Choosing the Right Commercial Tires Based on Road Conditions
Driving conditions can dictate which type of commercial tires you buy. Rough terrain, wet surfaces and unpaved roads present challenges that affect driver safety, fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. Learn about driving in different terrains and which commercial tires are best suited to those environments.
Types of Commercial Driving Environments
Commercial tires aren’t one size fits all. Last-mile fleets, off-road machinery and semi trucks have different tire requirements based on the state of the roadways – or lack thereof – and weather conditions.
Urban Roads
Types of urban roadways include arterial, collector, commercial and residential streets. They typically have narrower lanes than highways and interstates, making maneuvering large vehicles more difficult. Traffic lights, pedestrians and cyclists necessitate harsh braking and frequent stops and increase the rate of tire wear.
Regional tires are ideal for driving on urban roads. Their design features extra sidewall protection to reduce curb impact and enhance traction, which is essential for sudden stops.
Highways and Interstates
Highway driving presents specific challenges, including quick lane changes for merging and exiting, idling and potholes. Commercial vehicles traveling at high speeds need tires that provide excellent traction to enhance maneuvering and control. If you operate a long-haul fleet, it’s important to use tires that can reduce rolling resistance and withstand heat buildup.
You should also consider weather conditions along your route, as they may influence your tire selection. Winter and all-season tires provide better traction. Long-haul tires feature enhanced tread life and heat dissipation capabilities.
Rural Roads
Rural roads can be uneven and littered with potholes and cracks. That increases the chance of damage, tread wear and punctures. You may also encounter limited lighting and wildlife, requiring sudden stops and harsh braking.
This driving environment demands tires with aggressive tread patterns to grip uneven surfaces and loose dirt or gravel. All-terrain tires provide traction on various surfaces, which is essential if you’re operating on unpaved roads. Those tires also have reinforced sidewalls to help them absorb shock and prevent structural damage.
Slippery or Wet Pavement
Snow, ice and rain can make driving difficult in any environment. Your commercial vehicles may be at a greater risk for hydroplaning as wet surfaces reduce tire traction. Driving on wet or slippery pavements also increases braking distance, which can make sudden braking difficult and increase the chance of collision.
Tires with deeper treads allow for better water evacuation so your tires can grip the road, including all-season tires. Look for tread designs with wide grooves and siping that channel water and snow out of the tire.
Mountain Roads
You may encounter steep inclines and declines and sharp turns while driving on mountain roads. Navigating snowy or icy roads can present a particular challenge for heavy commercial vehicles, too. Tires made of soft rubber compounds with deep treads offer traction and flexibility that are essential for safe driving through the mountains.
Winter tires are good for cold weather environments. There are also studded and studless commercial tire options that offer even better grip on ice and snow.
The Impact of Choosing the Right Commercial Tires
Driver safety: The right commercial tires can provide enhanced traction and grip to help control acceleration and braking. That improves safety for drivers and reduces the risk of collisions. The right commercial tires can also ease vibrations and support a smooth ride.
Fuel efficiency: Matching commercial tires to the appropriate environment and application can reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. The right tires can help reduce overall operational costs and protect your bottom line.
Vehicle performance: Preventing premature wear and tear and lower your maintenance costs. Selecting commercial tires to optimize your vehicle performance, so you don’t have to worry about costly downtime.
Cost savings: Tires suited for the appropriate load and application can offer better longevity and durability. That can extend the life of your tires so you don’t have to pay for frequent replacements.
Top-Rated Commercial Tires at Bauer Built
Are you on the hunt for quality commercial tires? Browse our tire selector to find products by size and application to find the best option for your fleet. Contact one of our service locations for assistance.
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