Don’t Panic! How to Safely Handle Your Commercial Truck’s Flat Tire – Guest Post

Having a flat tire can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re driving a commercial truck. As a commercial truck driver, you’re probably on a tight schedule and cannot afford any delay. However, panicking and not knowing what to do can make the situation worse. This blog post will discuss how to safely handle your commercial truck’s flat tire without putting yourself and other road users in danger.

Pull Over

If you notice that one of your truck’s tires is flat, the first thing to do is to pull over immediately. Don’t try to drive on it, as this can cause further damage to the tire and the truck’s suspension system. Look for a safe place to pull off the road, away from other vehicles and pedestrians. If possible, try to find a level surface to park the truck.

Assess the Damage

After pulling over, step out of the truck and inspect the tire. Check for any visible damage like a puncture or tear. If the tire looks completely deflated, you can assume it’s a puncture. However, if the sidewall looks damaged or the tread has worn unevenly, then it’s probably best to call for professional help from a commercial roadside assistance service like Blue Ridge Tire Center.

Use Safety Equipment

Before you start changing the tire, put on your safety gear. This includes reflective clothing, safety glasses, and gloves. Make sure that the truck’s hazard lights and/or cones are set up to caution other road users of your situation.

Change the Tire

If you have a spare tire in good condition, start by removing the flat tire. Use a jack to lift the truck, then loosen the lug nuts before removing the flat tire. Align the spare tire with the lug bolts before tightening the nuts. Lower the jack until the spare tire is touching the ground and tighten the lug nuts again. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your truck’s jack.

Call for Professional Help

If you don’t have a spare tire, or the damage to the tire is beyond your control, don’t hesitate to call for professional help from a commercial roadside assistance service. They’re equipped with the right tools and expertise to handle any situation, freeing up your time and getting you back on the road quickly.

Handling a commercial truck’s flat tire can be a stressful experience, but by following the proper safety procedures and understanding the different steps involved, you can safely handle the situation. Remember to pull over to the side of the road, assess the damage, and put on safety equipment before attempting to change the tire. If you’re unsure about changing the tire or don’t have a spare tire, call for professional help from a commercial roadside assistance service. Don’t let a flat tire take you off schedule—stay calm, and drive safely!