Where the Rubber Meets the (Off) Road

You can maximize your investment in pickup truck tires by shopping carefully for the right features and performing basic maintenance

Questionable terrain and construction debris are realities of the jobsite, but sworn enemies of the pickup truck tire. Combine these threats with constant use, heavy payloads and budget-conscious owners and you have the perfect storm for tire failure.

The economic climate dictates thrifty behavior, but where the maintenance of vehicles is concerned, perhaps the more important quality for contractors is diligence. “These trying times make it all the more important for work truck owners to do their homework when making tire purchase decisions,” says Crystal Sherman, light truck and SUV brand manager for Goodyear.

Sherman recommends that contractor pickup truck owners begin tire shopping by first evaluating the actual need for new tires.

Do I need new skins?

Aside from trusting the advice of a tire professional or detecting a loosening grip on the road during wet conditions, contractors can use a simple trick to inspect their tires.

Every 3,000 miles, truck owners should check the depth of the tread using the simple penny. With Lincoln facing out, stick the penny inside the tread and check to see how much of Abe

Lincoln’s head is visible. If you can see all of his head, new tires are in order, as the tire’s tread is about 2/32 inch — the legal limit.

Of course, it’s a good idea to replace the tires before they reach the legal limit, and experts recommend replacement when the tread reaches 4/32 inch.

Once you decide new tires are necessary, the question is where to go shopping, especially if this is your first time replacing tires on your latest pickup. A great option for starting the selection process is to do research online.

Many tire manufacturers offer beefed-up online stores that offer product information along with helpful hints on selecting the right models for specific needs. Once your basic homework is done, a face-to-face meeting with a tire professional will either confirm your ideas or introduce you to alternatives that may be better for your truck and the performance you require.

Which tires are best?

The main question you need to ask is: Which tire performance qualities are most important to my crew and me?

Sherman explains, “It’s important to understand that there are many types of tires. There are winter-specific tires, those dedicated to street performance, others for a comfortable ride, tires for long tread wear, and some for ultimate grip.”

If you drive off the road, you’re most likely looking for rugged tires with superior traction and a load rating that fits the demands of your jobs. To determine the best fit, ask yourself these questions, and be ready to discuss them with a professional:

What terrain will you typically drive on? The answer will help determine the level and types of traction you need and the toughness and puncture-resistance required. Tire models like the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, made with ultra-tough tread rubber, are built specifically to withstand the demands of a work truck, driving over gravel and other rugged terrain five or more days a week.

In what types of weather will you drive? If you drive in snowy climates, an all-weather tire bearing the industry-certified Mountain Snowflake symbol may be ideal. (North American tire manufacturers and the Rubber Manufacturers Association have established a voluntary, industry-wide definition for tires intended for use in severe snow conditions. Tires meeting performance-based criteria display the snowflake symbol.) If you might encounter extreme conditions, such as driving on ice, tires may need to be pinned for the application of studs.

What loads will you carry? The amount of load will dictate the most appropriate load range specification of the tire.

How much will new tires cost?

As for price, you have a wide range of options. Generally, prices range from $250 for a set of four purely on-highway tires to $800 for ultra-rugged, off-road-suitable tires.

It may be tempting to go with a less-expensive option, but you rely on your truck for a serious amount of work. A premium set of tires will last longer and may significantly enhance your truck’s performance, saving you money in the long run.

“The four tires on a vehicle are the only points that touch the road surface,” says Sherman. “A tire has to transmit grip, traction, cornering performance, braking, and ride comfort — in any weather. For a work truck, the tire’s load rating is critical, as well.”

When buying tires, it’s vital to understand how to extend their life. You should take the truck in for regular wheel alignment and take advantage of road-hazard coverage. You should also rotate the tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to help equalize tread wear.

Checking the tire pressure at least monthly helps protect tires from damage. Properly inflated tires perform better, improve ride comfort, and give you optimum fuel economy. Keep the tires inflated to the truck manufacturer recommended levels, as found on the driver’s side doorpost or in the glove box. Because load conditions can vary for work trucks, tire inflation based on load is especially important.

By conducting due diligence before you buy, you increase your chances of finding the tires that give you the best performance and the highest long-term value.

Kelly L. Moore is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. She can be reached at kelly@kellymoore consulting.com.



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