Tire Inspections for Safer, More Reliable Vehicles

What is Tire Inspection?

A tire inspection is a systematic, thorough checkup designed to ensure a vehicle’s overall safety, performance, and compliance with government regulations. An in-depth inspection can catch tire-related problems early—whether it’s low tire pressure, worn-out treads, or aging tires—so you can avoid costly downtime or damage to other parts of your vehicle.

Benefits

Tire inspections are an essential part of vehicle inspections for anyone working with heavy machinery daily. These vehicles often carry loads twice their size, and it only takes one faulty tire to trigger a serious accident. The numbers don’t lie:

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are nearly 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle accidents each year.

• Additionally, about 28% of light vehicles in the U.S. operate with at least one underinflated tire, which increases the risk of accidents.

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2023, 67 workers in the manufacturing industry lost their lives in incidents involving forklifts, order pickers, or platform trucks.

Regular tire checks can go a long way in protecting lives on the job. Well-maintained tires improve vehicle control and help prevent accidents. Taking a few minutes to inspect tires regularly helps identify problems early, safeguarding your team, equipment, and worksite.

What to Check During a Tire Inspection

What to Check During a Tire Inspection

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), specific tire safety standards—outlined in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 393.75—must be followed during vehicle inspections for both non-commercial and commercial vehicles.

Here are some key tasks in a tire inspection procedure:

• Check tire pressure

• Inspect tread depth and wear patterns

• Check wheel alignment

• Ensure tires are rotated regularly

• Look for tire cracks, bulges, or punctures

• Inspect sidewalls for damage

• Examine all tire and wheel components

• Check that the spare tire is also in compliance

• Verify tire age and replace every 6–10 years, as per NHTSA recommendation

Tire Inspections For Different Vehicle Types

Tire inspections may vary across industries because different vehicles perform different tasks. Some carry loads twice their weight, while others travel through rocky terrain. While each industry follows its own safety standards, the core steps of a tire inspection are generally similar, and often include checks on brakes and fluid levels as part of a routine check.

Keep in mind that recommended tire pressure varies depending on the tire model, load, and operating conditions. Some common types of tires include:

• Fleet Tires – Built to handle heavy loads for long-haul routes, deliveries, and freight transport. Tire pressure can be between 100 and 130 psi for front (steer) tires and 85 to 120 psi for rear (drive and trailer) tires.

• Industrial Tires – Solid or airless tires designed for smooth surfaces and tight maneuvering inside warehouses. If pneumatic industrial tires are used, tire pressure may fall in the 80 to 120 psi range.

• Agricultural Tires – Built to withstand heavy traction from soil, crops, and rocks. Tire pressure can often be between 12 and 35 psi, depending on tire size and field operation.

• Aviation Tires – Built to withstand high loads and feature strict tread requirements for landing. The main landing gear tires on commercial planes require extreme pressure, usually between 180 and 220 psi.

Using a digital solution such as SafetyCulture’s tire inspection checklist to check tire pressure, tread depth, and condition can help streamline tire inspections into your workflow. These checklists can also include photo uploads and manual pressure entries to ensure your tires are in top shape before they hit the road.