A common misconception is that retreaded tires fail more often than new ones. Studies have shown that retreads are no more prone to failure than new tires when properly maintained. Most tire failures are traced to poor maintenance, overheated tires, and road hazards.
As a well-informed driver, you can follow best practices to prevent equipment and vehicle damage, reduce downtime and fuel costs, and improve safety.
Why tire maintenance matters
- Tire inflation: Proper inflation is one of the most critical factors. A 2024 TRAC survey revealed that 77 per cent of Canadian drivers know proper tire inflation improves fuel economy and safety, but only about 24 per cent check inflation monthly as recommended.
- Tread and wear: Worn tread reduces grip, increases stopping distance, and raises risk under wet or icy conditions. Industry sources recommend replacing tires when tread falls to 4/32 inch (for steer tires on trucks) and 2/32 inch on drive or trailer tires.
- Alignment, rotation, and balance: Rotate, balance, and align tires periodically, following fleet maintenance guidelines.
Latest insights for drivers and fleet operators
- A 2025 TRAC survey found that 89 per cent of Canadian drivers agree tire maintenance is important, yet only 24 per cent check tire pressure monthly. 62 per cent remain unaware that pressure must be measured when the tire is “cold”.
- Price pressure remains an issue: As of September 2024, prices for tires and installation rose 1.5 per cent year-over-year, affecting both personal and fleet operations.
Best practices to prevent tire blowouts or disintegration
Follow these steps to reduce the risk of blowouts or failure can extend tire life:
- Check tires daily as part of the required pre-trip inspection, and they should also be inspected throughout the day whenever the truck stops to fuel, load, unload, rest breaks, or maintenance.
- Check tire tread and sidewalls regularly for signs of damage, punctures, excessive scuffing, or misalignment.
- If you encounter road debris or you are driving on rough roads, inspect all tires at the next stop or when it is safe to do so.
- If defects are found, replace the tire and do not take the risk of using a tire with visible damage.
- During cold weather, check tire pressures frequently to ensure the recommended tire pressures are maintained. Over- or under-inflation speeds up wear and risks blowout.
- Rotate, balance, and align tires periodically.
- Replace tires when tread gets too low (e.g. 4/32 inches for steer axles/vehicles, lower thresholds for other positions).
- Have the wheels retorqued at a specific interval if a tire and wheel assembly has been removed from the vehicle for any reason. This procedure is incredibly important to prevent wheel separation from the vehicle, which could be deadly.
- Use an experienced tire installer or repairer to properly install, repair, and maintain tires.
- Use reputable suppliers, whether purchasing retreads or new tires.
- Train maintenance staff on how to safely uninstall, install, and inspect all tires for defects and damage.
- The use of a tire cage while performing the tire to rim seating procedure is highly recommended due to the risk of tire explosion while completing this task.
- Only qualified professionals should perform this type of work.
- Train maintenance and drivers on spotting signs like uneven wear, sidewall damage, and knowing when a tire is too old.
- Provide a defensive driving course which focuses on actively scanning the road for hazards, and how to safely avoid them.
Following these practices will significantly reduce the chance of tire failure and the risks that come with such an event.
Protect your business with the right insurance
Tire failures can cause costly downtime, equipment damage, and safety risks but the right maintenance practices help keep your fleet running smoothly. Insurance can also help add another layer of protection against unexpected challenges. To learn more, visit our Transportation & Logistics Services Insurance page or find out how our Risk Services team can help your business.