Changing a tire on a passenger car may be a simple task, but the process is nowhere near as simple when changing a semi-truck tire.
Changing a tire on a passenger car may be a simple task, but the process is nowhere near as simple when changing a semi-truck tire. Due to the equipment involved and the sheer weight of the truck, dispatchers often need to be called when a tire needs to be replaced. The best course of action when you have a flat tire is to find a truck stop to have your vehicle serviced. But if you can not get to a truck stop, it is possible to change the tire yourself. Here are the steps to changing a semi-truck tire.
What to Do When You Have a Flat Tire
Unfortunately, tire blowouts are very common. Luckily you have some options if that happens on your route. You can contact dispatch to find the closest truck stop and tell them you are on your way there with a flat tire. Or, you can attempt to change the tire yourself on the side of the road. Semi-trucks have several tires and can allow you to reach the nearest truck stop without any problems on the road. Truck stops are usually located about every 40 miles on the highway. Luckily, you will not have to drive too far on a flat tire.
Changing a Flat Tire
If you are driving in a remote area or are otherwise too far from a truck stop, you do not want to be driving on a flat tire. If you’re in a situation where you need a tire change, it might be better to do it yourself.
Most truck drivers keep a tire changing tool handy to break the seal that keeps the tire in place and stops the air from escaping. Once the seal is broken, you can remove the tire without lifting it. You will also need to remove the lug nuts. After the lug nuts are removed, take the damaged tire off the axle and put the spare tire in its place. But commercial tires can weigh up to 300 pounds. So, you will have to use a jack to lift and place the tire onto the truck. Once you place the new tire on the axle, just replace the lug nuts, and you are ready to go. As stated, it is crucial to be safe when performing any kind of truck maintenance on the road. If you feel you are out of your comfort zone, there is no shame in calling for roadside assistance.
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Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.