Tires represent a critical component in the road safety of freight transport, being responsible for a significant proportion of breakdowns that occur on highways. According to studies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), tire problems are among the most common mechanical failures in cargo trucks, particularly when they are worn or incorrectly inflated.

These technical deficiencies are exacerbated by the poor condition of road infrastructure, characterized by potholes, sinkholes, and uneven surfaces that generate additional stress on vehicle components.

The combination of poor-condition tires and deteriorated roads creates a vicious cycle of accelerated deterioration, where constant impacts against pavement irregularities weaken the tire structure, predisposing them to catastrophic failures such as blowouts that can cause loss of vehicle control.

The operational context of freight transport poses unique challenges that explain the high incidence of tire-related problems.

Drivers frequently face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can lead to postponing preventive maintenance and ignoring signs of abnormal wear.

Furthermore, there is a lack of adequate training for many operators, who do not always receive sufficient instruction on how to detect incipient tire problems or understand the serious consequences of driving with inadequate pressure. Although regulations require pre-trip inspections and regular maintenance, the enforcement of these rules is inconsistent in many cases, allowing vehicles with suboptimal tires to continue operating.

This situation is aggravated in regions with extreme climates, where high temperatures can accelerate the deterioration of rubber compounds and negatively affect internal pressure.

The economic cost associated with tire problems in freight transport manifests in multiple dimensions that significantly impact the sector’s profitability.

First, direct maintenance costs increase substantially, as tires wear out prematurely on poor roads, requiring more frequent replacements.

Transport companies must allocate additional financial resources not only for the acquisition of new tires but also for repairs of other vehicle components damaged as a result of tire failures.

Fuel consumption increases notably when tires have inadequate pressure or irregular wear patterns, increasing operating costs by an estimated 5-10% according to industry estimates. Furthermore, tire-related breakdowns generate disruptions in the supply chain that lead to penalties for delivery delays and loss of customer trust.

Beyond the direct economic impacts, tire problems in freight transport generate a significant negative externality for the environment and society.

The 5-10% increase in fuel consumption resulting from poor tires also translates into additional emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants, contributing to climate change and affecting air quality. Studies indicate that road transport is responsible for approximately 74% of CO2 emissions from the global transport sector, with freight trucks being the most significant contributors to this statistic.

From a social perspective, poor-condition tires increase the risk of accidents with potential fatal outcomes or serious injuries by 30%, especially when failures occur at high speed. These incidents not only represent human tragedies but also generate medical costs, loss of labor productivity, and considerable legal expenses for the companies involved.

Addressing the tire problem in freight transport requires a systemic approach that combines technological advances, better operational practices, and institutional strengthening. The implementation of real-time monitoring systems that alert about changes in tire pressure and temperature allows for the detection of incipient problems before they turn into catastrophic failures.

Transport companies must establish rigorous predictive maintenance programs that include periodic reviews and meticulous documentation of the tire condition on each vehicle. Simultaneously, it is essential to invest in improving road infrastructure to reduce the external factors that accelerate wear, as studies show that road rehabilitation could reduce millions of tons of CO2 emissions derived from freight transport.

Governments must strengthen verification mechanisms for compliance with safety standards and consider fiscal incentives for those companies that adopt more advanced technologies and more sustainable practices in maintaining their fleets.

Freight transport tires represent a critical element whose integrity directly affects the road safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability of the sector.

Their accelerated deterioration due to inadequate conditions and maintenance practices generates substantial economic costs that extend beyond transport companies to society as a whole. Addressing this challenge requires multi-sector coordination that includes investment in infrastructure, adoption of monitoring technologies, and rigorous compliance with preventive maintenance protocols.

Only through a comprehensive approach that recognizes the interconnection between tires, vehicles, infrastructure, and operational practices can the costs and risks associated with highway breakdowns be effectively mitigated, thus contributing to a safer, more efficient, and sustainable freight transport system.