Winter Driving Tips for Commercial Drivers

When the first snow hits the highway, commercial drivers know it is not about getting there fast. It is about getting there safely.

Icy grades, whiteout conditions, and frozen mud ruts can turn an easy haul into a serious test of focus and traction. That is where preparation and the right set of tires come in. Whether you are hauling construction materials to a job site or running regional routes, here’s how to keep your rig under control when winter takes hold.

1. Run a Tire Built for the Tough Stuff

Winter is not kind to tires. The constant freeze-thaw cycles, hidden debris, and rough mixed surfaces chew through standard treads. The RBP Constructor A is specifically engineered for such abuse.

Its aggressive mixed-service compound resists chipping and scrubbing, while the thick solid shoulders and special groove cuts stabilize the tread to deliver reliable traction on everything from snow-covered asphalt to soft job site soil.

2. Maintain Tire Pressure Every Day

Temperature drops cause tire pressure to fall, and underinflated tires wear unevenly and lose traction fast. Make it a habit to check pressures before rolling out. It is one of the simplest ways to extend tire life and improve handling in cold weather.

3. Ease into Every Maneuver

Sudden throttle or brake inputs are your enemy in slippery conditions. Ease off the gas when approaching curves and brake in a straight line before entering turns. On slick grades, downshift early and let engine braking do some of the work.

4. Keep Distance and Read the Road

Heavy trucks take longer to stop in good weather and much longer in snow and ice. Leave more room than you think you need, especially when following another rig. Watch how spray kicks off the tires ahead. When it stops, that means ice.

5. Avoid Ruts and Deep Shoulders

Packed snow ruts can grab your tires and pull the truck off line. Follow in clean tracks where possible and keep your wheels centered. Those soft, white shoulders often hide deep drops that can suck in a trailer before you know it.

6. Respect the Plows

Snowplows may move slower, but they clear the path that keeps everyone rolling. Give them plenty of space and avoid passing unless the lane is wide open and visibility is perfect.

7. Don’t Forget the Mud Factor

In mixed service, winter is not just ice. It is also thawed soil, job site muck, and half-frozen gravel. The Constructor A’s angled block separation and split-belt construction help channel water, mud, and debris away, keeping the tread biting even when things get messy.

8. Inspect Often, Replace Before Trouble Finds You

Cold and wet conditions accelerate wear and casing damage. Walk the truck at every stop, look for cuts or chunks missing from the tread, and replace before minor damage becomes downtime.

The Showdown

Feature Constructor S Constructor A Constructor A-WB
Primary Application Steer and all-position mixed service All-position mixed service All-position wide base mixed service
Best Used For Superior steering control on and off highway Rugged all-position performance in toughest conditions Improved fuel efficiency and weight distribution
Tread Design Large open grooves for precision steering Aggressive tread with angled block separation Deep aggressive tread for long original mileage
Tread Depth 19/32" - 21/32" 24/32" 22/32"
Winter Performance Superior traction with large open grooves Exceptional grip in snow, ice, and frozen mud Superior traction and stability in mixed conditions
Construction Type Industry-leading tread compounds Advanced tread compounds with split-belt flexibility Heavy duty construction with wide base design
Load Capacity Up to 7,160 lb at 120 PSI Up to 9,090 lb at 130 PSI Up to 11,400 lb at 120 PSI
Key Advantage Multi-use application with heavy load capacity Superior evacuation and long tread life Excellent flotation properties and fuel efficiency
Ideal Winter Use Regional routes requiring steering precision Construction sites and mixed winter terrain Heavy hauls needing maximum stability

Mixed Service Tires

Providing Durability in construction and other multi-surface applications

Mixed Service Steer
All-Position

Mixed Service
All-Position

Mixed Service
All-Position Widebase

Tackle Every Winter Mile with Confidence

The right tire will not make winter easy, but it can make it predictable. The Rolling Big Power Constructor A is designed to handle the roughest mixed-service routes and the harshest weather conditions without compromising its performance.

 When traction matters most, equip your rig with the tire that keeps working as hard as you do.

Learn more about the RBP Constructor A and explore the full line of mixed-service tires at rbptires.com/commercial-tire/mixed-service-tires.