Why Tyres Matter
Tyres are more than rubber—they decide fuel efficiency, safety, and profitability. For commercial vehicle (CV) owners in India, tyres account for nearly 20% of operating costs.
Main Tyre Types
By Construction
- Bias Ply: Rugged, lower cost, strong on rural/off-road routes. Shorter life, higher fuel use.
- Radial: Longer life, better fuel economy, ideal for highways. Slightly costlier upfront.
By Axle Application
- Steer Tyres (front axle): Stability & precise steering.
- Drive Tyres (rear powered axle): Grip & traction.
- Trailer Tyres: Carry loads efficiently, built for durability & retreading.
By Terrain
- Highway Tyres: Best for smooth roads, long hauls.
- On–Off Road Tyres: Balanced for city + rough roads.
- Mining/Construction Tyres: Extra deep treads, reinforced for heavy loads.
Other Variants
- Tube vs Tubeless
- Retreaded Tyres (cost-saving option)
👉 Radialisation is the clear trend: over 50% of truck/bus tyres in India are now radials.
How to Choose the Right Tyre for Your Commercial Vehicle
Step 1: Match Vehicle & Load
- LCVs/tempos → Radials for mileage.
- Heavy trucks → Mix of steer/drive/trailer tyres.
- Overloaded rural trucks → Bias tyres still survive better.
Step 2: Consider Route & Terrain
- Highways → Radials for cooler running & mileage.
- Rural roads → Bias or On-Off road tyres for sidewall toughness.
- Construction/mining → Special heavy-duty treads.
Step 3: Balance Cost vs Savings
- Radials: Higher upfront cost, 15–20%
fuel saving, longer life.
- Bias: Cheaper to buy, but faster wear & higher diesel spend.
Step 4: Retreading Value
- Choose tyres with strong casings → 2–3 retreads possible.
- Retreading lowers lifecycle cost by 30–40%.
Step 5: Brand Support
- Indian majors: MRF, Apollo, JK Tyre, CEAT, TVS Eurogrip.
- Global brands: Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental (premium radials).
- Look at warranty, service reach, and roadside help.
👉 A smarter tyre choice = more km per litre + fewer breakdowns + higher profits.
Tyre Care & Maintenance Tips for CV Owners
Daily Care
- Check air pressure every morning.
- Inspect tread depth & cracks.
- Remove stones & nails lodged in grooves.
Periodic Maintenance
- Rotate tyres (steer ↔ drive ↔ trailer) for even wear.
- Balance & align wheels to avoid pulling & vibration.
- Retread when safe to extend life economically.
Technology Tools
- Use Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems
(TPMS).
- GPS + telematics can track idling, overloading, and tyre misuse.
Operating Discipline
- Train drivers to avoid harsh braking & over-speeding.
- Never overload beyond rated capacity.
- Match correct tyre to axle → steer tyres for steering, drive tyres for power.
👉 Well-maintained tyres extend life by 20–25%, save diesel, and improve safety.
