Tires are among the most important parts of a truck as they directly touch asphalt and deal with weight, pressure and temperature. These are highly variable factors. This necessarily affects the performance of the truck negatively and positively. Therefore, the truck driver should be very careful to know the best type of tires that match his needs and the type of his truck to ensure safety on the road and enhance the performance of the truck. Wheel tires affect the three most important characteristics of a truck: brakes, stability and fuel consumption. In addition, you should know the tires available in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region that are used in our region because the surrounding environment has a total impact On the efficiency of tires, you may ask now whether there are significant differences that affect these matters? The answer will be in the next paragraph;
The difference between the types of truck tires
The types of tires vary greatly in terms of the ability to withstand a certain pressure and a certain temperature that results from wheel friction against asphalt. The sizes and thickness of tires are also different. This difference is due to different uses and surfaces handled by the wheels. They are divided into main general types:
All-terrain tires (All-Terrain Tires)
This type of tire is suitable for all climatic and environmental conditions and is most suitable for flat asphalt roads because it has a perfect balance and can deal with bad and rough asphalt roads.
Heavy-Duty Tires
If you work in transporting goods or other work that requires the use of maximum capacity in your truck, this type is best for you. These tires withstand high pressure and daily use. In addition, they are able to deal with highways and changing environments.
Off-Road Tires
Its sound is loud, but its power is great in dealing with the rugged road due to its sharp tread. It is intended for uneven surfaces, so it does not provide a good experience in asphalt, but if it comes to mud, rocks and sand, it is undoubtedly the best.
Mud Tires (Mud Tires)
This other one, as is clear in its name, is the best in mud conditions and unpaved roads as it has the ability not to slip on the mud due to the wide grooves that get rid of mud and prevent it from sticking to the floor, thus providing a great experience in overcoming mud roads.
Winter Tires
Winter tires are characterized by bumps on the surface of the tire, making the tire able to deal with the icy environment and increasing the stability of the car on snow. The latter may not be common in Saudi Arabia.
These are the most important types, but they include different sizes and different loads as well. Therefore, you should know the specific type of vehicle for your vehicle. This can be seen in the truck catalog as you will find the type of tire intended for this truck, which is written in a specific form of numbers and letters, which we will learn about in the following paragraph:
Tire Specification Table Codes
The symbols of the tire specification table show important information such as tire width, height to width ratio, type of construction, rim diameter, load index and speed coefficient. For example, the code 295/80R22.5 means that the tire width is 295 mm and the height to width ratio is 80 percent. The letter R indicates that the tire is radial and the number 22.5 is the wheel diameter in inches. The load index expresses the maximum weight that the tire can withstand. The speed factor indicates the maximum speed that the tire can withstand safely
How to determine the right tire size for your truck
We will explain on a realistic example: 215/75R17.5
- First: We have the number “215” on the left, which represents the width of the frame, meaning the width of the frame is 215 mm.
- Second: The number followed by “75” is the ratio of length to width, i.e. the ratio of the thickness of the frame to its width, which is a percentage, meaning that the thickness of the frame is 75% of its width, which is 215 mm, which equals 161 mm.
- Third: The letter R stands for the type of tire and that it is radial (and the tires are of two types: radial has the symbol R and the biased has the symbol -).
- Fourth: The last digit is “17.5" which is the size of the wheel or tire diameter, meaning the rim diameter is 17.5 inches.
- Fifth: The code in the picture 102V is divided into two parts: the number “102” is a code that determines the weight capacity of these tires according to the following load table:
- The letter “V” accompanying the symbol represents the average speed that the tires can withstand. Here, the symbol V means the maximum speed is 240 km/h. According to the following table, you will find each letter and what is the speed limit for it:
You may find the name of the tire brand, the model name, and other symbols and phrases such as temperature, pressure, and other matters related to the manufacturer that are not that important, but we have discussed here the most important symbols through which you can choose the right tire for your truck!
Steps to identify the right tire for your truck
Choosing the right tire for your truck depends on certain factors including:
- Type of truck.
- driving conditions.
- Purchase budget.
- As mentioned above, a truck often identifies its tires by the manufacturer. You will find this written in the truck catalog or on the company's official website depending on each company. However, you will find this information easily after a simple search, in addition to the driving conditions that the wheels will be driven by and the type of cargo. Desert roads are not like rainy snow and things vary according to your needs. In all this interview, do not forget to think about the budget you can buy with its limits in order to find the best suitable tire for your vehicle.
