Tire Maintenance Tips for Lovers of Off-Roading

Off-roading with your truck is an exciting adventure..but all of that off-road exploration can take a toll on your tires. Proper maintenance helps maximize the performance and lifespan of your off-road truck’s tires. Read on for some simple do-it-yourself tips.

Inflate the Tires Properly

Both underinflated and overinflated tires are prone to failure, so make sure to check your tire pressure before each trip with a pressure gauge. You can often find the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level printed on the tire itself, otherwise, consult your owner’s manual. Checking the pressure when your tires are cool will result in a more accurate reading.

While you’re down there checking the tire pressure, take the time to give your tires a thorough visual inspection. Watch out for excessive or uneven tread wear and cracks or punctures and make sure to remove any embedded objects. Remember that uneven wear may indicate uneven weight distribution. Also, check your owner’s manual to see how often your off-roading tires will need to be rotated.

Follow Weight Restrictions

Keep in mind that packing too many things for your off-roading adventure, and exceeding the weight restrictions as a result, will strain your tires. That’s why you’ll want to go easy on your tires by staying well within your vehicle’s load limits and distribute your load evenly for the best results.

Replace Old or Damaged Tires

There are a number of reasons a tire could need to be replaced so it’s difficult to say how often you should replace truck tires. All tires suffer from weather cracking eventually, but certain conditions are cause for concern. If the cracks are greater than 2/32’’ deep or if the internal components of a tire are visible, replace your tire right away. Aside from weather cracking, worn-out tread or poor casing quality can also signal it’s time for a replacement. 

With these tips, you should be able to maximize the life of your tires to maximize your off-roading adventures. Another key way to prepare your truck for off-roading excursions is to invest in a custom aluminum bumper, which offers valuable protection against the hazards of the outdoors. Contact the experts at Truck Defender Bumpers to learn more! Our dealership is located in Vale, South Dakota, and we proudly serve those throughout the United States.