A Guide to Tire Safety, Fleet Maintenance, and Improved CSA Performance
National Tire Safety Week (NTSW), led annually by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), returns June 29 - July 4, 2026. This nationwide initiative highlights the critical role tires play in fleet safety, fleet maintenance, and overall fleet performance, particularly for organizations with heavy-duty trucks and Class 8 trucks. Tire maintenance is no longer simply a maintenance issue, it's a critical component of driver safety, regulatory compliance, vehicle uptime, and operational efficiency.
For organizations with transportation fleets, tire maintenance is about more than extending tread life. Proper tire management directly impacts fuel economy, roadside breakdowns, vehicle uptime, CSA scores, and driver safety. According to the latest TRUST (Truck Reliability and Usage Safety Tracker) Safety Index, tire-related violations account for 50% of all vehicle maintenance violations and 92% of vehicle maintenance out-of-service (OOS) violations among the nation’s top fleets. These findings reinforce the importance of proactive tire management programs and ongoing driver education. With tires serving as the only point of contact between a truck and the road, maintaining them properly is one of the most effective ways to improve safety and reliability across a fleet. National Tire Safety Week serves as the perfect opportunity to review tire maintenance practices and ensure drivers and technicians have the tools and training needed to keep vehicles operating safely.
WHY SAFETY MATTERS
Tire-related issues continue to be one of the leading causes of maintenance violations within the trucking industry. According to the latest TRUST Safety Index:
- Tires account for 50% of all vehicle maintenance violations.
- Tires account for 92% of vehicle maintenance out-of-service violations.
- Top transportation fleets maintain a Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score of 42.50, significantly below the FMCSA intervention threshold of 80.
- Top transportation fleets maintain a Vehicle Out-of-Service rate of 13.23%, compared to the national average of 22.26%.
Here are a few key areas every fleet should prioritize
1. Using Data to Take a More Proactive Approach - The latest TRUST Safety Index also highlights that 2026 represents a turning point for fleet compliance, with the FMCSA emphasizing a more dynamic, digital, and interconnected approach to safety and maintenance. As organizations with transportation fleets continue to collect more information through inspections, maintenance records, and vehicle technology, the opportunity lies in using that data to identify trends before they become costly problems. Tire safety data can help companies spot recurring maintenance issues, monitor roadside failures, evaluate tire performance, and identify opportunities to improve overall fleet operations and safety scores.
Rather than reacting to breakdowns or violations, companies can use these insights to make more informed decisions around tire specifications, replacement schedules, maintenance practices, and driver training since tires account for the number 1 Vehicle and Maintenance violation in both total and out-of-service categories. By understanding how your transportation fleet compares to industry averages and identifying areas of concern early, organizations can take a more proactive approach to tire safety, improve vehicle uptime, and reduce the risk of out-of-service violations.
2. Choosing the Right Tire - Selecting the proper tire for your fleet's application is the foundation of a successful tire management program. Every operation has unique requirements, and choosing the wrong tire can lead to increased wear, higher operating costs, and unnecessary downtime. Three common tire categories include:
- Economy-Focused - Ideal for fleets seeking dependable performance at a lower cost.
- Vocational - Designed for durability in demanding environments such as off-road terrain.
- Fuel-Efficiency - Reduces operating costs by delivering improvements in wear performance.
When evaluating tire specifications, organizations with transportation fleets should look beyond purchase price and consider:
- Expected wear life
- Fuel economy impact
- Roadside service frequency
- Total cost of ownership (TCO)
The right tire selection can help fleets:
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Reduce roadside tire failures
- Increase vehicle uptime
- Improve service reliability
- Lower maintenance costs
Regularly reviewing tire performance data can help determine whether a different tire specification may better align with operational requirements.
3. Air Pressure - Maintaining proper tire inflation remains one of the simplest and most important steps fleets can take to improve safety and performance. Underinflated tires create excessive heat, accelerate tread wear, and increase the risk of tire failure. Overinflation can also contribute to uneven wear patterns and reduced tire performance. Here are some key air pressure best practices:- While temperature-related tire pressure changes are often associated with winter weather, changes can still happen year-round. Tire pressure changes approximately 1 PSI for every 10°F change in ambient temperature, so companies should check tire pressure regularly and when tires are cold, ideally before operation for the most accurate reading
- Include tire pressure checks as part of both pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Train drivers and technicians on safe and accurate tire inflation procedures.
- Utilize tire manufacturer load and inflation charts to determine proper pressure settings.
- Any tire measuring below 80% of the fleet's specified inflation pressure should be inspected by a qualified tire professional before being returned to service.
Consistent inflation management helps maximize tire life, improve fuel economy, and reduce maintenance expenses across the fleet.
- Uneven tread wear
- Cuts, punctures, and sidewall damage
- Exposed belts or casing damage
- Signs of underinflation or overinflation
- Irregular wear patterns that may indicate alignment or suspension issues
Inspection findings should be documented and addressed promptly to prevent small issues from developing into larger safety concerns. By incorporating tire inspections into daily operations, fleets can improve reliability and reduce unexpected maintenance events.
- Cut-resistant gloves for safely handling tires during inspections.
- Calibrated air pressure gauges to ensure accurate pressure readings.
- Tread depth gauges to monitor tire wear and maintain DOT compliance.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a minimum tread depth of:
- 4/32-inch on steer tires
- 2/32-inch on all other tire positions
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a minimum tread depth of:
Providing drivers and technicians with the proper tools and training them to use those tools correctly helps ensure inspections are performed consistently and accurately.
Renew Your Commitment to Tire Safety
National Tire Safety Week is more than a reminder, it's an opportunity for fleets to strengthen maintenance practices, educate drivers, and reinforce a culture of safety. By focusing on proper tire selection, maintaining correct inflation pressures, conducting thorough inspections, and equipping teams with the right tools, fleets can:
- Reduce unexpected downtime
- Improve fuel economy
- Lower maintenance costs
- Improve CSA performance
National Tire Safety Week serves as a reminder that tire safety can deliver significant operational and financial benefits. Combined with routine inspections and strong maintenance practices, a data-driven approach can help fleets strengthen their tire safety programs and improve overall fleet performance. Take this opportunity to review your fleet's tire management strategy and ensure your drivers, technicians, and maintenance teams are equipped for success. Together we can drive toward a safer, more efficient future on the road.
