1. Tread depth

• • The minimum tread depth for steer tires and front tires is 4/32 of an inch 

• • The minimum tread depth for other tires is 2/32 of an inch 

• • You can use a penny to test the tread depth 

2. Pressure 

• • Check the tire pressure frequently and make sure it’s at the recommended level

• • Proper tire pressure is important for safety and fuel efficiency

3. Damage 

• • Look for any signs of punctures, cuts, or bulges

• • Replace tires as needed

4. Rotation 

• • Regularly rotate your tires to promote even wear and extend their lifespan

Other tips Avoid overloading your truck, Drive carefully, Use high-quality tires, and Have a spare tire available. 

5. Inspections

• • Commercial vehicles must be inspected at least once every 12 months by a qualified inspector 

• • Motor carriers may perform required annual inspections themselves 

Important Terms about tire wear

• • Vulcanization: The process of heating rubber with sulfur to create pliable material.

• • Rolling Resistance: The force required to keep a tire moving at a constant speed.

• • Sidewall: The part of the tire between the tread and the wheel rim.

• • Tread: The grooved material that makes up the outermost layer of a tire.

• • Tread Depth: The measurement of the usable tread left on a tire.

• • Traction: The amount of friction between the tire and the road surface.

Tire & Rim Inspections

During inspections, drivers should ensure that tires do not have any of the following conditions before driving:

• • Too Low/High Tire pressure (measured when cold)

• • Irregular tread wear

• • Cracking on the tire or wheel

• • Bulges

• • Inadequate tread depth

• • Cuts and punctures

• • Foreign objects

• • Proper matching of tires/rims

• • Missing or loose lug nuts

• • Other damage

Regulations

The first step is to be familiar with FMCSA regulations on commercial truck tires. The key rules are found in section 393.75. This section states that no motor vehicle should be operated on a tire that:

• • Has ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall

• • Has any tread or sidewall separation

• • Is flat or has an audible leak

• • Has a cut to the extent that the ply or belt material is exposed

Any tire on the front wheels of a bus, truck, or truck tractor shall have a tread groove pattern depth of at least 4⁄32 of an inch when measured at any point on a major tread groove. The measurements shall not be made where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, tires shall have a tread groove pattern depth of at least 2⁄32 of an inch when measured in a major tread groove. The measurement shall not be made where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located.

(d) No bus shall be operated with regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the front wheels.

(e) A regrooved tire with a load-carrying capacity equal to or greater than 2,232 kg (4,920 pounds) shall not be used on the front wheels of any truck or truck tractor.

(f) No motor vehicle may be operated with speed-restricted tires labeled with a maximum speed of 55 mph or less in accordance with S6.5(e) of FMVSS No. 119 at speeds that exceed the rated limit of the tire.