Your truck’s tires are more than just rubber on the road—they’re critical to how your truck drives, stops, and handles whatever conditions come your way. Whether you're running solo as an owner-operator or managing an entire fleet, understanding your tire tread can help you stay safer, save fuel, and protect your bottom line.
Types of Tire Treads
Not all treads are built the same. The right tread pattern for your truck depends on where you’re driving and what you’re hauling.
Rib Tread
Ideal for steer tires and long highway runs. Rib treads have straight grooves that help push water out and improve stability—great for fuel efficiency and smooth rides.
Lug Tread
Found on drive tires, lug treads are built for traction. Their deeper grooves and aggressive patterns give you better grip in rain, dirt, and off-road conditions.
Block Tread
Common on trailer or all-position tires, block treads offer a balance of traction and durability across various road surfaces.
Hybrid Tread
A blend of rib and lug, hybrid treads give you the best of both worlds—traction and handling—making them ideal for regional routes with mixed driving conditions.
How Tread Impacts Performance
Tread patterns don’t just look different—they directly impact how your truck handles the road:
- Wet Conditions: Rib treads help prevent hydroplaning.
- Gravel or Off-Road: Lug and hybrid treads provide traction and bite.
- Snow & Ice: Deeper, siped treads help reduce slippage.
- Fuel Economy: Shallower treads lower rolling resistance but wear out faster.
Choosing the wrong tread type could mean faster wear, higher fuel costs, or reduced handling—none of which help your uptime.
How Long Should Tires Last?
Tire life depends on your driving habits, load weight, maintenance, and road conditions. On average:
- Steer Tires: 100,000–150,000 miles
- Drive Tires: 250,000–300,000 miles (with proper rotation)
- Trailer Tires: 200,000–250,000 miles
Retreading is a great way to extend tire life, but only if your tires have worn evenly and been well cared for.
Keep Your Treads in Shape
Want to get the most out of your tires? Stay on top of maintenance:
- Check Tire Pressure Weekly: Underinflated tires wear out faster and unevenly.
- Watch for Irregular Wear: Cupping or feathering could point to alignment or suspension issues.
- Rotate Regularly: Spreads wear across all tire positions.
- Balance and Align: Especially important for steer tires—improper alignment can kill a tire prematurely.
Choosing the Right Tires for Your Application
Your route matters just as much as your load. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Long-Haul Highway: Rib treads and low rolling resistance drive tires for better fuel economy.
- Regional/Urban: Hybrid treads that hold up to stop-and-go traffic and tight turns.
- On/Off-Road or Construction: Lug or block treads for added durability and grip.
- Heavy Hauling or Tankers: Look for reinforced casings and deeper treads for extra load support.
Not sure what to choose? Our team is here to help you make the right call.
What Do Truck Tires Cost?
You can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $600 per tire, depending on the size, brand, and tread pattern. While premium tires cost more up front, they usually pay off with longer tread life, better fuel mileage, and improved safety.
And don’t forget—regular rotation, balancing, and alignments are part of the long-term value.
Put Your Tread Toward $5K in Savings
If you’re purchasing a used truck from SelecTrucks of Atlanta or SelecTrucks of Georgia, you may be eligible for the $5K Your Way promotion.
With this special offer, you can put part of your $5,000 incentive toward new tires—ensuring your truck hits the road with fresh tread that matches your route and application. It’s also a great opportunity to upgrade to premium tires or invest in deeper treads that provide long-term value and performance.
Other eligible uses include:
- Down payment matching (when financed through Daimler Truck Financial)
- Upgraded Select Warranty options
Ask our team how you can use the tire allowance to get the right treads installed at purchase—and start your next journey with confidence.
Protect Your Tread With The Right Parts
While Peach State Truck Centers does not offer tires or tire services, we do offer one of the largest selections of OEM and aftermarket parts in the Southeast—including brake systems, suspensions, and other components that directly impact tire performance and tread wear.
Need a part replacement, inspection, or service to keep your truck running smoothly? Our expert team is here to help.