Many truck operators think tire pressure monitoring systems are only for checking air pressure. That was true in the past, but modern TPMS does much more. Today, these systems also track tire temperature.

Tire temperature data can reveal serious mechanical problems that pressure alone cannot show. Issues like brake drag, bearing failure, and hub damage all create extra heat. This heat travels into the tire and shows up in temperature readings long before a full breakdown happens.

By watching tire temperature, fleet operators can find problems early, avoid roadside failures, and protect both drivers and equipment.

Using Tire Temperature to Detect Brake and Hub Problems

Heavy-duty trucks work under extreme conditions. They carry very heavy loads, travel long distances, and brake often, especially on hills and mountain roads. These demands push truck parts to their limits.

When brakes, bearings, or hubs begin to fail, they create extra friction. Friction creates heat. This heat spreads through the wheel area and into the tire. A TPMS sensor can detect this rise in temperature even when everything else still seems normal.

This early warning gives operators time to act before a small issue turns into a costly failure.

Why Temperature Monitoring Matters for Heavy-Duty Trucks

Truck tires can get very hot during daily work. This is normal to a point. However, when temperatures rise too high or unevenly, it signals a problem.

Brakes turn movement into heat every time the driver slows down. During normal braking, this heat fades quickly. But when brakes stick or drag, they keep creating heat even when the driver is not braking. This constant heat buildup causes tire temperatures to rise steadily.

Wheel bearings also work under heavy stress. When they are well-lubricated, they stay relatively cool. But when lubrication fails or parts wear out, metal rubs against metal. This creates strong heat that moves through the hub and into the tire.

Hubs contain many parts that must stay tight and aligned. Loose bolts or worn parts cause vibration and friction. These problems also create heat that tire sensors can detect.

What Normal Tire Temperatures Look Like

To spot problems, operators must first understand what “normal” looks like.

A truck parked overnight in cold weather may start with tire temperatures around 20°F. After driving on the highway, those same tires may warm up to 120°F or more.

Load size matters a lot. Tires carrying heavy loads bend and flex more, which creates heat. A fully loaded truck may run 20°F hotter than the same truck running empty.

Speed also affects temperature. Faster speeds create more friction and heat.

Most normal highway tire temperatures fall between 80°F and 140°F, depending on weather, load, and speed. GUTA TPMS systems track temperatures from -4°F to 185°F, covering both normal and dangerous conditions.

If one tire runs much hotter than others on the same axle, it is often a sign of a mechanical problem.

Temperature Patterns That Signal Trouble

Certain temperature patterns point clearly to trouble.

When one tire runs 20–30°F hotter than its partner on the same axle, something is wrong at that wheel. Brake drag, bearing wear, or hub problems are common causes.

Gradual temperature increases over time also matter. If a tire usually runs at 110°F but climbs to 145°F under the same conditions, the problem is getting worse.

Another warning sign appears after stopping. Healthy brakes cool down quickly when parked. If a tire stays hot after stopping, it may mean the brakes are not releasing fully.

Mechanical Problems That Show Up in Temperature Data

Many serious truck problems create clear temperature signals. Learning these patterns helps fleets fix issues early.

Brake Drag and Stuck Brake Parts

Brake drag happens when brake parts do not release completely. Pads stay in contact with the rotor, creating constant friction. This makes the wheel much hotter than others.

Air brake systems can develop valve problems that keep pressure on the brakes. Spring brakes may also fail to retract fully. Both issues cause dragging and heat buildup.

In hydraulic systems, dirty brake fluid can overheat and boil. This prevents proper pressure release and keeps brakes partially engaged.

Rusty or stuck slide pins can also stop calipers from moving freely. This causes uneven brake contact and extra heat, often affecting just one wheel.

Wheel Bearing Failures

Bearing failure usually happens in stages, and each stage shows a temperature change.

Early bearing wear causes small heat increases, often just 10–15°F above normal. These changes are easy to miss without constant monitoring.

As damage grows, friction increases and temperatures rise 30–50°F above normal. This stage clearly signals trouble.

In advanced failure, metal grinds against metal. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels and may exceed 185°F. At this point, wheel separation is possible, creating a major safety risk.

Heat from bearings travels through the hub into the tire. Even sealed bearings send heat outward, where TPMS sensors can detect it early.

Hub Assembly Problems

Hub seals keep grease inside and dirt outside. When seals fail, lubricant leaks out and dirt gets in. Both cause more friction and heat.

Loose wheel bolts allow movement in the hub. This movement creates vibration and friction, which raises temperatures and speeds up wear.

Damaged hub surfaces can prevent wheels from mounting correctly. Poor seating causes uneven stress and heat during driving.

Overloaded hubs also run hotter. Carrying too much weight for long periods speeds up wear and increases temperature readings.

Using GUTA TPMS for Temperature-Based Checks

Modern TPMS systems make temperature monitoring easy and useful. GUTA systems track both pressure and temperature on every tire in real time.

Real-Time Temperature Alerts

GUTA systems check tire temperature many times each minute. If a tire gets too hot, the driver receives an alert right away.

These alerts help drivers act quickly. A driver can safely pull over and inspect the wheel. Smoke, burning smells, or hot hubs often confirm the warning.

Fast alerts help prevent major damage. Catching brake drag early avoids ruined rotors and pads. Finding bearing problems early prevents wheel loss and accidents.

The GUTA GT80 Series shows real-time temperatures on a clear color touchscreen. Drivers can see all tire positions at once and notice trends as they develop.

Comparing Temperatures Across Axles

Good temperature checks rely on comparison. Tires on the same axle should run at similar temperatures. Large differences point to local problems.

The GUTA GT60 supports up to 16 tires and comes with pre-labeled sensors. This makes it easy to know exactly which wheel has a problem when an alert appears.

For trucks with multiple trailers, the GUTA GT30 can monitor up to 34 tires. This wide coverage helps spot patterns that smaller systems might miss.

The GT20 Series shows many tire readings at once on a large screen. This full view makes it easier to spot unusual temperature differences quickly.

Best Practices for Using Temperature Monitoring

Installing sensors is only the first step. Operators must know how to set alerts, read data, and respond correctly.

Setting the Right Alert Levels

Default temperature alerts may not fit every operation. Trucks hauling heavy loads in hot climates naturally run hotter than light-duty trucks in cold regions.

Start with factory settings, then watch normal temperatures for a few weeks. Adjust alert levels to match real conditions.

Use higher alert levels in summer and lower ones in winter. Avoid alerts for short spikes during hard braking or hill climbs. Focus on temperatures that stay high or keep rising.

Training Drivers to Read Temperature Alerts

Drivers must understand what alerts mean. Not every alert requires an emergency stop.

Slow temperature increases often allow time to reach a service stop. Sudden spikes or very high temperatures need immediate action.

Simple guides in the cab help drivers judge normal and dangerous temperatures. Drivers should also know that TPMS supports, but does not replace, visual inspections.

Moving Forward with Temperature Monitoring

Temperature tracking turns TPMS into a powerful diagnostic tool. It helps fleets prevent failures, extend part life, and improve safety.

Start with trucks that often have brake or bearing problems. Record temperature trends and avoided failures. Use this data to show savings and justify expanding TPMS use.

Explore GUTA systems designed for trucks and commercial vehicles to find the best fit for your fleet.

Large fleets can contact wholesale@guta-tech.com for bulk pricing and custom integration. Detailed setup and operation instructions are available in the user manual.

Temperature monitoring is the next step in smarter fleet management. Fleets that adopt it gain safer trucks, lower costs, and stronger operations. The real question is not whether to use temperature data, but how soon you can start using it across your fleet.