
MICHELIN’S TECHNICAL ADVICE & TRUCK MAINTENANCE TIPS
Learn the Basics to Master the Road
Welcome to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about truck tyres. The basics. How to select a tyre. What to look for in a tyre. How a tyre is built. How to inspect a tyre. And much more. The more you learn, the more you can improve your tyres’ tread life and your uptime.
How a Tyre is Built
More than 200 different materials are used to build a tyre. However, the main components of a tyre are natural rubber, synthetic rubber, steel, fabric materials and carbon black. Many different compounds can be present in one tyre, because different parts of the tyre perform different tasks.
3 Steps to Choose Your Tyre
- Decide on the correct use for your tyre Make your selection from among the ranges of MICHELIN tyres. Each range corresponds to different requirements and conditions of use for hauliers (long haul, urban, off-road…).
- Decide on the right size of tyre The maximum load for an axle is given by the vehicle manufacturer depending on current regulations. Simply fitting tyres that can bear a greater load to an axle does not mean it is possible to take on loads greater than those approved by the manufacturer. There are wheels that correspond to each size of truck tyre or tyres (width of rim): consult the ETRTO Standards Manual and/or the manufacturer’s recommendations. Never fit a tyre to an unapproved rim: there is a risk of damage to the wheel and/or tyre, insufficient contact patch, over working of the tyre casing, grip and longevity can also be affected.
- Choosing the right tread pattern Follow the criteria for choosing the tread pattern of truck tyres according to the position of the axle on the vehicle: F for Front Axle, D for Drive Axle, T for Trailer Axle, Z for all positions.
For more information, head over to Michelin’s Full Technical Databook.
Sizing and Identification
There is much more to a tyre’s sidewall than the tyre size. In fact, there can be as much as 25 different icons and descriptions. Learn how to read them, what they mean, and how you can choose the perfect tyre for you.
Rib Tread Design
Characterization: Grooves placed parallel to the bead, thus forming ribs, ranging in tread depths from 8.7mm to 18.2mm.
Benefits: Usually significantly better for fuel economy, although does not provide enhanced wet or snow traction.
Position: Usually found on the steering axle of a truck/tractor and on other free rolling axles such as trailers, dollies, tag and pusher axles. Also found on torque axles when traction is not a high priority.
Block or Lug Tread Design
Characterization: Grooves placed laterally and perpendicular to the bead, ranging from 11.1mm to 25.4mm.
Benefits: Selected primarily for traction and improved mileage.
Position: Usually found on the drive or torque axle. The increased tread depth is needed to offset the scrubbing and/or spinning that can occur when power is transmitted to the drive axle.
Source: https://trucks.michelin.co.nz/technical-advice