Maintaining optimal tire pressure is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your semi truck. Our easy-to-use calculator helps truck owners and operators estimate the recommended tire pressure for both front and rear tires. By inputting the weight on the front and rear axles, as well as the tire’s maximum load and maximum pressure, our calculator swiftly determines the recommended tire pressure. Use our calculator below as a tool to enhance your safety and efficiency on the road.
Calculate Recommended Tire Pressure Instantly
Formula Used
Recommended Tire Pressure = (Axle Weight / Tire Maximum Load) * Tire Maximum Pressure
In this formula:
- Axle Weight is the total weight supported by the axle in lbs.
- Tire Maximum Load is the maximum load the tire can handle.
- Tire Maximum Pressure is the maximum air pressure the tire can handle.
- To calculate the recommended tire pressure, you divide the axle weight by the tire maximum load, and then multiply that by the tire maximum pressure.
Examples of Semi-Truck Tire Pressure Rating
Front Axle Weight (lbs) | Rear Axle Weight (lbs) | Tire Maximum Load (lbs) | Tire Maximum Pressure (psi) | Recommended Front Tire Pressure (psi) | Recommended Rear Tire Pressure (psi) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
12000 | 20000 | 6000 | 110 | 220 | 366.67 |
12000 | 34000 | 6175 | 110 | 220 | 608.16 |
Where Can I Find the Maximum Load and Maximum Pressure of My Tire?
The maximum load and maximum pressure of the tire are usually printed on the tire’s sidewall. Be sure to check both to obtain the right pressure. If you’re using tubeless tires, it’s essential to note that they’re highly sensitive to pressure, especially if your tires don’t follow typical European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) or Effective Rim Diameter (ERD) specifications and/or have hookless rims.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the front axle weight and the rear axle weight?
The front axle weight is the total weight supported by the front axle of the truck, while the rear axle weight is the total weight supported by the rear axle.
How often should I check my truck’s tire pressure?
It’s recommended to check your truck’s tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. It’s important to note that the more weight, the more pressure needed. Though, wider tire widths typically require less pressure.
How to know when to use higher or lower pressures for my tires?
You can find the most compatible tire pressure for your use case (i.e., temperature, road conditions, weight of load, etc.) by checking the manufacturer specifications online or on the side of the tire casing. These recommended tire pressures are typically based on rolling resistance tests conducted by the manufacturer and third parties, so they should be followed as closely as possible.
Can I use this calculator for other types of vehicles?
Yes, you can use this calculator for other types of vehicles as long as you know the weight on the front and rear axles, as well as the tire’s maximum load and maximum pressure. Just keep in mind that the results may not be as accurate for vehicles with significantly different tire ratings than trucks. Further, these estimates should be used as starting points, as it may require some experimentation and research to find the ideal tire pressure based on your vehicle, load types, terrain, and other factors.
Where can I find other helpful calculators for the trucking industry?
At Drivewyze, we’re focused on saving truckers and fleet managers time and money while making trucking as safe as possible. Check out some of our other easy-to-use trucking calculators today:
- Truck Depreciation Calculator
- Semi-Truck Gear Ratio & Speed Calculator
- Truck Driver Per Diem Calculator
- Semi-Truck Loan Calculator
- Trucker Salary Calculator
- Semi-Truck Maximum Payload & Towing Capacity Calculator
- Semi-Truck Axle Weight Calculator
- Semi-Truck Fuel Cost Calculator
Check out our Resource Center for more trucking industry resources!
Ready to Get Started?
Learn how Drivewyze can improve commercial transportation safety and efficiency