So Many Tires, So Little Time
As maintenance managers, our responsibility extends beyond the basic parameters of tire selection to a deeper understanding of the technological nuances and the practical applications they offer in varying driving conditions. It's this knowledge and experience that we must pass on to the junior members of our team and drivers alike.
When making the choice between open and closed shoulder drive tires, the discussion often pivots around the specific operational demands of the fleet. Open shoulder tires are recognized for their gaps and aggressive tread blocks, allowing for unmatched grip and performance in off-road and adverse weather conditions. Their suitability for rugged terrains like gravel roads is further enhanced by features like stone ejectors, which are built into the grooves to prevent stones from lodging and causing “stone drilling” damage. This is where the rocks bury themselves all the way into the metal cords of the tire which fails DOT regulations, and can lead to blow outs if ignored. This also wrecks the tire casing preventing it from being retreaded.
Conversely, closed shoulder tires boast a continuous rib design that promotes even wear and stability, attributes that are highly prized for long-haul journeys on paved roads. Their smoother ride and noise reduction capabilities, coupled with improved fuel efficiency due to less rolling resistance, make them an economical choice for sustained highway travel.
However, the choice is not simply black and white. For fleets that face icy winters, siping—a series of thin slits in the tread blocks—can be a game-changer. Siping provides extra biting edges for better traction on snow and ice, a feature that's advantageous whether the tire is open or closed shoulder. In such conditions, even the closed shoulder tires, often associated with clear roads, can hold their own when equipped with adequate siping
The rubber compounds used in the tires also play a pivotal role in their performance. Natural rubber can offer the elasticity needed for colder temperatures, while synthetic compounds can be engineered for specific conditions, such as improved wear or resistance to heat buildup. In today’s market, silica-enhanced compounds strike a balance between grip and durability, often serving as a bridge between the old and the new in rubber technology.
This brings us to the economic debate of new tires versus retreads. While new tires come with the latest advancements and full tread life, retreads offer a cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternative. With improvements in retreading technology, the performance of retreads is now closer to new tires than ever before, making them a viable option for many applications. Quality control standards have improved significantly in the last 10 years limiting the failures you might have expected from years ago.
In the end, the tire selection process is a delicate balancing act. It's about matching the tire to the task—weighing the benefits of open shoulder tires with their off-road prowess against the quiet efficiency of closed shoulder tires, all while considering the impact of winter conditions, and the mixed services our fleets encounter. We must also weigh the costs, not just in terms of purchase price but also the potential for fuel savings and the expected lifespan of the tire.
Advancements such as smart tires and telematics are further complicating the tire selection process, offering new layers of data for us to consider. These technologies can provide real-time insights into tire health, allowing us to optimize maintenance schedules and improve overall fleet efficiency.
Ultimately, educating our junior team members is about imparting a holistic view of tire technology—one that covers the intricacies of open vs. closed shoulder designs, the importance of siping for winter conditions, the robustness required for gravel and mixed service roads, the durability offered by various rubber compounds, and the economic considerations of new versus retread tires. It's about equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions that will ensure the fleet remains competitive and cost-effective, whatever the road ahead may hold.
