How Overloading Vehicles Affects Commercial Tire Lifespan
While commercial tires are built to handle tough operating conditions, hauling overloaded cargo can wear them out quicker. You’re more likely to require frequent tire repairs or replacements and face decreased fuel efficiency.
How Excess Weight Causes Tire Wear
Loading your commercial tires beyond their recommended capacity affects their structural integrity. Heat buildup can occur, causing the sidewalls to flex and deform. That increases the tire’s footprint on the road and creates more friction.
Once your tires reach a certain temperature, the rubber may degrade and the internal steel belts could separate. Driving on weakened tires means you’re more likely to experience tire failure on the road, endangering yourself and other drivers. Improper load distribution results in some axles bearing more weight than others and uneven tread wear. You might also notice a difference in wear patterns between your front and rear tires.
Effects of Overloading on Tire Pressure and Performance
Underinflated tires are prone to excess wear in general, but overloading them puts them under greater strain. When inflation becomes too low, tires can’t effectively bear the weight of a vehicle. Low air pressure leads to poor handling and uneven wear across your tires.
Be careful not to overinflate your tires to compensate for extra weight. You’re more likely to experience traction issues when hauling a heavy load on overinflated tires. The tire’s contact patch becomes smaller with higher inflation, resulting in more noticeable damage along the center of the tread pattern.
The Role of Heat Buildup in Overloaded Commercial Tires
Overloaded commercial tires aren’t as effective at dissipating heat buildup. The more they flex, the harder the rubber has to work to manage weight. That places additional stress on the steel belts and ply layers, elevating internal friction. You may notice localized tread deformation in areas where heat buildup is particularly intense. Rubber also becomes softer at higher temperatures, compromising structural integrity and making them susceptible to blowouts.
Overloading and Fuel Efficiency
Heat creates greater rolling resistance, a combination of tire weight, deformation and friction with the road. The higher the rolling resistance, the harder your engine must work to propel your vehicle forward. That requires more fuel to keep it moving at a consistent speed. Add improper inflation to that, and you could face elevated fuel consumption. Those inefficiencies add up at the pump, especially if you drive long hauls frequently.
Signs of Overloaded Tires
- Sidewall bulging or deformity
- Cracks in tire rubber
- Cupping, scalloping or balding on tread
- Rubber separation
- Cuts and abrasions
- Flat spots after parking your vehicle
- Lopsided wear patterns
- Burning smell
- High pressure readings
- Poor handling
- Increased vibration at high speeds
- Blowouts
The Long-Term Benefits of Load Management
Adhering to manufacturer specifications for load capacity allows you to protect your investment and help your tires go the extra mile. You’re less likely to need repairs and replacements, helping you reduce your long-term operating costs. Proper management also enhances driver safety by ensuring that cargo weight is evenly distributed. That helps improve handling so you can execute defensive driving measures. It’s also crucial to keep your fleet in compliance with state and federal load regulations to avoid costly fines and penalties.
Protect Your Investment with Tire Maintenance at Bauer Built
We offer comprehensive tire and mechanical services to keep your fleet rolling, including wheel reconditioning, mounted wheel programs and emergency roadside service. Find a Bauer Built location near you to schedule your appointment.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog
