5 radial tire myths debunked
Tires play a critical role in maximizing your equipment’s performance – and ultimately, your site’s overall efficiency. They aren’t just round and black; each tire is engineered for specific machines, site conditions, and operational goals.
To help you make informed decisions, we’re busting some common myths we often hear in the field. Let’s set the record straight:
Myth #1: Bigger Tires Can Handle Anything
While off-the-road (OTR) specialty tires are built tougher than standard passenger or light truck tires, they still have performance limits. A larger size doesn’t mean unlimited durability.
Key factors affecting OTR tire performance include:
- Speed rating
- Load capacity
- Heat Resistance
- Impact Absorption
Each tire is designed to carry a specific load at a specific speed – and this information is available in the manufacturer’s data book. Referring to this data ensures that your operators stay within the tire’s engineered capabilities.
Myth #2: Road Conditions Don’t Matter for Big Tires
Tires may be built for tough environments, but they’re not immune to damage from poor road conditions. Sharp rocks and debris create risks that add up over time.
For example, rocks spilled from haul trucks often get crushed under the weight of machines – cutting into tread and sidewalls. These cuts can worsen until they’re no longer repairable, leading to unexpected tire replacements and increased operational costs.
In severe cases, tire failures caused by road hazards can result in equipment downtime – costing far more than just the price of a new tire. The solution? Prioritize road maintenance to protect your tire investment.
Myth #3: Scrap Tire Analysis Isn’t Necessary
We know it’s tempting to toss a failed tire and keep things moving. However, every scrapped tire has a story – and understanding the why behind the failure can help you avoid repeat issues.
Have your tire dealer or manufacturer perform a scrap tire inspection. Whether it’s under-inflation, overloading, impact damage, or misapplication, most premature failures have an identifiable root cause. A quick diagnostic today could save you thousands tomorrow.
Myth #4: The Wheel Doesn’t Matter
The wheel – the component your tire is mounted on – is often overlooked during inspections. But if a damaged wheel is reused after a repair, it can compromise the performance of a perfectly good tire.
We’ve seen cases where a machine comes out of full service with its old, damaged wheel reinstalled. Even if the tire appears fine, wheel issues can lead to irregular wear, air loss, or even failure. Make wheel inspections part of your tire maintenance process.
Myth #5: Valve Stems Aren’t a Big Deal
Valve stems may be small, but they play a critical role in maintaining tire pressure – and air pressure is everything when it comes to tire performance and longevity.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Is the valve core leaking?
- Is the stem cap in place and tightened?
- Is the stem properly seated in the wheel?
A simple spray of soapy water can reveal leaks – if you see bubbles, you’ve got an issue. Don’t let something this small create a big problem.
Our Commitment to Your Operation
At MAXAM, our mission is simple: take the tire-related challenges off your plate so you can focus on running your site.
Whether that’s helping train your local dealer, analyzing road conditions, forming a proactive tire maintenance plan, or simply debunking more myths – we’re here to help. Let’s work together to keep your operation rolling efficiently and safely. Ready to talk tires?
