How Buying Commercial Truck Tires Can Save You Money
Commercial truck tires in order to be chosen carefully because they are acustomed on trucks that are utilized in businesses or commercial purposes. The actual truckers exert extra effort in the quest to find the right ones for their trucks.
Buying quality tires preserves money general health last longer and are more durable than inexpensive added wheels. This means you do not have to keep buying new tires every time inferior tires break in. Buying more often is more than buying expensive ones now but not buying again for years after who seem to.
Inferior tires may be cheaper but once it breaks down, it will cost you through buying expensive tires primarily. Commercial trucks often carry important loads and but if your truck breaks down, you might not be capable of making that important delivery, thus, making you lose money and clients as good. This would be bad for business and will often make you lose well over the price expensive auto. Quality tires can enhance the performance of the truck and will often make deliveries on time or even earlier.
Expensive truck tires produces your travel smoother because it has better treads. Quality tires have better rolling resistance which is why you reduce the use of acceleration when traveling time, anyone save cash on fuel also. Remember that fuel pricing is very unpredictable and often on fuel is every driver’s dream come genuine.
Tips for Buying The Right Commercial Truck Tires
Tips for Buying The Right Commercial Truck TiresIn trucking operations, one of the most critical purchases is often taken for granted – the type of commercial truck tires to install. Truck tires are not all the same and making the right choice can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars per truck, while just buying the same brand or model of tire or making the wrong choice can cost you that much – or more.
With so many options in commercial truck tires to choose from, how do you know which is right? Have your on-the-road needs, routes, driving conditions or loads changed since the last set of tires you purchased?
1- Choose based on route and driving application.
Tires are designed to operate with specific applications in mind. There are specific tread designs, rubber compounds, and tire construction for long haul routes, regional routes, urban settings, and on/off road needs. If a tire is being used in the wrong application it will not perform as you may need and can possibly prematurely wear. For example, if tires designed for long haul are used in an urban setting the tread will prematurely scrub off.
2- Check the weight rating.
This might seem obvious, but don’t overlook it. Make sure your tires have a weight rating compatible with your truck and load.
3- Get a warranty.
Whenever possible, make sure the tires you get are backed by warranties. That’s extra insurance against manufacturer defects and helps guarantee you get plenty of years of usage out of your new truck tire purchase. Most major brands guarantee 7 years and 3 retreads.
4- Sometimes a retread is the right answer.
If your current tires are only showing some signs of wear and the casings are in good shape, you might not need new tires at all. Modern tire retreading is safe, effective, and has an extremely favorable ROI. You can get a retread for less than half what a new tire costs while restoring your current tires. !
5- Never buy used except in true emergencies.
The cost/benefit ratio on used tires just isn’t there. You don’t know how the tire was utilized by the previous owner or under what conditions they were ran.. They could even fail at critical moments, leaving you stranded. If there’s been a blowout and there’s no choice but to buy used, do what you have to do – but swap them out for new or retreaded as soon as possible.
PERFORMING QUALITY INSPECTION
After you’ve done the initial due diligence, you can proceed to examine the details of truck’s overall quality. Here are some of the finer points to inspect when it comes to buying a quality used truck.
CHECK THE OIL
As part of your quality inspection, check the existing oil situation. This includes looking at the current oil levels as well the condition of the oil. Both the engine and transmission oil status can be a further indicator of the overall health and condition of the truck.
LOOK FOR BODY RUST
Continue inspecting the vehicle’s quality by looking for rust on the exterior surfaces as well as within the structure of the vehicle. Check the doorframes and other parts for signs of structural rust. This could indicate the vehicle hasn’t been well-maintained and may not have much life left.
When examining the surface for rust, look for raised spots on the paint. If you find these patches, especially on the roof, they may indicate rust underneath.
LOOK FOR BODY DAMAGE
This may seem obvious, but don’t overlook any possible body damage. To avoid missing any deficiencies, be sure to only inspect the truck outdoors and in daylight.
CONSIDER THE TRUCK’S MILEAGE
The truck’s mileage can also be a good indicator of the overall quality of the vehicle when considered with other factors. Knowing the engine model can help indicate at which mileage point an engine rebuild may be required.
When looking at the mileage you’ll want to consider your own use for the truck. If you’re planning on driving frequently over long distances, it may make more sense to look for a truck with lower mileage.
