Many commercial vehicles and heavy vans operate with dual rear wheels on one or both rear axles. This configuration distributes load more evenly and improves stability under heavy weights, but it also introduces specific maintenance considerations that differ from single-wheel setups. Understanding these nuances is important for any operator running vehicles with twin tyre configurations.
The most common challenge with dual-wheel axles is the inner tyre losing pressure without any immediate external indication. Because the inner tyre is partially obscured by the outer wheel, significant pressure loss can go unnoticed during visual walkaround checks. Fleet operators must ensure that inner tyre pressures are measured with a pressure gauge at every formal inspection, not simply assessed by visual appearance.
Debris becoming trapped between the inner and outer tyres is another risk unique to the dual configuration. Stones, metalwork, and other road debris can lodge between the two tyres and cause progressive sidewall damage to both. Regular cleaning of the gap between dual tyres during vehicle washing and detailed inspection helps prevent this type of slow-developing damage from reaching a critical point.
When replacing tyres on a dual-wheel axle, both tyres on that position should match in brand, size, load index, and construction type where possible. Significant differences in rolling circumference between the inner and outer tyre — caused by mismatched tread depths — create uneven loading and can produce handling irregularities. A qualified mobile tyre technician can advise on correct matching protocols for your specific axle configuration.
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