--- title: Tire Basics - RD slug: tire-basics-rd docTags: createdAt: 2025-10-23T15:32:22.323Z --- :::ExpandableHeading ## Tire Types ### Low Pro Radial Tire (LP) - Our most common tire - Most common trailer tire on the market so they are readily available and - Most cost effective for the weight and speed rating - **Size example:** LP22.5 or 295/75R22.5 ### Traditional Radial Tire - Taller radial tire design still used by some trucking companies - Taller tire than a Low Pro; heavier as a result - More expensive because they take more material to produce and are less common ### Bias Ply Tire - Older technology; do not wear or last as long as radial tires - Develop a “flat spot” after sitting for a while - Not to be used ::: :::::ExpandableHeading ## Tire Size and DOT Information ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/S77yFIqtfExfPZokf5ins_image.png) ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ### Low Pro Radial Tires - Tire width (mm) - Aspect Ratio - Rim or Wheel size - Example: **295/75R22.5** ### Radial Tires - Tire Width (in) - Rim or Wheel size - Example: **11R22.5** ### Bias Ply Tires - Tire Width (in) - Rim or Wheel size - Example: **10x20.00** ### DOT Date Stamps - The last 4-digit number is the date stamp - Example: 2910 = Produced in the 29th week of 2010 ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/nUmqedv9lZXvexwSmHKan_.blob) ![](https://app.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/qfPYx2uVHKpotkp_LERl-_.blob) ::: :::: *** ## Tire Wear Band ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/BHNiXovN6hzROSVW-ZTg9_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/yJIqwRNECxrGQDKgMxsrF_.blob) ::: :::: The wear band is an area in the groove of the tread that is **2/32nds taller** than the rest of the groove. The purpose is to easily identify a tire that is at/below the minimum legal tread depth. Be sure when gauging a tire that you don’t gauge it over the wear band. *** ## Tire Sizes ### Premier Standard Tire Sizes - Low Pro 22.5(LP22.5) - 295/75R22.5 – Vans, Reefers, Flatbeds, and Chassis - 285/70R22.5 – Vans, Reefers, Flatbeds, and Chassis *Note: Both sizes are acceptable and allowed to be run side by side with depth matching within +/- 4/32nds* - 255/70R22.5 (Not to be Retreaded) – Single Drops, Double Drops, Chassis & E-Vans(Lower Deck Height) ::::: :::::ExpandableHeading ## Retreading Retreading or recapping a tire is simply grinding the remaining tread off the tire casing to the original casing spec, and then adding new tread. ### Retread DOT Stamps - Each recap is branded with a date code - This indicates how many caps have been on the casing - Sometimes branding is skipped, so use with caution ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/pbgeIRKkaf5wd71stj0mk_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/ptLgyQ6izUT9e96vhzkcj_.blob) ::: :::: ### Pre-Cure Retread - Most common procedure - A pre-cured strip of tread is added to the casing - Tire is baked under pressure to cure the adhesive (padding compound) ### Mold Cure Retread - Raw rubber compound is added to the casing - Tire is put in a mold (clam shell) and baked under pressure to cure the entire tread ### “Hot Cap” - Old procedure made for bias tires - Raw rubber compound added to the casing and stretched into a heated fixed mold - **Should not be used** **** ## Retread Vendor Selection - The selection of a retreader for the branch should be discussed with your ROM - You must have ROM approval to switch or start using another capper - Visit the capping facility to review their procedures and process - You can cap casings up to **7 years old** - Casings **8 years and older** should be sold or scrapped - No limit to number of caps per casing - Only cap **Low Pro 22.5(295/75R22.5 or 285/70R22.5)** size tires - Casings that fail inspection should be scrapped by the retreader and not returned to the branch - We **only retread our own casings** - Never allow the retreader to swap casings with you - **Repair limits:** - Max **3 nail patches per casing** - Max **1 large** or **2 medium/small sections** at least 90° apart ::::: :::::ExpandableHeading ## Tire Repairs ### Acceptable Repair - Patch ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/xBwjiDRLG9EvyIBHzjulK_.blob) - Patch or nail patch applied **inside the tire casing** - No more than **3 nail patches** per tire ### Acceptable Repair - Section ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/cXiO0klTuWAbrzOyCzGvS_.blob) - Section