However, a vehicle with high mileage doesn’t necessarily remove it from the running. If the truck has been consistently well cared for, it may still have a lot of life left in it.
INSPECT THE TIRE TREAD
When purchasing a used truck, it’s easy to overlook certain parts because you may become focused on mechanical issues and maintenance history. But don’t forget to look at the tires during your own inspection. As part of your thorough research, remember to examine the tread left on the tires. Find out:
- How many miles have been put on the current tires
- When they should be due for replacement.
Without taking this into consideration ahead of time, it could mean yet another upcoming investment you’ll need to make when buying a used truck.
Assessing the mechanical operation
Once you’ve inspected the quality of the truck, including its exterior and interior condition, you’ll want to get to know it from a mechanical and operational standpoint. You’ll need to be clear on what your primary use for the truck will be and find the right match. Use these steps to assist you in the assessment.
SELECT THE BEST AXLE LAYOUT
Consider the type of axle layouts and configurations that are available. Depending on the load you’re carrying, there are different layouts that are more appropriate for each scenario:
Are you hauling goods long distances throughout difficult terrain?
Or are you making shorter more frequent trips?
If you’re uncertain, consult an expert to make the right purchase for your needs.
DETERMINE THE RIGHT HORSEPOWER AND TOWING CAPACITY
Another important consideration for your specific needs is the amount of engine horsepower and towing capacity the truck has. If you’re towing construction equipment such as excavators, then you won’t require the same power as you would need for long-distance commercial trailer towing. Be sure to inquire specifically about the truck’s capacity and if it will meet your own towing requirements.
CONSIDER TRANSMISSION TYPES
Commercial trucks are available in both automatic and manual transmissions, which could be yet another decision to make. It may come down to a personal preference. Take into consideration the transmission type and what you’ll be most comfortable with before moving on your used truck purchase.
ASK AN EXPERT
If you don’t feel comfortable assessing the mechanics and quality of the truck on your own, it’s a good idea to bring in a certified truck mechanic. As an expert, the truck mechanic will be able to point out things you may have overlooked. A mechanic will also be able to make recommendations about the specs of the truck to meet your needs.
Want to Lift Your Truck or Jeep? Here are Some Things to Keep in Mind
Truck and Jeep drivers tend to get lift kits for a couple reasons. The first reason being the driver is a serious and extreme off-roader who will be trekking through rough terrain quite a bit, the other reason is that they like the agressive look. Lift kits can be really beneficial and good looking, however there is a lot to consider when adding one to your vehicle. If you plan on adding a lift kit to your truck or SUV, check out some must know dos and don’ts below.
Basic Dos and Don’ts of Lift Kits
- Do get a new lift kit from a reputable company like Mopar.
- Don’t purchase a lift kit used or without doing research on the company/brand before hand.
- Do get the kit professionally installed.
- Don’t try to figure out how to install it on your own, especially if you have never done it before.
- Do make sure you do your research so you purchase the right kit, size, and so on.
- Don’t buy the first kit you find or skip the research to know which size fits your needs (one-inch being the smallest), which kit fits your vehicle, and what type of kit is best for you.
Things to Keep in Mind
Aside from the dos and don’ts there are many things to keep in mind when searching for the ideal lift kit and having it installed. First of all, a lift kit is more than just a mechanism to make your truck higher. Usually with a lift you need new tires and wheels, sometimes a new suspension, and always you need someone to recalibrate your vehicle’s computer.
Also, a lift kit will likely affect the drive of your vehicle. The higher you go, the rougher the ride, so expect the ride to be not as smooth.
Lifting and adding new tires, no matter how low or high, will affect your fuel economy. If you are one of those people that already complain about your truck or SUV being bad on gas, you may want to reconsider getting a lift kit.
Finally, keep in mind lift kits aren’t cheap! Between the kit, the parts, the wheels and tires, and any other parts it will cost you likely over $2,000. Not to mention, you need to consider time and labor it will take a service employee to modify your vehicle.
We are not trying to discourage you from getting a lift kit. Lift kits can be extremely beneficial to someone who off-roads through rough terrain and they can look awesome. Just make sure to keep in mind the dos and don’ts, and get a good kit installed by a professional when you go to do it!