There’s a spec on your tire. No, not a spot of dirt, but a specification. In fact, specs are on every tire produced and are used to inform the customer of the details regarding sizing, usage, tread, and distance limits. There are thousands of different types of tires on the market today from a multitude of tire makers. Properly spec’ing your tires means that you can choose the best out of this abundance of options.
The Right Way
According to Overdrive.com, variables to consider when spec’ing your tires include, “size and number of plies and related weight rating, tread design, tread depth, tread compound and wheel position.” As you research tires for your vehicle, evaluate the type of work your truck will be performing and then choose tires based on their ratings for this type of work. For instance, choosing low profile tires for long-haul highway driving can save on fuel because the sidewall height is less than the width.
There are adjustments you can make to your tire buying process once you begin doing your research to spec your tires. When researching, be sure to check all the options in all price ranges. Sometimes the more expensive tires have longer lifespans or can save you more money on fuel, and likely enough to afford the upgrade. Some changes to consider when spec’ing tires could be to research wide singles that can be used as alternatives to double wheels. You will likely have to get your truck refitted for these, but they are a great choice for long haul driving since they are much lighter.
Save Money and Time
Once you have properly spec’d tires, you can be sure that your truck is running as efficiently as possible. While you are focused on the financial aspect, a great idea for those trying to save more money is looking into retreaded tires. New tires can be extremely expensive, but retreads usually run about ½ or ? of the new price. Retreads, when bought from a reputable source, are just as safe and have been inspected for quality and durability on the road. One final money saving tip is to shop wisely. Make sure you are choosing the best quality for the best price, even if this takes a while to research.
Road and Wallet
Traveling on the road costs money, from fuel, to taxes and insurance, to maintenance and parts for the vehicle, there are a lot of high prices that you will pay as a driver or fleet owner. Some of these costs can be reduced in the long run by properly gearing your rears, ensuring your engine is running at peak performance, and spec’ing your tires, you can be sure to save money which is important for keeping your business healthy. The great news is, with some research, you can save your money without sacrificing quality.
Final Thoughts
Why should you take the time to research how to properly spec your tires? The short answer is to save money by decreasing your fuel usage and getting the most life out of your tires. Everyone loves saving money, but the added benefit of spec’ing your tires properly is knowing that you have the best tires for your truck and its application means that your truck is ready to face the roads safely and efficiently!