repairs identical to a patch but larger - No more than **2 sections** at least 90° apart - Similar to patches but include reinforcing plies - Allow larger repairs ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/ZwuXHQ-gAoDL6QPYJvvCb_.blob) *** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/urDkj6yD9RVpl_IpJVq3H_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/257uXoNa1GDRjZffEJSww_.blob) ::: :::: ### - **Bead repairs:** Usually from improper mounting/dismounting; vendor responsible - **Nail hole plugs:** Illegal on commercial vehicles, must be properly repaired - **Regrooving of flat or low spots:** Tire remains unbalanced and won’t last - **Sidewall repairs:** Broken cords cause catastrophic failures - **Zip ties:** Never acceptable 😀 ::Image[]{src="https://app.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/nbjZK_k6dj0NCcZ-le0lS_.blob" size="48" width="736" height="777" position="center" darkWidth="736" darkHeight="777" showCaption="false"} ::::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Tire Pressure - PSI Maintaining proper tire inflation is important to maintain life and minimize tire expense. ***All tires should be inflated to 100 PSI to maximize efficiency.*** ::Image[]{src="https://app.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/clZFYFMmre9u6q2DlRkd7_.blob" size="70" width="707" height="553" position="center" darkWidth="707" darkHeight="553" showCaption="false"} ### Effects of Overinflation - **Less Road Contact:** Too much air makes the tire bulge in the middle. Only the center tread touches the road, which reduces your traction and grip. - **Uneven Tread Wear:** Because the center bears all the weight, it wears out much faster than the outer edges. You will need to replace your tires sooner. - **Poor Handling and Stopping:** Less rubber on the ground means longer stopping distances and a higher chance of skidding or sliding during emergency braking. - **Rougher Ride:** Overinflated tires lose their ability to flex and absorb shocks. You will feel every bump, crack, and small rock in the road ### Effects of Underinflation - **Longer stopping distances: **Deformed tires cannot grip the road well, so this make it take longer to stop - **Risk of blowouts: **Extra friction and sidewall flexing build up high heat, which can cause sudden tire failure. - **Lower fuel economy:** Higher rolling resistance forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. - **Uneven tread wear:** Tires wear down quickly and heavily on the outer edges, shortening their lifespan. - **Frequent replacements:** Premature damage means you must buy new tires much sooner than expected. ::: :::::ExpandableHeading ## Common Damage / Irregular Wear ### General Causes - Modern tire manufacturing and recapping minimize defects - Most issues caused by **low inflation** or **impact damage** - Damage may persist even after conditions corrected *** ### Cupping ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/gQ3p2G82yLXTl0eEuykNY_.blob) ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/wynvmvrhmMdJKL6bMXwXF_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/3K1pgsNYDfLarqcTLIPxk_.blob) ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/Whz4ojOaqy1m_994KceW-_.blob) ::: :::: - Most common irregular wear - Caused by **low pressure** or **mismatched dual tires** - May also result from **broken shocks** *** ### Flat Spots ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/gTTs5iIAMDEBgnK3UldDc_.blob) ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/uiZxsHgIwfdmMReaYjgCm_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/x1pzYLDdZIqGMI93RdjYw_.blob) ::: :::: - Caused by dragging trailer (locked brakes or moving before brakes release) - Gauge tire at lowest spot during inspection *** ### Impact Breaks ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/2_bLeloVEiyYHAWhwP8dx_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/z-EbdxiRHPxa0loC7-MgA_.blob) ::: :::: - Caused by hitting debris, potholes, or curbs *** ### Sidewall Cuts & Gouges ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/77Q3VeOUXPrPZwdDhAD3O_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://app.