What’s The Best Thing to Do When Having a Truck Flat Tire?
Got a truck with a flat tire? Don’t panic! Learn which are the essential steps you need to take when finding yourself in this scenario.
Not only will we show you what you should do while being on the road with a flat tire, but we’ll also go over the main preventative steps for avoiding this type of problem in the future. As a result, you’ll be more than ready to hit the road knowing that you won’t go through this issue.
Do Truck Tires Go Flat?
While there’s a common misconception that commercial tires never go flat, they do run the same risk as other vehicles. Whether they are slightly underinflated or completely flat, these tires can often pose a severe threat to truck drivers.
Not only are they dangerous, but flat tires also tend to be annoying and even turn out to be expensive. In most cases, flat tires can end up costing $1,000 to truckers!
While there are multiple reasons why a truck’s tire might go flat randomly, some causes are more prevalent than others.
For instance, one common reason why this issue arises is that of a faulty valve.
Additionally, when not keeping your tires’ pressure in check or adequately inflated, the chances of experiencing a blowout increase up to 80%.
What Are Some Common Reasons Behind a Flat Truck?
A truck flat tire can result from multiple factors, whether from a puncture by a sharp object or an over-pumped tire. For this reason, we believe it’s essential that you know each of these causes. That way, you can spot some of these dangers when being on the road.
These are some of the principal reasons why a semi truck’s tires might go flat:
- Damage from the valve stem.
- Leaks from tire beads and alloy wheels.
- Detachment of the rim and tire from rubbing and other collisions.
- Over-pumped tires.
- Rupture or punctures due to sharp objects such as glass or nails.
- Uneven roads, debris, and potholes on the highway.
- Under-inflated tires.
How to Patch a Semi-Truck Flat Tire
The best thing you can do when having a truck flat tire and being stuck in the middle of nowhere is to get your commercial vehicle to the side of the road and call for a roadside tire repair. Only a profession will provide you with the assistance you need.
Moreover, you can also call a tow truck towing service when being in a more severe emergency.
Will Driving on a Flat Tire Ruin It?
While it might be tempting to keep driving with a flat tire, it’s safest for you not to do so. If you do so, you can cause the tire to take internal structural damage. Moreover, it can cause steer tires, steering wheel, rear tires, and even the entire truck to be negatively affected.
Finally, driving on a flat tire will result in poor handling, thus having less control of the vehicle.
Is It Bad for a Truck to Sit on a Flat Tire?
Just like with car tires, allowing a semi-truck to sit on a flat tire for more than 24 hours can cause permanent damage to the tire. As a result, the repair process can transition from a simple patching job to completely replacing the whole tire.
This event happens because the weight of the semi-truck can tear the rubber fabric of the tires. Additionally, if you’re stuck under the rain or the temperature is lower than 46 degrees Fahrenheit, the damage can start happening much sooner.
That’s why a good rule of thumb is making the time your truck sits on the flat tire as short as possible. You can do this by immediately calling a roadside assistance service.
Why Might Some People Keep on Getting Flat Tires?
Getting a flat tire can be irritating. However, keeping on getting flat tires is nerve-racking.
Sadly, some truckers might experience this recurring problem even after going to a tire service. Usually, trucks that do keep on getting this issue often are due to their negligence on proper tire care. In most cases, it’s because the tires of their semi-truck are constantly under-inflated.
If you find yourself in this situation, even if you constantly check your tires’ air pressure, you should go to a tire shop and get yourself new tires. It can be that they are old and don’t perform as well as new ones.
Expert truck drivers often recommend changing the tires of your semi-truck every three to six years. Moreover, be sure to stay on top of your tire’s mileage. Usually, these tires can last up to 40,000 miles before needing to be replaced.
Lastly, be sure to know the type of tire your truck uses. For instance, special trailer tires often have a longer lifespan compared to other kinds of tires.
Steps to Prevent Flat Tires in the Future
Did you know that up to 80% of tire blowouts can be prevented?
Similar to other vehicle breakdowns, the frequency in which these trucks get flat tires depends on the type of service you perform as well as how well the driver takes care of their truck.
That’s why you must follow certain steps to avoid flat tires on the road.
Of course, one of the main things good truckers do is perform pre-trip inspections before setting out. And, among the primary tasks to perform during these inspections, we have air pressure inspection for both tires and brake systems.
And, believe it or not, not many truckers tend to do this protocol. In fact, many drivers even think that checking their tires once a month is more than enough.
Not only will inspecting your tires save your life, but it also comes with many more benefits. Some of these profits include better fuel economy for your semi-truck and reduced wear and tear in your tires.
When having a truck flat tire, drivers must know the proper steps to take. Remember that you can count on LV Road Tec Assistance LLC when needing to change flat tires in the middle of the road when traveling near Las Vegas, Nevada!