The performance of your truck depends on a number of factors such as the regularity with which it is maintained, how well it is handled and the quality of the components used to build it etc. The other important aspect is that you need to have the right kind of tires on your truck as well. Today, there are a large number of tire options to choose from and that can make it very difficult to decide which heavy truck tire to buy.
Some tips
While a good truck center will provide you all the information you need about the different type of tires available and what their pros and cons are, it’s important that you too be aware of some basic things while choosing truck tires. Here are some pointers that will help you choose the right heavy truck tire for your truck:
- The area you will be driving the truck in– This is one of the first considerations while buying tires for your truck. Do you largely drive on asphalt roads or is it a mix of streets and off-roading. If you are going to be exclusively off-roading you would need different types of tires altogether.
Most new trucks from the factory are equipped with tires that are suitable only for street driving. If you will be off-roading for a large part of the time and traveling over muddy terrain or rocky roads, you will have to choose tires that are taller than the standard ones.
- Tire ratings– Every truck manufacturer has different ratings for different tires and the sidewalls of the heavy truck tire will have details about the tire performance and other specifications and these are the things you should be taking into account as well. Truck tire size rating is generally indicated in metric, and you can easily trace that on the side wall of your original truck tire.
As mentioned you can always choose to upgrade if you desire better performance. However, while doing this, it’s important never to go to the extreme. It’s best to stick to the median path of what is mentioned on the list to ensure that the heavy truck tire-set you choose isn’t out-rated for your truck. If you use tires that are out-rated that can reduce the tread life and lead to other problems as well.
- Warranty coverage– Keep in mind that your tires bear the entire weight of your truck and any cargo it carries. This is why it is never a good idea to compromise on the quality of the tires you buy. Always check what kind of warranty coverage the tire manufacturer offers and then make your choice.
- Pricing- Since there are a large number of manufacturers to choose from when it comes to truck tires, you will also find there is a wide variation in pricing as well. This is why it’s important to conduct a bit of research and get expert advice when choosing a heavy truck tire for your truck. Never settle for something just because it’s cheap as that may be a poor quality tire. Look for tires of a brand that has good reviews and are competitively priced.
If you aren’t too sure about the type of tires you need to buy for your truck, ask for advice in a truck center.