truck and trailer tire

Common Issues and Tips for Truck and Trailer Tire Repair

Commercial vehicles are responsible for moving almost three-fourths of freight by weight. Semi-trucks are the backbone of the logistics and transport industry. Whether you are a fleet manager, owner-operator, or operator, it is important to keep your vehicle in peak condition for safe and smooth operations. Tire blowouts are among the most common emergencies truck drivers face. It is important to check tire air pressure and tread before embarking on any trip. Despite precautions, tire issues can appear often without warning. Learn about the common issues and tips for truck and trailer tire repair so that you can keep downtime to a minimum.

Common Tractor Trailer Tire Repair Issues

Here are the most common truck and trailer tire repair issues and tips for fixing them:

Tire Blowouts

A tire can burst, often due to overloading, sharp objects, or low tire pressure. When a tire blows out on the road, try to keep the steering wheel steady and slow down the vehicle. Pull it safely over to the side and replace the affected tire with a spare. Make sure to check all the tires for any issues.

Uneven Tire Wear

If you notice uneven tire wear, it is important to find and fix the underlying issue. Followed by semi truck tire repair, you may need to realign the axles or rebalance the tires. It is further recommended to rotate the trailer tires to enable even wear.

Dry Rot

Semi trailer tire repair is also required when dry rot or cracks develop in the sidewalls. Age and sun exposure are common causes. Make sure to check the tires regularly for signs of cracks or rot, especially when the trailer is stored outdoors.

Punctures

Tire punctures can cause slow leaks or blowouts. Truck and trailer tire repair for small punctures can often include the use of a tire plug kit. However, larger and more serious damage can mean that the tire needs a replacement.

Common Causes of Tire Damage

Some of the common causes leading to frequent truck tire repair are as follows:

Under-Inflation

When truck tires blow out unexpectedly, it increases the chance of accidents. Improperly inflated tires are among the most common causes of blowouts. While semi truck tire repair is a post-incident scenario, you can ensure regular inspections and maintenance to avoid under-inflation.

It is recommended to invest in a PSI monitoring system that alerts the drivers of any unusual changes. This means the driver can immediately pull over if a sudden loss in air pressure occurs during transit.

Mechanical Problems

Worn-out components and misalignment are mechanical problems that affect tire wear rates. Some of the examples of misalignment include:

  • Drive axle misalignment
  • Chassis misalignment
  • Bent axles

A good truck trailer tire repair scenario is a regular inspection to determine the type of wear and the subsequent mechanical issues. By identifying mechanical issues in time, you can prevent tire wear.

For example, radial feather, diagonal, and shoulder step wear are often caused by toe-in/toe-out misalignment.

Worn-out shock absorbers can cause the tires to bounce abnormally. This mechanical issue is usually marked by irregular patterns on the tire. 

It is further recommended to check the following components for mechanical issues:

  • U-bolts
  • Kingpins
  • Wheel bearings
  • Ball joints

If they become loose or wear out, you will need tractor trailer tire repair for excessive wear and tear. These mechanical issues can prevent your vehicle from driving in a straight line.

Maintenance Shortcomings

It is often the case that regular tire maintenance takes a hit because your trucks are always on the road. However, timely tire maintenance is essential if you want to prevent tractor trailer tire repair or replacements. Besides, tire maintenance is essential in certain jurisdictions to pass the periodic inspection. Common reasons for tire rejection include:

  • Damages, cuts, and cracks deeper or longer than an inch
  • Structural damage
  • Re-cutting groove depth
  • Dual tires in contact

Scheduled weekly and monthly commercial tire checks can help reduce the need for semi trailer tire repair while enabling you to avoid tire rejection during inspections.

Timely tire inspection and repair can go a long way in increasing your tires’ service life while making your operations more efficient. Whenever you need reliable truck and trailer tire repair services or to buy new heavy truck tires, you can count on the team at TMS TruckMasters in Montréal (St-Laurent), Vaudreuil-Dorion and Boucherville.