DOT Truck Tire Pressure Requirements: A Brief Guide

One of the most important aspects of any commercial vehicle is its tires. Tire overinflation and underinflation can pose major safety risks while hauling goods and passengers. The U.S. Department of Transportation aims to minimize those risks with DOT truck tire pressure requirements that all motor carriers must follow. 

At FMCA Filings, we know the importance of complying with all federal and state regulations, so we created an FMCSA compliance checklist for clients. We also have a guide on commercial truck tire pressure standards, which you can read below. 

Why Is It Important To Know the Tire Pressure Standards for Trucks?

One of your responsibilities as a motor carrier is to know the tire pressure requirements for commercial vehicles. The DOT has many standards and requirements for tire pressure, which you must follow to maintain compliance with the Department of Transportation.

Yet tire pressure problems also pose a safety concern that can affect your fleet as well as other drivers on the road. All of your trucks' tires must have sufficient grip on the pavement in wet and dry conditions. Tire traction can help with braking, which helps prevent collisions. 

Tire pressure maintenance also contributes to vehicle performance. Proper inflation and smooth driving go hand-in-hand, especially for long hauls. Since commercial trucking includes long drives and heavy cargo, you need the right tire pressure to prevent problems like premature tread wear and tire blowouts. 

What Are the DOT Tire Pressure Regulations All Motor Carriers and Truckers Should Know?

Unlike checking tires on a typical car or SUV, maintaining tires on commercial vehicles requires a good understanding of the DOT truck tire inflation guidelines. Section 393.75 of the Code of Federal Regulations deals with commercial trucking tires. Keep reading to learn what you should know about it.

Trailer Tire Regulations

The minimum tire tread depth for any trailer tire is 2/32 of an inch along major grooves. Though this is the general rule for all trailer tires, you must remember that trailers have different weight limits. As such, you must use the right tires and pressure level to prevent a tire blowout or tread separation. 

Steer Tire Regulations

Steer tire regulations outline the DOT truck tire pressure requirements for front tires. CRF 393.75 states that steer tires of large vehicles like trucks, buses, and truck tractors must have a consistent grooved pattern tread depth of 4/32 of an inch. This is the minimal depth because it provides greater traction for front wheels in wet or slippery road conditions. 

You cannot use recapped or regrooved tires on front wheels on buses according to federal regulations. The exception to that rule is large trucks with load-carrying capacities over 4,920 pounds.

Tire Pressure Regulations

Due to the detailed safety regulations for tires, it might be surprising to learn that the DOT doesn't have specific tire pressure regulations. Instead, you must ensure that you properly inflate all your trucks' tires according to their manufacturer guidelines and how much weight you haul on each trip. 

Still, the DOT does state that drivers shouldn't operate trucks with a flat tire or one leaking air. You must also account for heat giving a false boost in tire pressure, which can lead to under-inflation and a possible flat tire while driving.

To ensure your truck's tires maintain the right pressure, you should invest in a high-quality tire gauge with a dual head. Use it to check all your tires at least once weekly to ensure the pressure aligns with the manufacturer's suggested range.

DOT Truck Tire Maintenance Tips

During vehicle inspections, the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability score will include tires under the "vehicle maintenance" category. Tire infractions carry lots of weight. You could lose eight points if you have a tire with an audible air leak, a flat tire, poor tread depth, or exposed belt material. 

You can prevent major tire problems and CSA violations by following these commercial tire safety tips:

• Inspect Your Tires Often: When inspecting your truck tires, look for obvious damage like irregular treadwear, poor tread depth, tire cracks, and foreign objects. 
• Maintain Proper Inflation Pressure: Always use a tire gauge when the tires are cold for more accurate readings. 
• Avoid Underinflation: Underinflation or overloading might seem harmless, yet it can lead to structural damage inside the tire, resulting in tire failure.
• Use the Right Rims: Only use approved rim and tire combinations to avoid tire explosion. 

Stay Compliant With DOT Regulations With Help From FMCA Filings

Whether you need to know the cost of a DOT truck inspection or DOT truck tire pressure guidelines, you can count on FMCA Filings to have the information you need. Our easy-to-use website features a host of valuable information and various administrative services for motor carriers and others within the commercial trucking industry.

Contact FMCA Filings today via our online form or speak to one of our helpful representatives now using our live chat function.