How do I know if the tires fit my truck
To find out if the tires are suitable for your truck, refer to the specifications on the current tires or in the truck manual. The appropriate size, tire type, load factor and speed are specified. For the nature of the truck's use, whether it is for transporting heavy loads or driving long distances, you should also make sure that the tire matches the type of road on which the truck travels, whether it is asphalt or unpaved.
What are the legal considerations for choosing truck tires?
Tires are among the most important parts that play a vital role in safety on international highways. Although they are among the technical components of vehicles, laws do not go beyond this component. These legal considerations include the following:
Public safety: Countries impose strict standards related to the safety of tires, especially in heavy trucks. International organizations have been formed to determine the international standards to which all tires in the world must be subject, including International Standards Organization (ISO) Or the local agencies of each country, such as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the Authority Saudi Standards (SASO) In the Gulf region with the Gulf conformity badge, as in the United Arab Emirates, it is monitored Emirates Quality Mark which regulates the general quality standards of any product within the country
These bodies rely on the central specifications in the tires suchlike: The depth of the tread and the bearing of weights, in addition to passing the intensive performance tests on the tires in order to obtain the quality mark and allow them to travel on the Gulf roads and the roads of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These specifications can be assured because all tires from Derbek are subject to these tests and have the Saudi specifications badge, the Gulf conformity badge and the Emirates quality mark. This allows you to travel in any GCC country with comfort, especially as they are designed specifically for these roads and the surrounding environmental conditions
And it can To say that legal considerations in the selection of truck tires are not just unimportant technical details, but represent an important dimension in maintaining the safety of the truck and the safety of road partners. Therefore, drivers should take care to choose tires that have quality signs, standards and general specifications.
Where do I order the best tire for trucks?
All international companies that manufacture tires and other consumer materials will find Saudi agencies that provide international products and link Saudi Arabia to the world, but... you do not need much thought to get the tire you want by accessing the official website of Darbek and through the search box, choose the type of tire you want and simply confirm the order and the right tire will be in your hands. You will not have to go around markets and agencies whose prices may vary with the loss of time in searching and exploring the agencies themselves. Do not stress yourself and shorten the path with Darbak!
How long is the shelf life of tires
The shelf life of tires depends on the date of production and the conditions of use, but in most cases it is recommended not to use the tire for more than five years from the date of manufacture, even if it does not show obvious wear. The manufacturing date can be found by the number printed on the side of the tire, which indicates the week and year of production such as 3523, which means that the tire was made in week 35 of 2023.
Truck tire care tips
To keep truck tires in good condition, air pressure should be checked regularly and made sure it meets the manufacturer's recommendations. It is also preferable to check the condition of the tread and wear and make sure that there are no cracks or obvious damage. It is also important to rotate the tires between periods to ensure balanced wear and avoid overloading the tire or traveling at inappropriate speeds because this reduces its life span.
Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect Tire for Your Truck
The answer to the question “How do you choose the right tire for your truck?” can be summarized by the fact that the choice depends on the use of the truck (is it for commercial transportation? Heavy or light cargo?) and the surrounding environment (are you traveling on rough roads, asphalt, hot or cold, etc.). Do not forget to check the type of tire chosen by the manufacturer of this truck (if there are no specific conditions that require changing tires to a specific type). We have shown above the best companies available in Saudi Arabia to manufacture tires. By the way, you may find tires made in Saudi Arabia with your choice. You can consult, research and find out The best tire for your truck and your daily use. We wish you safety on your trips.
- Additional information on frame codes.
- Having the Psi 51 sign does not mean you should inflate the tire on 51, but you should stick to what is written on the car bracket or door.
- We do not recommend filling and adjusting tires with air in the summer in the middle of the day because the air temperature affects the pressure gauge. Always adjust and fill the air in the evening or morning.
- On some tires you may find the phrase “COLD (PSI 42) l” meaning that the maximum allowable inflation pressure for a tire is measured cold in the morning or evening.
- If there is none of these letters R, D, B, it means that the tire has cross layers (Cross Ply).
- You may find symbols such as TL, which is an abbreviation of the word (Tubeless), which means without an internal rubber tube.
- You may find symbols such as TT on the tire. This means that the tire is designed to have an internal rubber tube and it is not recommended to use it without the tube.
- Tires that have a speed value greater than (300 km/h) are often written in parentheses as (86Y).
