus, GT, Kumho, Dayton, Dunlop, Roadmaster, Uniroyal, etc.
The rest of the tire brands would probably have to be considered a Tier 4 quality tires.
After you finally make a decision as far as tire brand and specs that fit your needs try to search online for some additional info and other user feedback also check with your local trusted tire dealer for possible experience as mistakes could be costly and harmful for your budget.
