New To Truck Tyre Buying? Here Are Important Things To Know

Before you purchase a truck tyre, get a deep understanding of the truck tyre terminology

One of the best strategies in the modern day is to read, review and have a handful of information before buying anything. The same rule applies to commercial truck tyre buying. Commercial truck tyres, in particular, are more complicated as compared to passenger ones.

A lot of brain goes behind engineering and testing before they are rolled out in the market. But here we are making things easy by briefly jotting down important things you need to keep in mind about commercial truck tyres:

Tyre Cross-Sectional Width

The starting three-digit number 295 in example 295/80 R22.5 specifies the cross-sectional width of the tyre in mm. The total width comprises the widest point of the inner to outer sidewall.

Tyre Aspect Ratio

After the slash mark in the above example, you will get the value of the ‘aspect ratio’ or ‘profile’ of the tyre. The two-digit number i.e. 80 indicates the total percentage of the sidewall’s height to its width. Means the distance from the rim of the wheel to the outside of the tread.

Tyre Construction

There are typically three symbols namely ‘R’, ‘D’ and ‘B’ indicating the construction type of the tyre. Take the same example from above (295/80 R22.5), the ‘R’ here signifies radial construction. Moreover, if it’s ‘D’ it will denote bias-ply construction, while the ‘B’ stands for belted tyre construction.

Also Read: Top 5 Truck Tyres For Indian Roads

Wheel Size and Diameter

The last two digits followed by the construction symbol represents the tyre wheel and diameter in inches. The larger the number, the larger the wheel size of the tyre. The 22.5 at the end of ‘295/80 R22.5’ means you need to fit a 22.5-inch diameter wheel.

Load Index and Speed Rating

Load index and speed rating are indicated in the form of double-digit numeric values and a letter. For example, in the 315/80 R22.5 150/156L dual fitment tyre, the 150/156 represents the load index of the tyre, while the L indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre should be used.

The load index 156 means the tyre can carry a maximum load capacity of 4000kg in a single fitment while 150 means the tyre can withstand a weight up to 3350kg in dual fitment. The L in the tyre size signifies that it is capable of reaching the maximum speed limit of 120km/h with the prescribed load.

Tyre Load Range or Ply Rating

On several commercial truck tyres, you will find a numeral and alphabet followed by the tyre size. For example, in 315/80 R22.5 156/150L 18PR, the ‘18’ denotes the ‘Ply Rating’ of the tyre.

Light truck tyres have load range letters abbreviated as B, C, D, E and F while the commercial trucks, which have high load-carrying requirements, the ranges are from F through L. The load pressure increases by 15 psi with the letter accordingly. The B has 35 psi, C has 50 psi while D, E, F have 65 psi, 80 psi and 95 psi in that order.

Truck Tyre Tread Pattern

There are basically four types of tread pattern found in commercial truck viz longitudinal, transverse, trailer type and compound or universal type. Each tread pattern has its own set of characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

In brief, the key function of the transverse pattern is to improve friction. The longitudinal pattern enriches tyre guidance and the lateral skid resistance. The compound pattern, on the other hand, is well-suited with the functions of the two patterns. It also belongs to the universal tyre category.

Tyre retreading

Tyre retreading is basically a process that injects new life into your old, weary tyres. This method includes renewing the structural quality of the tread and rubber. Over the years, several tyre manufacturers especially those associated with commercial trucks, are using the latest technologies to build tyres that can be retreaded again and again.

Retreading cut costs and is an environment-friendly process. However, with the advent of budget tyres, customers have become choosy. Also, in the retreading process, new rubber is placed on the worn-out casing without changing core infrastructure. Thus, the performance will be certainly lower than the brand new ones.

Tyre Insurance

A tyre is one of the significant components that tolerate the highest wear and tear as compared to the other parts of a vehicle. So, insurance of a tyre is equally vital as insuring other parts of a vehicle. And considering the pathetic road conditions in India, it becomes indispensable to go for insurance in a bid to avoid unwanted repair or replacement cost.

Tyre insurance is generally an add-on that is a part of a comprehensive insurance policy. Tyre damage can occur due to burst or impact, rough braking or sidewall bulging. The insurance typically covers the below add-ons:

• Replacing Cost of the Damaged Tyre 
• Labour Charges
• Accidental Damage to Tyre or Tubes

Knowing a few basics of truck tyres will ease the selection process. In a nutshell, understanding things related to your truck’s tyres are a necessity for today’s fleet managers. 

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