Semi-Truck Tire Repair Guide

With semi-truck tire costs on the rise, a blowout can take the wind right out of your wallet. A semi-truck tire repair is the solution.

Despite semi-truck tire repairs taking many different forms, there are several ways you can make the repair process easy and safe.

The very best way to mitigate repairs is to prevent them altogether by running credible and durable tires. The BFGoodrich DR444 drive tire is an excellent example of a high-value tire with outstanding durability. Get yours by filling out this form.

Here are eight essential steps when making a semi-truck tire repair.

1. Remove the Tire

When performing a semi-truck tire repair, never assess the damage while the tire is still attached to your rig. Some of the most common tire defects, including tread separation and tiny punctures, can be impossible to spot on your truck.

2. Release All Air Pressure Before Repairing

A deflated tire is far more forgiving than an inflated tire when making repairs. For your own safety, never attempt to repair a tire that is still holding pressure.

3. Inspect the Interior for Damage

Using a tire spreader or a similar tool, begin to scour the tire for indications of damage.

Tire damage can be found in several forms:

• Look for signs of foreign objects or debris. These are tell-tale signs of puncture sites.
• Examine the tire liner for evidence of separation.
• Assess the tire’s shape for indications of uneven wear. Look for bulging.
• Evaluate the sidewall for uneven indentations.
• Run your hand along the tire’s face to feel for cuts or punctures that are unseen.

4. Clean the Affected Area

Once you’ve identified the site of malformity, treat your tire like you would a wound. Remove dirt, grease or other materials with soapy water.

Not only will cleaning prevent foreign debris from further agitating the repair site further, but a clean surface will also allow for adhesive repair materials to stick more thoroughly.

5. Perform the Repair

The spectrum of possible repairs is massive, but here are a few common procedures.

• Patches and plugs are the most common form of semi-truck tire repair. If the puncture is relatively superficial, durable patches or plugs can be applied to the site to prevent further damage.
• Section repairs are suitable for cuts and punctures. This procedure involves removing the damaged portion of the tire and replacing with a new section of rubber.
• Stitching is a technical process that involves weaving separated belts or sidewalls back to the tire. Because of the accuracy required, this technique often involves special equipment.

There are countless other methods to repair a tire, but they typically require professional expertise to execute.

6. Reinflate and Reinstall

Once you’ve allowed enough time to pass for the repairs to settle in, reinflate your tire in preparation for reinstall. For safety, try using soapy water to test for leaks. If no leaks are found, proceed to reinstall the tire to the truck.

7. Balance and Monitor Performance

After you’ve completed the repair process, don’t forget to balance your tires to ensure that unequal pressure disturbs the repair and undoes your hard work.

Once your back on the road, check up on your repair when refueling. The only thing worse than repairs are more repairs.

A semi-truck tire repair can be a daunting situation, but when performed successfully, can save you hundreds. If tire damage is severe, don’t hesitate to use professional services to make the repair.

If you are in a bind and need an urgent repair, let us schedule the maintenance work for you. Fill out the form below to have us schedule your maintenance with a nearby vendor.

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The England Carrier Services (ECS) division offers various services for carriers ranging from maintenance to support. As ECS members, carriers have access to nationwide discounts on fuel and tires from dedicated team members committed to finding the best price. ECS also provides factoring services with benefits such as same-day funding to a bank account or fuel card. These options allow carriers the freedom to focus on growing their business while saving time and money.