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Last summer’s record heat scorched much of the United States, with evidence of the high temperatures visible on the nation’s highways in the form of chunks of broken tires and separated treads, so-called “road gators.”

It’s no secret that underinflated tires consume more fuel. Given that the price of diesel is rising more often than falling these days, today’s fleet maintenance managers must check tire pressure more regularly — and then actually do something about the results.

The price of the service call to replace a blown truck tire on the road can run about $500, industry experts and fleet managers said, adding that the total costs can be much higher.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established a verification program for tire retreads used by linehaul Class 8 trucks.

Recent advances in rubber compounding processes have helped make tires more durable and fuel efficient, according to manufacturers who compare the techniques to the culinary arts.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. reported a first-quarter loss, citing refinancing charges that offset higher revenue.

Because storage limitations, concerns about theft and supply problems have altered the way trucking companies purchase tires, carriers, manufacturers and experts said the tool of choice for economically managing this valuable commodity is a contract that allows fleets to get what they need when they need it — at a preset price.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. reported a fourth-quarter profit and said it reached agreement with the United Steelworkers union ending a three-month lockout at an Ohio plant.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. reported a fourth-quarter profit compared with a loss a year earlier, as sales rose for the quarter and full year.