What is the ideal tire pressure for truck tires?

Driving with the correct tire pressure is essential to ensure optimal performance of the truck or trailer tire. Additionally, extremely low or high tire pressure can create dangerous situations. But what is the right tire pressure? And what else should I pay attention to? You will read all about it in this article.

What are the benefits of the correct tire pressure?

Tire manufacturers have clear guidelines on what the correct tire pressure is.
It is important that these guidelines are followed, as they offer the following benefits:

• Lower fuel consumption: Truck tires that are correctly inflated consume less fuel. This results in a lower cost per kilometer.
• Safety: Tires are the only contact with the road. The correct tire pressure ensures that tires have more grip and therefore can brake better.
• Longer lifespan: Tires that are inflated according to the manufacturer's guidelines have a longer lifespan.

Where is the correct tire pressure indicated on a tire?

A truck tire generally has a tire pressure of 8 – 9 bar. Many tire manufacturers state the correct/ideal tire pressure on the sidewall of the tire. This is the side of the tire. It also includes the tire size, load, and speed index, and more information about the tire. However, we recommend everyone to consult the usage table of the specific tire and brand, which is provided by the tire manufacturer.

If you are looking for personal advice on which tire pressure to maintain, we are happy to help! Contact us here. Our tire specialists can also help you choose the right tire for the right price.

What is the danger of an under-inflated truck tire?

The danger of too low tire pressure, also known as under-inflation, is a higher risk of a blowout. Generally, a truck tire needs about 8 to 9 bar of air pressure. The lower the tire pressure, the faster the tire heats up, and the greater the risk of it bursting.

Low tire pressure also causes higher rolling resistance, which significantly affects the truck's fuel consumption. Michelin even states that 1.5 bar too low pressure results in a 10% performance loss. Continental and Barum have calculated that using the correct tire pressure can save €1,500* per vehicle annually.
*Savings by Continental based on a 4x2 tractor with a tri-axle trailer covering 150,000 km. Correct tire pressure compared to 15% under-inflation.

What is the danger of an over-inflated truck tire?

So, inflate them a lot? No, that also causes unsafe situations. Too high tire pressure, also known as over-inflation, increases the risk of a blowout. Additionally, the tire will bulge, reducing traction and causing uneven tread wear. This significantly shortens the tire's lifespan.

How often should you check the tire pressure of a truck tire?

Besides using the correct tire pressure, it is also very important that the tires are regularly checked. Not only for visual imperfections but certainly also the air pressure should be measured. Every tire slowly loses air. If the tire and rim are perfect, this will happen very slowly. But some tires show pressure loss more quickly. Regular measurement prevents unsafe situations, unnecessarily high fuel consumption, downtime, and tire wear.

How do I check a truck tire?

First, check for visible cracks or other visual damage to the tire. The outer sides of the tires are sensitive to this. Then always check the tread depth of the tire and see if the tire shows irregular wear on one side. After that, the tire pressure can be measured with a separate tire pressure gauge that can be placed on the tire valve or with the truck or trailer's onboard computer.

Why should I regularly check my truck tires' pressure?

Tire pressure has a significant impact on tire performance. Especially with trucks, tires are extremely important. A truck tire with a pressure 1.5 bar lower than prescribed will consume 1% more fuel. Also, incorrect tire pressure (too high or too low) will make the tires more prone to wear. This means fewer kilometers can be driven with a tire, resulting in a higher cost per kilometer.