Effect of Tire Pressure on Load Balance and Braking Distance in Semi Trailers

Exploring how incorrect tire pressure affects load distribution, braking performance, tire wear, and overall fuel efficiency in heavy-duty trailers.

Safety & Performance Fleet Efficiency
📅 Published on 2025-11-10 | ✍️ Semi Trailer News Technical Desk

Tire pressure monitoring in semi trailers

Image: Tire pressure monitoring sensor installed on multi-axle trailer wheel

🔹 Why Tire Pressure Matters

Tire pressure is more than a number on a gauge — it directly controls how the load is shared between axles, how much rolling resistance the trailer faces, and how efficiently it brakes. Even a 10% pressure difference between tires on the same axle can lead to uneven load sharing and premature tire wear.

⚙ Physics Behind the Problem

When a tire is underinflated, its footprint on the road becomes wider. That means more surface friction, more heat, and more drag — reducing fuel efficiency. Overinflation, on the other hand, decreases contact area, lowering grip and increasing braking distance.

📊 Measured Effects

Condition	Change in Rolling Resistance	Braking Distance Impact
-10% Pressure	+3–4%	+6–8%
-20% Pressure	+8–10%	+15%
+20% Pressure	-2%	+10% (less grip)

🧭 How Pressure Affects Load Balance

Each tire supports load proportional to its inflation pressure.
Lower pressure on one side shifts weight to the opposite tire, creating uneven axle loading.
In multi-axle trailers, such imbalance amplifies frame bending and suspension stress.

💡 Practical Recommendations

Check tire pressure before each long trip — cold pressure only.
Maintain factory-specified levels (usually 8–9 bar for 22.5” tires).
Use digital or TPMS systems for continuous monitoring.
Adjust pressure for ambient temperature: +0.1 bar per 10°C increase.

🏗 Industry Perspective

Manufacturers like Schmitz Cargobull integrate tire pressure monitoring (TPMS) into their TrailerConnect® telematics systems. This allows drivers to view real-time data on tire conditions — reducing breakdowns and extending tire lifespan by up to 20%.

🧾 Safety Reminder

An underinflated tire running 10°C hotter can cause the steel cords inside to fatigue, eventually leading to tread separation or blowout. Once the casing overheats, no repair can fully restore its strength.

Conclusion:
Proper tire pressure is one of the simplest yet most effective maintenance habits. It saves fuel, extends tire life, keeps braking performance consistent, and reduces stress on both the trailer and the driver — small effort, big reward.