TIRECRAFT Fleet Maintenance Tips: How To Keep Steer Tires In Shape

While all tires play a key part in fleet vehicle performance, one could argue that steer tires are the most important tires on your truck, and your maintenance plan should reflect that.

Read on to learn more about the importance of steer tire maintenance and get 5 quick tips to keep your rubber on the road for longer, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to schedule a free steer tire consultation.

The Importance Of Steer Tire Maintenance For Fleet Vehicles

“Steer axle tires directly influence the steering performance and have a great impact on the handling performance of the vehicle,” says Stephen Herrington, tire development engineer for Hankook Tire. They also help regulate fuel economy and ensure a smooth ride, both of which are essential for long-haulers and regional truckers who spend all day behind the wheel.

Since they carry some of the heaviest loads, and the steer axle position exposes them to unique wear conditions, steer tires need to be built tougher than the rest.

“Tread compound and tread pattern are the key factors that really differentiate our steer tires from our other wheel positions,” says Robert Palmer, director of market sales engineering at Bridgestone. Most steer tires feature a five-rib design and increased tread depth, and many brands have begun to introduce additional sidewall protection and tread compounds to protect from scrubbing.

However, even the most durable steer tires on the market won’t last without proper maintenance. Neglecting steer tire upkeep is a dangerous and costly mistake, one that could put your drivers and customer relations at risk, void your warranty, and make your tires ineligible for retreading. And since tire repairs are already the third-largest operating cost for commercial fleets behind fuel and payroll, premature steer tire failures are the last thing you need.

Fortunately, steer tire maintenance is a relatively straightforward process, and with more than 300+ TIRECRAFT locations around the country, plus an additional 10,000 points of service available through the Tire Service Network, it’s never been easier to keep them in shape.

Protect Your Steer Tires: 5 Tips To Keep Fleet Rubber On The Road

1. Select the right steer tires—Effective maintenance starts with smart shopping. Steer tires come in two load ranges: G and H. When properly inflated, G tires can bear a steer-axle weight of approximately 12,400 pounds. However, many modern trucks, with their big engines and heavy loads, require a bit more. For help determining your unique steer tire needs, get in touch with your local TIRECRAFT.
2. Maintain proper steer tire pressure—Steer tires ride on air, so make sure you invest in a good pressure gauge and monitor inflation levels carefully. 110 PSI is typically recommended, but you will need to refer to your manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. When in doubt, contact your local TIRECRAFT.
3. Keep your suspension in shape—”Steer tires mainly face wear issues resulting from faulty suspension components,” says Herrington, development engineer for Hankook tire. Accordingly, you should make room in your fleet maintenance budget for regular suspension checks and services—most industry experts recommend doing so approximately every 24,000km.
4. Ensure proper steer tire alignment—Improper alignment is one of the most common causes of uneven wear, and it has forced countless steer tires back to the trailer position—or, more often than not, into the scrap heap. Try to book an alignment service every 6 to 12 months.
5. Monitor your fleet’s scrap steer tires. Scrap tire analysis can tell you a lot about where your maintenance plan is falling short. For example, if you consistently spot feather wear, your fleet vehicles likely have a chassis or steering system alignment issue. The sooner you spot signs of trouble, the more you’ll save. If you’d rather leave it up to the pros while you focus on building your business, get in touch with our team.

Get A Free Quote On Steer Tire Maintenance: Contact TIRECRAFT

Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to schedule a free steer tire consultation and get answers to all of your upkeep questions.

Back