Selecting School Bus Tires: What You Need to Know
Every day, school buses encounter various surfaces and environments. Turns and constant stop-and-go’s put pressure on the vehicle to efficiently function. While tires are commonly the most neglected part of a school bus, they are critical for optimal performance, as they take the brunt of the wear and tear.
Selecting tires that are best for your bus is the first step to a safe ride. Before making your decision, communicate with experts about the physical properties the tire must withstand, along with the durability of the casing construction to leave retreading as an option.
What to Look for in a School Bus Tire
In the tire industry, a school bus falls under the category of pickup-and-delivery because of frequent stops. This, in addition to the high-scrub application, means that the tires chosen must be robust and be able to account for uneven wear.
Consider selecting high scuff tires. These help with the wear of stop-and-start driving as well as frequent turning. Then think about where the buses travel in your district. Is it mostly paved roads? Or is your district in a rural area where there could be a mix of dirt, gravel, and pavement.
Because school buses do not typically go many miles every day, it can take years for them to wear hence the need to incorporate the proper drive and steer tires in the bus fleet tire management plan. You should also consider selecting the best tire casing to provide the best foundation if and when the tire needs to be recapped.
And don’t forget about selecting a tire with traction—a necessity for school bus tires.
Consider the New Michelin XZE2
Michelin’s new XZE2 all-position steer tire is a great choice for a school bus fleet. It has Matrix siping technology and rib-edge mirosipes that protect against irregular wear. These tires have sidewall with strong curb guards to safeguard against impacts and abrasions. You can find it at Bauer Built Tire & Service.
Bauer Built is a proud partner of many bus fleets across the Midwest. “Our focus is helping bus fleets find optimal tires for a safe and smooth ride,” said Jody Lane, Bauer Built Wholesale Sales Manager. You can learn more about the Michelin XZE2 and other commercial tires by reaching out to our 32 tire center locations!
Categories: Bauer Built Blog, News
