The Goal: Extended Tire Lifespan

OTR tires were created to take on what other tires couldn’t. They’re subjected to extreme conditions on construction sites, heavy loads, and rough terrain. There is no better way to irregularly wear down a tire and its service life than subjecting it to heat. By being proactive and managing your tire’s heat buildup, you can extend the longevity of your OTR tires, ultimately reducing the operational costs that come with frequent replacements. Taking care of your OTR tires and increasing their lifespan and structural integrity is the goal.  

The Problem: Tire Inflation and Excessive Heat

Your tires will reach excessive heat when the tire is underinflated. The lower the pressure, the more flexibility — like a rubber band. This increases the temperature and begins to corrode the rubber compounds that make up your tire, especially in the shoulder and bend area.

• Safety Hazard: Overheated tires are likelier to suffer blowouts and tread separation.

• Decreased Lifespan: Excessive heat is the foe of any tire. It significantly and directly impacts the lifespan and diminishes it substantially.

• Poor Fuel Efficiency: Heat generation in an OTR tire can increase rolling resistance and therefore, fuel consumption. This isn’t good for the health of your wallet or the earth’s sustainability

• Poor Equipment Performance: For any construction project to operate successfully, the heavy machinery involved has to function properly, and to do so, the tires guiding it must be in tip-top shape! Overheated tires certainly compromise that. Overheated tires can decrease traction and stability, creating poorly functioning equipment, which impacts your project and safety concerns.
• Negative Cost Savings: Calculating the financial implications for your prematurely worn tires accounts for more than just the tire. It accounts for downtime, repairs, and fuel inefficiencies, too.

The Solution

To ensure you don’t fall victim to the tire’s number one foe, you must proactively address heat buildup. Regular maintenance is crucial. 

• Proper Inflation: Maintaining proper tire inflation is crucial for heat management. Underinflated tires generate more heat due to increased flexing (remember the rubber band?). Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure to prevent excessive heat buildup.
• Load Management: Overloading stresses onto OTR tires, leading to increased heat generation. Follow the tire manufacturer’s load capacity guidelines and avoid exceeding these limits, no matter how tempting it may be. 
• Speed Control: Operating heavy construction equipment within the recommended speed limits is essential for heat management. Excessive speed leads to higher levels of friction, leading to increased heat.

• Frequent Inspections: Conduct regular visual inspections of OTR tires to find signs of wear, damage, or uneven tread wear. Addressing issues quickly can reduce the damage and the likelihood of heat-related problems.

• Proper Tire Selection: Choose OTR tires suitable for your project’s specific application and conditions. Tires designed for high-heat environments or heavy loads can better withstand the construction industry’s challenges.

Visit one of our west coast service centers and let East Bay Tire keep your equipment rolling smoothly.