The function of the drive tires on a semi truck is to help keep the vehicle moving forward. The drive tires also allow the driver to steer and maneuver along the road. These tires can be made of steel, polyester, nylon, or polyurethane. Steel-belted radials are by far the most common type of tire used on semi trucks, providing better traction than many other types of tire. Drive tire blowouts can happen when all four drive tires get worn out at about the same time and all their treads have been worn down.
There are two different types of drive tires that can be found on a semi truck: radial and bias ply tires. The type of tire depends on how much stress it needs to endure and how heavy it is; bias-ply tyres are made for light loads, while radial-ply tyres are made for heavy loads and high speeds. Radial-plys provide better traction because they can withstand large vertical forces whereas bias-plys slip on hard surfaces.
Drive tire manufacturers recommend checking drive tire pressure every 30 days; however, this can vary depending on how frequently the driver uses the truckâs brakes.