Malaysia’s roads place constant stress on truck tyres. Average daytime temperatures in lowland areas reach 30–34 celcius, while annual rainfall ranges from 2 400–3 000 mm. Monsoon periods occur from May to September (southwest) and November to March (northeast). Both heat and wet conditions affect braking, handling, and tyre life, making proper maintenance essential for fleet safety and uptime.
Heat increases tyre pressure and internal stress. Tyre pressure typically rises two-one–psi for every 5–6°C increase in temperature. Underinflated tyres flex more, generating additional heat, accelerating tread wear, and increasing the risk of sidewall or casing damage. Fully loaded trucks on intercity routes are most exposed. Regular pre-trip and in-route pressure checks are critical, particularly during hot spells.
Heavy rain reduces surface grip and increases stopping distances by up to 40 percent compared to dry conditions. Worn tyres struggle to channel water, raising the risk of aquaplaning. The legal minimum tread depth in Malaysia is 1.6 mm, but many fleets maintain higher internal limits: three-four mm on steer axles and two-three mm on drive or trailer axles. Maintaining adequate tread depth is essential for consistent braking and stability on wet roads.
Mixed road surfaces, including highways, industrial zones, and construction access roads, accelerate uneven wear. Many operators rotate tyres more frequently than manufacturer recommendations and monitor tread depth during scheduled servicing to extend tyre life and maintain performance.
Daily inspections by drivers and detailed checks at workshops remain the most effective preventive measures. Common checks include tyre pressure, tread depth, and visible damage such as cuts or bulges.
“Tyre checks are part of routine servicing at UD Trucks authorised workshops in Malaysia and Brunei,” says Eddy Chan, Sales Director Malaysia and Brunei at UD Trucks. “Routine inspections by trained technicians help fleets identify wear early and maintain uptime across varied weather conditions.”
Underinflated or worn tyres can fail more quickly under tropical conditions. Studies and manufacturer data indicate that underinflated tyres can wear up to 25 percent faster. Fleet operators who integrate regular pressure checks, tread monitoring, and rotation schedules into daily and scheduled maintenance reduce the risk of breakdowns, accidents, and uneven tyre wear.