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/hc-gqCNWE0o_TGcAjzUOa_.blob) ::: :::: - Caused by rubbing against objects (curbs, trailers, debris) - Acceptable if **cords not exposed** *** ### Alignment Issues ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/ONTJ88SDZITttnX8D5OiI_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/aPHxL8CJgSiAH1Img-bCi_.blob) ::: :::: - Wears tire unevenly across tread - Check for **axle misalignment** or **suspension damage** *** ### Anti-Scuff Band (Shoulder) Wear ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/v-BB0CKB1tHjEYyNmiefd_.blob) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://app.archbee.com/api/optimize/Boual1St2TQIYsn8_cLKJ/Q22i-ugvERqFGyd91KaFj_.blob" size="52" width="633" height="796" position="center" darkWidth="633" darkHeight="796" showCaption="false"} ::: :::: - Edge wear from **anti-scuff band** protecting inner tread during turns ***NOTE: As long as wear does not crossover to inner tread, edge wear alone does not warrant a tire replacement.*** ::::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Fleet Management ### Goals Provide the **highest quality tires** while controlling maintenance costs. Because we recap only our casings: - Buy a mix of virgin and recapped tires - Install virgin sets on newest vans, reefers, and spread axles - Use “take-offs” for matching older units - Keep used tires in inventory for single replacements - Match tires across axles for longer wear - Replace valve stems during tire - Flow-thru caps on all tires - Use Premier web shop gauges; replace yearly *** ### Fleet Tire Size Consistency - Standardize tire sizes fleet-wide - Replace odd sizes with standard sizes when possible - Trade good casings for common ones with tire suppliers - Standardization reduces cost and simplifies road calls ### Tire Matching - Tires work best when tread depth and PSI are **matched** - Mismatched tires cause uneven load distribution and premature wear - **Only virgin tires** allowed on Reefer, Liftgate, or Spread Axle trailers - **Side-by-side tires:** - Over-the-road trailers – within **4/32nds** - Cartage trailers – within **6/32nds** *** ### Rim Refurbishment - Rusty rims can trigger DOT inspections - Maintain refurbished rims in inventory - Replace rusty rims when installing new tires *** ### Galvanized Rims - If replacing, use white rims - match outside rims *** ## Vendor Selection - Choose vendors who: - Carry national account brands - Have sufficient service trucks - Handle road calls and recapping - Offer rim refurbishment and casing trade - Maintain **two suppliers** minimum - Tire vendors should specialize in tires, not general mechanics - Work with ROM on vendor selection ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Tire Rebill Calculations **Maintenance Types:** | ***Standard Maintenance*** | ***Net Maintenance*** | | --------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | Mileage fee applies; maintenance managed by Premier | No mileage charge; customer manages maintenance | | Includes FHWA inspection and normal wear | No coverage beyond return condition | | Customer charged for anything beyond normal wear + service call | Customer pays all external maintenance | ### Net Maintenance **On-Hire:** All costs plus standard markup **At Termination:** - If tire type changed → casing billed under ESN - Unusable tire (sidewall damage) → INB 32nds = 2 - Flat spotted or irregular → measure at lowest spot (2 min) - Flat tire → repair + markup ### Standard Maintenance - **On Hire:** Low tread → road call fees + markup - **Lost casing:** Local market cost - **Excessive wear:** \<12,000 miles per 1/32 - **Flat repair:** Cost + markup - **Damaged tire:** Road call fees + markup - **Proration formula:** - Remaining 32nds – 2/32 (DOT pull-off) × $45.00 - Lost casing fee not to exceed $600 total per tire *** ## How To Prorate a Tire – Maintenance RA - **Normal wear:** - Close tandem – 12,000 mi per 1/32 - Spread axle – 8,000 mi per 1/32 - **Example:** - OUB 12/32, hub 1 → 26,500 mi - Useable tread = 10/32 – 3/32 = 7/32 - 7 × $45 = $315 + $95 casing = **$410 total** (max $600) If tire replaced previously, use miles since last replacement for proration. *** ## Tires on Foreign Branch Division **Effective April 2023:** - Replace tires against another branch expense using **retreads from stock** - Add task line: “Retreading for Stock #321” - **Exceptions:** - Only new originals on Reefers, Liftgates, and Spread Axles - If casings cannot be retreaded: - Add one extra retread per lost casing with **photo and note documentation** ::: Reference the [](https://premiertrailerleasinginc.sharepoint.com/sites/ReferenceLibrary/Operations/OpsWiki/Tire%20Management/PTI%20%20-%20Tire%20Management.pdf) for more Information **** #