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In our previous post about commercial truck tire applications, we have discussed the different axle placements of these specific tires. Today, we will take a look at their vehicle applications.
Various commercial trucks exist for distinct uses and they all need suitable commercial tires to properly function. Applied correctly, these tires ensure an increased service life in their intended use, lowering the need for frequent tire changes and retreads.
In most cases these six vehicle applications can be distinguished:
- Long Haul
- Regional
- Urban
- On/Off-Road
- Off-Road
- Coach
Let’s take a closer look at each of these individually:
Long Haul Trucks
Such vehicles are designed with an operating radius of over 300 miles. They are designed to carry heavy loads for longer periods of time. As a result, they need tires that are capable of handling the constant load pressure. Tires with stronger internal constructions do not deform under the load and driving pressure affecting them, making them perfect for such applications.
As these commercial trucks are typically used for line and highway hauls, which ensures the tires’ better tread life. The balanced driving pressure and the low abrasion performance guarantee a slower even tread wear along the entire tread area. This extends the tire’s original tread life significantly.
Regional Trucks
Regional trucks are used for medium hauls, which results in medium abrasion. These tires also need to handle heavy loads, but for the shortened duration. The operating radius of such tires is below 300 miles. The decreased distance results in more frequent maneuvering, which creates friction.
The friction that is generated between the tire and the road surface affects the regional truck’s tires, which causes the tread to wear out quicker than on long haul trucks. Furthermore, the tires are greatly affected by lateral forces, which causes scrubbing along the tread area. These tires have a shorter mileage rate, usually between 30,000 and 80,000 miles.
Urban Trucks
Urban trucks are primarily made to be operated within the city limits. This, however, comes with frequent accelerations and stops, which puts added pressure on the tire’s surface. The start-stop high abrasion performance increases the pressure affecting the tires, which results in an increased tread wear rate.
In addition to the rapid tread wear, tires mounted on urban trucks also face the pressure of constant cornering and maneuvering. Cornering enhances the pressure on the tire’s shoulder area, which can cause irregular tread wear formations on the tread area. This further shortens the tire’s usability. Due to the consistent driving pressure, urban truck tires usually do not have more than 30,000 miles on them before they need to be changed.
On/Off-Road Trucks
Commercial trucks, usually work vehicles, that can safely perform both on- and off-road are used for medium and short hauls. Their specialty is their capability to conquer various terrain surface conditions. Their versatile terrain and road traction, however, shortens their operating radius, which is generally not more than 100 miles.
The aggressive off-road terrain requires these trucks to be equipped with durable tires. Such tires are resistant to cuts and bruising that can harm them during the tire’s off-road performance. The combination of the rugged terrain and the high abrasion haul application greatly shortens the tire’s tread and service life.
Off-Road Trucks
Off-road trucks are mainly heavy work, such as mining trucks, or military vehicles. Tires made for off-road trucks have to withstand severe load pressures on various terrain surface conditions. Such tires are used off-road about 70% off the time, including on gravel, dirt, and unpaved road surfaces.
These tires have to overcome the dangers of off-road driving. Road hazards can easily damage, cut or bruise the tires, and they must be able to prevent such harm. The heavier load pressure and the high abrasion performance demand a strengthened reinforcement in the tires’ internal construction. They must maintain their ideal shape, which ensures a secure performance on off-road terrain surface conditions.
Coach Trucks (Buses)
These vehicles are for various applications. They can be used for local or cross country transportation. The vehicles carry passengers and luggage, which results in lower load pressure levels.
The different uses result in diverse tread wear rates and manners. Local applications create greater friction along the tread area during accelerations and braking, while it also results in more frequent cornering. This causes the tire to have a rapid tread wear rate and irregular tread wear. Cross country applications, however, ease such pressure off the tire, reducing the tread wear rate and usability.
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