Truck tires: types, design and classification

Truck tires reduce engine load by reducing rolling resistance. High quality grip when braking significantly increases the level of safety. This allows you to operate heavy vehicles safely and economically.

Contents of the article:

• Contents of the article:
• Types of truck tires by type of equipment on which they are used
• Classification according to operating conditions
• Types of tread patterns
• Classification of truck tires according to the installed axle
• Truck tire designs
• Standard size
• Load and speed indices
• Rules of operation and storage

Types of truck tires by type of equipment on which they are used

Truck tires can be divided into groups depending on their specific use. The main types are listed below.

• Tires for trucks. They are divided into several groups. General characteristics – stability and controllability when moving at speed;
• For special equipment. They often have tread to provide traction on unstable soil. An example is tires for agricultural machines. Improved load-bearing capacity;
• For trailers and semi-trailers. Technically similar to boot or regional tires. They have deep circular grooves. Their main task is exchange rate stability;
• Tire design. Used for construction equipment. They must withstand heavy loads and are not afraid of damage; .

Classification according to operating conditions

Truck tires also stand out based on their operating method. Here, first of all, we mean the possibility of their use in specific conditions. Each option offers tires that are best suited for specific situations.

• Security trucks. The tires are fast and stable. Well controlled. Increasing the number of layers. Should only work on hard surfaces;
• Regional transport. The tread allows the tires to be used on asphalt and dirt roads. This strengthens the sidewalls, and in many cases the slopes become wider than the boot’s auto-lift slope;
• SUV (carrier). This is a type of regional tire, but with a higher slope for use off public roads. They often have herringbone tread or other variations that make traversing difficult terrain easier.

Based on these parameters, it is very easy to choose truck tires. To do this, you need to evaluate the potential use of the vehicle and determine which tire is best suited. By contacting the RusDiesel Tire Center you can buy tires for a truck necessary classification.

Types of tread patterns

An important parameter is the tire tread. The performance characteristics of a tire largely depend on it. Below is an analysis of the main varieties shown in the photo, which are typical for trucks.

• Symmetry. This is the simplest drawing. It is characterized by a completely identical pattern on both halves of the slope. There is often a circular groove. It is generally recommended to use free rolling axle. It can sometimes be used as a steering wheel, but only on a limited number of models;
• Symmetrical instructions. There is a direction of movement represented by the grooves and blocks of the tread. Used on the drive axle. These tires are suitable for SUVs. The most notable example is the “Christmas tree” used in tires for off-road trucks and agricultural vehicles;
• Asymmetry. Various combinations of two different projectors on a profile. Versatile in terms of weather conditions. Changed for all axes. Most often used with universal and regional tires;
• Asymmetrical readings. Direction drawings are also added here. Typically these are rubble tires designed for asphalt. They handle loads well and maintain excellent handling.

Classification of truck tires according to the installed axle

It’s also worth considering different types of axle tires. This classification overlaps with the tread pattern type. Only the technical characteristics of tires for various truck axles are discussed here.

• Steering. The treads here correspond to those described above for this type of tire. They are usually marked with the letter S (Steer). Their main task is to maintain the straight direction of the vehicle’s movement. They are often made soft enough to provide additional cushioning. The protectors use a minimal number of elements that increase noise levels. For winter options, slats are required;
• Leading. Brand – D (Drive). Since these tires are subject to fairly high loads, the rubber compound must contain elements capable of resisting wear. In many cases, these elements account for the majority of the load. To avoid problems, the sidewalls should be reinforced to increase the permissible load capacity. All tread elements are designed to provide the highest possible traction.
• On a free-rolling axle – marked T (trailer). In most cases, it is attached to a trailer. The main purpose is to facilitate rolling. This reduces fuel costs and reduces the load on the tractor. They can also be installed on additional axles with auxiliary functions. In most cases, the tread pattern resembles a steering wheel.
• Universal. Rarely seen. Brand – U (universal, all positions). Can be installed on any axle without restrictions. According to experts, these tires are significantly inferior to specialized truck tires.

Properly selected tires along the axles significantly improve safety and reduce fuel costs. Truck Tire Construction

Truck tire designs

Protector;

• Multiple layers of breakers;
• Cords (frame);
• Sidewalls;
• Plates;
• Side rings;
• Nylon bandage (not available on all models).
• These are the basic components. Steel bands, which are installed on tires for special vehicles, may be added.

Furthermore, pneumatic tires can be tubed or tubeless. The former has a rubber bladder that is inflated with air. Tubeless tires are inflated directly onto the rim.

The main disadvantage of tubed tires is that they quickly lose air if punctured.

Based on the carcass design, tires are divided into bias-ply and radial. Let’s take a closer look at them.

With a bias-ply construction, the cords are arranged in layers, with the threads arranged at an angle to the radius. Each ply has a thread direction perpendicular to the previous ply. They are arranged in pairs, and the number of plies is always even. Their only advantage is increased resistance to punctures and cuts. They are used only on tracks;

• Radial design refers to the arrangement of threads from one side to the other. Depends on the tire radius. The cord can be metallized or textile, sometimes these two options are combined. They are cut resistant, but not stress resistant.
• Currently, the main design is radial. It is marked with the letter R. If there is no such marking, then the tire is tilted.

Standard size

Standard size

Profile width 245 mm;

• 70 – profile height. It is displayed as a percentage of the height to width ratio;
• R – radial frame design;
• Planting diameter 5 tier. Shown in inches;
• 136/134-Load index. Displayed as a fraction if a pair of settings is possible;
• M – permissible speed index.
• For trucks, there is inevitably an axle size to install.

Diagonal structures are either not marked at all or are not marked with a hyphen between the width and height of the profile.

Full profile tires are often designated “00”. This means 100% height in relation to width. Unlike full profile passenger cars, there is no corresponding number for the size, but it is required to be present on the load markings.

Load and speed indices

Load and speed indices

Please note that for freight transport the wheels may be paired. For such vehicles, you should choose tires that are available. In this case, the index is shown through a diagonal line; the second number indicates the load when installing the pair. With a pair of tires, the load carried by the vehicle is calculated based on six wheels rather than the usual four.

Analysis of markings using the example of “136/134”. The first digit indicates the permissible weight of one installation – 2240 kg. The second number indicates the load on the paired wheel – 2120 kg.

The permissible load when installing a pair is always slightly lower.

When answering the question of how to choose truck tires, it is worth mentioning the speed index. This is indicated by a letter code on the sidewall. For full-length trucks, the maximum permissible operating speed of tires is 130-140 km/h. In this example, the index is indicated – M means 130 km/h.

It is recommended to limit the maximum speed. It should be 10-15% less than acceptable.

Rules of operation and storage

Rules of operation and storage

For trucks, 1 mm of residual tread is allowed. For buses – 2 mm. For winter tires the minimum depth is 4 mm.

Approximately half of truck tires are welded on or retreaded. These are previous tires that have undergone retreading.

It is not recommended to use tires more than once.

Proper storage of the vehicle during the off-season extends its service life. Tires mounted on rims are stored horizontally.

Stacks should not exceed 1. 5 m.

Tires without rims are stored vertically.

During storage, do not expose rubber to sunlight. The temperature should not exceed +15°C. All types of metal cords should be stored at the lowest possible humidity.

The efficiency of transport operations depends on the correct choice of tires for the load. Understanding the specifications and type of tires will ensure you make the right choice.

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Truck tires: types, design and classification