Maintaining forklift tires properly can extend their life, improve safety, and enhance operator comfort. Here are some practical tips for keeping your forklift tires in good condition:

Perform Regular Inspections

• Check for wear and damage: Look for cracks, chunking, flat spots, or excessive wear. Make tire inspections part of your normal forklift pre-shift inspection, as required by OSHA. Download our Forklift Inspection Forms HERE.

• Inspect tread depth: On pneumatic tires, ensure there’s enough tread for traction and cushioning.

• Look for signs of separation or embedded debris.

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)

• Check inflation daily: Under- or over-inflated tires can cause uneven wear and reduce stability.

• Use manufacturer-recommended pressure settings.

Rotate Tires

• Even out wear patterns by rotating tires regularly (especially on multi-wheel forklifts).

Avoid Overloading

• Stick to the forklift’s rated capacity. Excess weight increases tire wear and risk of failure.

Drive Smart

• Avoid sharp turns, quick starts/stops, and high speeds.

• Reduce impact with curbs, potholes, or dock edges to prevent tire damage.

Maintain Clean Work Areas

• Debris, sharp objects, and uneven surfaces can puncture or wear tires prematurely.

• Sweep aisles regularly and repair uneven flooring.

Replace Worn Tires Promptly

• Cushion tires: Replace when wear line is reached or when the tire diameter is 2 inches less than original.

• Pneumatic tires: Replace when tread is worn down or casing is damaged.

Use the Right Tire for the Application

• Cushion vs. pneumatic: Make sure your forklift has the correct tire type for your environment (indoor vs. outdoor).

• Consider solid pneumatics for heavy-duty or debris-laden areas to avoid flats.

Selecting the proper tires for your forklift and maintaining them is key to creating a safe working environment for your employees, and keeping your costs down by getting the most out of each set of tires you purchase. For more information about forklift tire replacement visit our Forklift Tire Replacement page, or contact us at 804-233-0051 for information and pricing. We replace tires for ALL MAKES and MODELS.