Optimum truck tyre pressure improves driver comfort and fuel economy, but it does more than that. It means safety over hundreds or thousands of kilometres. It is therefore important not to underestimate the fact that long trips and heavy loads accelerate the natural deflation of tyres.
Truck tyre pressures should be checked regularly.What is the correct pressure for truck tyres?
Truck tyre pressures must be adjusted to suit the load weight, vehicle speed and other operating conditions. There are no universal values (although a range of 5-9 bars is common), so follow the recommendations of the vehicle and tyre manufacturers.
Information on the correct values, depending on the axle or load, can be found in the vehicle handbook and on labels: on the fuel door and on the driver's door pillar. If necessary, you can find more materials, conversion factors and pressure tables on the Internet.
How often should I check my truck tyre pressure?
You should check truck tyre pressure regularly. If you use your truck intensively, it is a good idea to do this more frequently: at least every two weeks and before every long trip. If you notice significant differences in pressure between the tyres, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Also remember to check the spare tyres regularly.
To correctly read the pressure of a truck tyre, you should wait a few minutes after driving. The measurement is more accurate when the tyre is cold, because the pressure inside the tyre increases by up to 1.5 bars as it warms up. It is also worth taking the ambient temperature into account: on cold days, the value indicated by the compressor may be lower and on warm days, it may be higher.
Checking the pressure of your truck tyres is a good opportunity to take a closer look at the wheels and assess their condition. This will translate into safety on the road. Any defects in the tyres, including cuts, cracks or blisters, as well as insufficient tread depth, are cause for concern. Even something as common as sawtooth wear should not go unnoticed. Damage to valves and rims is also cause for concern. If you have opted for retreaded or used truck tyres, you need to be particularly careful.
Inflating truck tyres
Tyres should be cold both when you check and inflate them. Importantly, it is safest to adjust the pressure of a truck tyre in a special cage. Its purpose is to protect you against the dangerous effects of a possible explosion caused by injecting too much air into the tyre.
Under- and overinflation of truck tyres
Underinflation causes uneven wear of the truck tyre, with the shoulder wearing faster than the centre. It can also cause the tyre to rub against the rim, resulting in damage to the bead at the point of contact with the rim. Inadequate pressure on truck tyres risks overheating and exposing the structure.
On the other hand, if the pressure is too high, the tyre's handling characteristics are compromised. This may result in poorer shock absorption, which makes driving uncomfortable. It can also lead to faster wear of the suspension components, whch absorb shocks and vibrations. At the same time, the life of the tyre itself will shorten, regardless of the model. The tread will wear more quickly, making the tyre more susceptible to cuts and punctures. Rolling resistance will also deteriorate, affecting the car's fuel consumption.
It is important to remember that all these factors can lead to cargo damage, vehicle breakdown or even an accident.
In summary, maintaining correct pressure in truck tyres means:
- safety,
- driver and passenger comfort,
- longer tyre life,
- driving economy.
Taking care of truck tyres, including checking their pressure, is essential for safe driving. Truck tyre pressure sensors
For many years, tyre pressure sensors for trucks have not been widely used, but this is set to change thanks to a European Commission regulation. All trucks, semi-trailers and trailers put on the market after 6 July 2022 must be fitted with a system that monitors pressure and temperature. In 2024, this requirement will be extended to all new vehicles.
What does this mean? Thanks to TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), drivers can monitor their truck's tyre pressure in real time and be alerted in real time if there are any irregularities. As it turns out, this solution not only improves safety, but is also great for fleets because it allows them to improve fuel economy. Knowing about any irregularities in advance can prevent costly repairs or downtime as well as situations that pose a risk to life and health.