Your tires are one of the most important investments you can make in your truck’s performance, safety, and efficiency. With Ontario’s unpredictable weather and varied road conditions from busy highways to rural gravel roads, choosing the right tire for your heavy truck isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Selecting Tires for Heavy Trucks: What Works Best on Ontario Roads
At Marshall Truck & Trailer Repair, we help drivers and fleets across Ontario make the right call when it comes to tires. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right tire for your truck and your route.
Types of Heavy Truck Tires & Their Benefits
#1 STEER TIRES
Location: Front axle (steering)
Purpose: Designed for handling, traction, and even wear.
Best For: Highway driving, long-haul trips.
Benefits:
- Smooth, controlled steering
- Resistance to irregular wear
- Improved fuel efficiency
Ontario Tip: Look for steer tires with siping for better grip on Ontario’s wet and variable roads.
#2 DRIVE TIRES
Location: Rear axles
Purpose: Provide traction for acceleration and braking.
Best For: Handling heavy loads, especially in slippery or challenging driving conditions.
Benefits:
- Deep tread for enhanced traction
- Excellent grip in rain, snow, or mud
Ontario Tip: Winter-rated drive tires are recommended if you’re hauling into Northern Ontario or hitting the roads in late fall.
#3 TRAILER TIRES
Location: Trailer axles
Purpose: Carry the load and maintain stability.
Best For: Long-distance hauling, consistent highway speeds.
Benefits:
- Built to resist heat buildup
- Durable for stop-and-go city driving or continuous highway runs
Ontario Tip: Choose reinforced trailer tires if you frequently navigate construction areas or rough roads common across Ontario during summer.
#4 ALL-POSITION TIRES
Purpose: Versatile tires that can be used in steer, drive, or trailer positions depending on the specific tread pattern.
Best For: Mixed regional and local driving where flexibility is key.
Benefits:
- Good for fleets with varied routes
- Simplifies tire management
How to Choose the Right Tires for Ontario Roads
CONSIDER YOUR ROUTES:
- Highway Hauling (401, 400 Series): Look for low rolling resistance options to maximize fuel efficiency.
- Rural Routes or Construction Areas: Choose tires with reinforced sidewalls and puncture resistance.
- Winter or Northern Ontario Routes: Prioritize tires with deep tread patterns, siping, and winter ratings (look for the mountain snowflake symbol).
THINK ABOUT LOAD WEIGHT:
- Heavy loads require tires with high load ratings to prevent excessive wear and blowouts.
FACTOR IN WEATHER PATTERNS:
- Ontario’s weather can change quickly. It pays to invest in tires designed for both wet traction and winter performance.
WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL:
- Don’t guess. Talk to our experienced team here at Marshall Truck & Trailer Repair. We’ll assess your routes, loads, and driving habits to match you with the right tire every time.