Top 5 Signs Your Lorry Tyres Need Replacement

After countless kilometres and years behind the wheel, your lorry tyres may not perform as they once did. Just like any other vehicle owner, it’s important for lorry drivers like yourself to recognise when it’s time to replace your tyres. To help you out, we’ve compiled five signs that tell you it’s time for a tyre replacement.

1.    Cuts, Punctures or Bulges

Most lorry drivers, seasoned or new, have encountered rough road conditions riddled with potholes and sharp objects. Driving in these conditions can often damage your tyres, resulting in cuts, punctures or bulges. For instance, driving over stones or glass can cause cuts or in more severe cases, puncture your tyre entirely. Likewise, bulges are typically the result of hitting potholes at high speeds, which damages your tyre’s internal construction. If you’ve noticed these easily identifiable signs of damage on your tyres, it's best to replace them immediately even if they still maintain pressure. 

2.    Worn-out Tyre Tread

Another sign of an imminent tyre replacement is a shallow tread depth. New lorry tyres come with deeper treads to effectively displace water on the road and prevent skidding or hydroplaning. Over time, the tread wears down due to friction, reducing traction and increasing the risk of hydroplaning. To keep yourself safe from these risks, check your tyre tread depth regularly

3.    Cracked Sidewalls 

When cracks start to form on the sidewalls of your tyres, this is an indicator that the tyre’s rubber is losing its flexibility. Cracks like these are caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, chemicals or excessive dirt and debris. Using tyres with cracked sidewalls is hazardous, potentially leading to tyre blowouts and accidents. While patching over these cracks may offer you a short-term fix, getting them replaced altogether assures your peace of mind and safety in the long run.

4.    Excessive Vibrations

Experiencing light vibrations while driving is normal, but excessive vibrations are a cause for concern. This issue commonly stems from the engine or tyres. If your tyres are old and worn-out, they are most likely the reason behind excessive vibrations. It’s not advisable to continue driving under these conditions as it will negatively impact your lorry’s handling and increase the risk of losing control. If you experience such vibrations, have a professional inspect your vehicle to determine if the tyres are the cause and replace them if necessary.

5.    Decreased Braking Efficiency

There are two common factors behind decreased braking efficiency, namely worn-out brake pads or tyres. When your tyres are worn or damaged, they lose grip on the road, which increases your lorry’s braking distance while raising the risk of accidents if you can’t stop in time. If you notice that your lorry doesn’t brake as effectively as it once did, get it professionally examined and consider replacing your tyres if need be.

To extend the life of your tyres and keep them performing at their best, practice safe driving and adhere to a regular lorry tyre maintenance routine. This would mean having your tyres aligned, balanced and inflated regularly. When it’s time to refresh your lorry tyres, explore our Bridgestone Tyre Catalogue to find the perfect tyres for all your driving needs.