According to the FMCSA, 5-10% of all semi-truck accidents are attributable to semi-truck tire blowouts, or 1 in 10 accidents at their highest.
Blowouts don’t just cause accidents; they cause nasty accidents. With the chaos and instability that a blowout brings, all 25,000 lbs. of a truck is sent careening into traffic.
The best way to prevent blowouts is to run premium, reliable tires.
Click your favorite brand below for special pricing on new, premium, tier-one tires of your choice.
If you do end up in a blowout, how you respond can save money, time, and, most importantly, lives.
What To Do When a Semi-truck Tire Blowout Happens
When a blowout occurs, the noise, loss of control, and panic may make it difficult to make quick decisions, but you must react calmly to prevent disaster.
As soon as you hear the explosion of the blowout, do the following:
- Grip the steering wheel tightly to counteract the pull of the blowout.
- Do not slam on the brakes. The sudden deceleration will cause the truck to jackknife.
- Instead, keep light pressure on the accelerator for a moment, then gradually begin deceleration by allowing the truck to coast. This will allow your vehicle to remain directionally stable.
- Activate your hazard lights to notify other motorists of emergency lane changes.
- Make your way to the shoulder to begin evaluation of the damage.
- Once stopped, turn off the engine and apply the parking brake.
Once you’ve safely parked, the next phase will include evaluating the extent of the damage.
Assessing Damage Caused by a Blowout
After parking, immediately lay emergency warning devices, including reflective triangles, to notify other motorists of the hazard.
Unfortunately, blowout damage is rarely exclusive to the tire. When assessing the extent of the damage, check brake lines, airlines, fenders, and mud flaps for damage.
The rim was likely also compromised. Check for cracks or bends in the rim body. Assess the lug nuts to ensure each is still tight and intact.
Once you’ve finished reviewing the areas surrounding the wheel, it is essential to inspect the entire truck. Look for signs of the following:
- Damage to suspension components
- Unusual leaks
- Misaligned or shifted parts
If any of these are present, professional help is likely necessary.
Take pictures of any damage you identify to aid in insurance claims or police reports if other motorists were involved.
Once you understand the situation well, notify your dispatcher of the incident.
How to Prevent Blowouts
Preventing blowouts is best accomplished by participating in proper tire hygiene and selecting quality tires.
Proper tire hygiene comes down to a few easy practices:
- Maintain proper tire inflation
- Don’t overrun tires past their life expectancy
- Don’t participate in aggressive driving behaviors, like sudden turns or stopping, that erode the tire’s integrity
Cheap tires are often the cause of blowouts. The best way to prevent blowouts is to select quality tires.
Click your favorite brand below for special pricing on new, premium, tier-one tires of your choice.
Blowouts are a terrifying risk that all carriers face. If you ever have a tire blowout, stay calm, engage in safe stopping, assess the damage, and make repairs at a professional provider.
You can prevent blowouts and stay safe by practicing good tire hygiene and running dependable, tier-one tires.
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