Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/550385
S ome drivers have said that an exploding tire sounds like a shotgun blast. Whether or not it sounds that dramatic, a blowout is one of the most dread- ed big-rig emergencies, especially when it's a steer tire. The biggest problem is main- taining control of your rig, a big- ger challenge than when dealing with a dual or trailer tire blowout. A flat steer tire will cause the ve- hicle's corner to drop, pulling you to that side. Unless you compen- sate, the rig will follow the flat's direction. When a steer tire blows: 1 Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel. 2 Avoid sharp braking. Panic braking will cause you to lose the forward momentum you need to stay in control. 3 If the blowout causes some loss of control, accelerate enough to make any necessary steering corrections. 4 Once you have control, slow gradually to a stop. 108 | Overdrive | August 2015 Rob Smith Jr. worst case scenario 16 blowout! Steer TIRE By Carolyn Mason To prevent blowouts • Check tire pressures before every trip. This is even more critical in the summer when the extra heat can increase air pressure. • Inspect the tire and rim for signs of cracks and wear. • Watch for road obstructions that may dam- age your tires.