Quick Guide to Semi-Truck Tire Positions

There are a few different semi truck tire positions that you need to be aware of. When it comes to choosing the right position for your truck tires, there are a few things you need to take into account. In this quick guide, we will discuss the most common semi-truck tire positions and what each one means for your vehicle. PayLaterTires is here to help get you back on the road and fast.

What is the difference between AP/Steer, Drive, and Trailer Tires you ask? Check out the differences between each tire position, using our handy quick guide to semi truck tire positions below.

Steer or All Position Truck Tires

For commercial semi-trucks, steer tires are arguably the most important tire on a commercial rig. Steer tires are sometimes referred to as all-position tires due to the fact that they’re designed for the steer axle, but you'll find that they also perform well on drive and trailer axles.

Steer tires shape and guide your handling, and they help to establish a smooth and even ride, and they also take a lot of scraping on curbs. Tires in this position are subject to wearing out faster and are a big consideration when it comes to fuel economy. This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to have a good quality steer tire, one that will perform well in all conditions.

Drive Axle Truck Tires

Drive tires are the most important tire when it comes to traction. Our customers often find themselves having a bit of trouble when trying to decide on the best drive tires for their semi-truck because they’re trying to "check off all of the boxes" so to speak. They will try to cover all of their bases.

In order to make your life and your work just a little bit easier, we at PayLaterTires recommend that instead, you try and focus on one objective for your commercial truck's drive tires; whether that be arrival time, cost, traction, fuel economy, or what have you. If you’re debating between drive tires and all-position tires and your goal it to focus on fuel economy, you may want to look into deep-tread drive tires as often times they will actually perform similarly when it comes to fuel economy. This is due to the fact that they have a deeper tread with more rubber to wear off, which takes longer. 

Trailer Axle Truck Tires

When it comes to trailer tires, the best are designed for free-rolling, trailer-axle positions at the back of the trailer. These tires are usually stiffer so that they're able to withstand tough terrain, heavy loads, and protect from damage caused by curbing. The 2 most common types of semi truck trailer tires are Radial Ply and Bias Ply. Radial ply trailer tires have shorter cords which run perpendicular to the direction of travel, which has been shown to provide more flexibility and ground contact, which is good for your tires stability, traction, and tread. Cords on Bias ply trailer tires run at a 32 degree angle (from the direction of travel) and they have stiffer shoulders and sidewalls. This design provides more protection against curbing and impact damage, but can result in a harsher ride.

Regional vs Long Haul Application

• If you are running your semi truck in a regional application, you will want to focus on having tires with good tread depth and stability
• If you are running your semi truck for long haul applications, you will want to focus on having tires that have good mileage and can withstand the rigors of being on the road for long periods of time

Semi Trucks generally have a few main types of positions and each position has a different purpose, so it is important to know which position is best suited for the job at hand.

Regional Tires

Regional tires are optimized for medium haul operating within a certain region. The rubber compound and tread design is tailored to provide good traction and durability within a specific climate and road condition.

Long Haul Tires

Long Haul tires are designed for Semi Trucks that travel long distances on the open road. They have a deeper tread depth which helps them stay cooler while also providing better traction and longer wear.

Why are Tire Size and Wheel Position Important?

Commercial rigs typically have two front tires and two rear tires. The front tires are responsible for steering the truck and providing braking power. They also play a role in distributing weight evenly across the truck so that it doesn't lean too far in one direction or the other. Because of this, it's important to make sure that your front tires are always in good condition. Failing to do so could cause your truck to lose control while driving. You may also experience decreased fuel economy as a result.

The rear tires are responsible for providing traction and pushing the truck forward. They also help to absorb shocks and keep the truck stable while it's moving. As a result, it's important to make sure that your rear tires are always in good condition as well. If they're not, you may experience decreased stability while driving, which could lead to an accident.

Specialty Semi Truck Tires

There are also specialty tires for Semi Trucks that are designed for certain applications such as all-season, mud & snow, fuel economy, and off-road. Choosing the right type of tire for your Semi Truck is important because it can affect your trucks performance, fuel economy, and how long your tires will last.

Wheel Brands to Choose From

Browse through our massive inventory of top brand name wheels that're available on credit or cash prices because of our flexible payment options. At PLT, we carry all of your favorite and most trusted wheel brands. Choose from brands like: Foose, Helo, Rotiform, American Racing, Niche Road Wheels, Motegi Racing, KMC Wheels, and more!

Truck Tires Available on Finance

We don't do credit checks because we know that everyone's financial situation is different. Whether you have bad credit, no credit, or are going through bankruptcy, we can still get you the financing you need to get the Semi Truck tires you want. We offer all of our truck tires on finance so you can buy tires or wheels for your fleet today and simply pay over time. You can choose to make easy weekly or monthly payments depending on your specific pay schedule and what's most convenient for you.

No Credit Check Semi Truck Tire Brands

Below are some of the most popular commercial truck tires that are currently available for lease to own with no credit check needed at PLT:

BFGoodrich DR454 - The DR454 is a commercial drive tire that's designed for highway and regional uses and offers drivers all-season traction plus enhanced fuel efficiency

Bridgestone R284 Ecopia - The R284 Ecopia tire from Bridgestone is a steer-position commercial radial tire that's perfect for long-haul or regional use and is loaded with innovative features

Continental HDL2 - The heavy drive Continental HDL2 tires are optimized for long haulage. Their ribbed tread design ensures low fuel consumption, thanks to minimal rolling resistance. The tires are constructed with Conti 3G casing which is durable and allows for optimal re-treadability. The four circumferential grooves channel water from the contact patch to enhance wet traction while biting edges on the grooves improve overall grip. The multiple sipes on these tires ensure tread blocks wear evenly and provide extra grip

Goodyear Marathon LHS - Goodyear Marathon LHS tires are a fuel efficient highway tire which gives you a smooth and quiet ride. The tires feature a five-rib tread design and low rolling resistance compound. The tread block is designed with pitch variation in an "S" pattern for better traction and a quiet ride. Goodyear Marathon LHS tires also come with stone penetration protectors

Michelin X Line Energy Z - The X Line Energy Z tire is a line haul tire that's ideal for commercial steer applications and offers drivers improved fuel efficiency along with a 700,000-mile limited tread life warranty

Yokohama 101ZL - Built with Yokohama's Z.environment technology, the 101ZL is a long haul steer axle tire engineered to provide low rolling resistance and outstanding fuel economy at highway speeds, with improved casing durability. Combined with exceptional wet weather handling and improved wear resistance, the 101ZL is designed to run longer at lower cost. Constructed with inverted radius mold technology, the tire features a flatter tread profile that resists irregular wear, as well as advanced rubber compounding for more even carbon distribution and low rolling resistance.

Tractor Trailer Tire Position Chart

 

Click here to open this chart in a new window if you are having trouble reading this.

We Can Help!

Still confused? Not to worry! If you're not sure which type of lease to own tires or wheels are right for your semi truck, be sure to consult with one of our professional tire agents before making a purchase. They will be more than happy to help you choose the right tires or rims based on your truck's specifications, load size, and intended use.