Commercial and fleet tires are chosen by axle position, load rating and size, not just by what fits the rim. Before bringing a truck to Columbus Tire Shop in Columbus, OH, call with the tire size, load range and which axle needs the tire so availability and fitment can be confirmed.
A commercial tire problem is a scheduling problem first. A truck sitting with a bad tire is not earning, so the useful question is whether the size you need can be confirmed before you move the vehicle, not what the tire costs on a shelf.
Have three things written down when you call: the size molded on the sidewall, the load range or ply rating, and the position the tire goes in. Steer, drive and trailer positions are built differently, and a tire that suits one can be wrong for another.
Does the axle position change which tire I need?
Yes. Steer tires are built for tracking and even wear, drive tires for traction, and trailer tires for carrying weight with little scrub. Putting a drive tire on a steer axle, or the reverse, is a common shortcut that shows up later as vibration or fast shoulder wear.
If you are not sure what is on the truck now, read the sidewall of the tire beside the one that failed on the same axle.
Should I replace both tires on an axle at once?
On dual setups, mismatched diameters between the two tires in a pair make one carry more of the load. Measure the remaining tire against the new one, or ask the shop what difference is acceptable before it goes on.
New or retread, and who decides?
That depends on the position and on your own policy for the vehicle. Many fleets keep retreads off steer axles and use them on drive or trailer positions. Ask whether retreads are available in your size, and what casing history, if any, comes with them.
If you manage more than one truck, tell the shop at the start so a plan for the others can be discussed in the same visit. Do not assume any fleet program exists until it is confirmed on the phone.
What information do I need before calling about truck tires?
Have the tire size, load range, axle position and the vehicle type ready. With those four items, availability and fitment can be checked quickly instead of by guesswork.
Can a shop on Sullivant Ave handle my fleet vehicles?
The shop is at 3651 Sullivant Ave in Columbus, and the way to find out whether it handles your size is to call with the details. Do not drive a loaded truck over on the assumption that it does.
Are commercial tires repaired or always replaced?
It depends on where the damage is and how the tire was built. Sidewall damage generally means replacement, so ask the shop what it will and will not repair.