Gain valuable insights and practical guidance on maintaining optimal tire conditions for fleet operations.

National Tire Safety Week (NTSW), led annually by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), returns June 30 – July 4, 2025. This nationwide initiative brings attention to the critical role tires play in vehicle safety, especially for heavy-duty trucks and Class 8 fleet operations. And according to the latest TRUST (Truck Reliability Usage Safety Tracker) index when reviewing the CSA scores of the 20 private fleets in the country, tires account for 50% of total vehicle maintenance violations and 83% of out of service vehicle Maintenance violation. This innovative safety index aims to provide benchmarks that address the longstanding issue of safety within transportation, with fleet-specific KPIs to help organizations improve areas of specific operations and elevate their overall CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores.

With tires being the only part of your truck that touches the road, proactive maintenance is not optional, it’s essential. This year’s campaign emphasizes the importance of tire selection, pressure management, and the proper inspection tools that keep trucks moving safely and efficiently. Let’s break down the key areas every fleet should prioritize:

Choosing The Right Tire - Selecting the proper tire for your fleet’s application is step one. Each manufacturer offers different tire categories, and understanding which one aligns with your operation can significantly impact performance and cost-efficiency. Three common tire categories:

1. Economy-focused - Ideal for price-conscious fleets looking for basic performance.
2. Vocational - Designed for durability across off-road or rough terrain.
3. Fuel-efficient - Reduces operating costs by delivering improvements in wear performance.

• Increase miles per gallon (MPG)
• Reduce road failures
• Improve up-time and customer satisfaction metrics

Air Pressure - Air pressure plays a critical role in both tire performance and fleet safety. Underinflated tires reduce MPG, generate excessive heat, and cause accelerated wear, which not only shortens the life of the tire but also increases the risk of blowouts. Here are key points to keep in mind regarding Air Pressure:

• Air pressure fluctuates with temperature. For every 10°F change in ambient temperature, tire pressure changes by approximately 1 psi.
• Check pressure when the tire is cold, ideally before a vehicle has been operated or at least 3–4 hours after it has been parked.
• Incorporate pressure checks into pre- and post-trip inspections, not just scheduled maintenance.
• Educate drivers and technicians on how to check pressure safely and accurately. Tire failures while inflating can cause serious injury.
• Use your tire manufacturer’s load and inflation chart to determine the correct pressure for your specific load and vehicle configuration.
• Any tire that measures below 80% of the fleet’s specified pressure should be considered flat and should not be reinflated until it has been inspected by a tire professional.