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One might guess since large trucks with trailers have so many wheels, a blowout or other wheel damage might not be a big deal. Unfortunately, this is not the case. As any Texas truck tire shop can tell you, those big wheels have their own dangers.

It's important for truck drivers to always keep an eye on their tires, and it's also a good idea for nearby passenger vehicles to keep an eye out for signs a truck's tire is likely to blow.

Common Dangers from Truck Tire Blowouts in Texas

For the driver of a large semi-truck, the big danger from a blowout is potential loss of control. Those wheels are huge and have a lot of compressed air under pressure. If the tire blows, there's enough force to potentially shift the entire vehicle - especially if the trailer is empty or under-filled.

This is particularly an issue if it's one of the tires under the trailer since an empty trailer is going to weigh far less than the semi itself and be easier to push around. And if the trailer gets enough of a shove, it can easily cause fishtailing. This creates a significant hazard for anyone nearby, as the driver tries to bring the truck back under control.

In a worst-case scenario, the blowout could even cause the truck or its trailer to veer into another lane or impact a passing vehicle.

The other major danger is from the tire itself. Those tires are large enough to do real damage to a small passenger car if the tire comes loose and goes flying across the road. Nor would a driver in a regular car want to run over one.

Why Texas Truck Tire Blowouts Happen

Generally speaking, truck tire blowouts are avoidable the majority of the time, if only the owner or fleet operators do adequate maintenance and inspections. Too often, tires are ignored until the tread is dangerously worn down, or the sidewall is failing, making blowouts more likely to occur.

Issues with air pressure can be another issue. The air pressure inside a tire will change according to both temperature and outside air pressure - such as changes in elevation. If the tire gets hot, the air inside will expand, making it more likely to burst. Also, if the tire goes to a high elevation, that too can cause the air pressure inside to become too high.

Truck drivers should always be aware of the local weather and elevation and adjust their tires' inflation to remain within safe tolerances.

The Wheel & Tire Superstore is Your Source for the Best Texas Truck Tires

We are a full-service Texas tire shop that carries ALL the tires you might need - including tires for trucks and other commercial vehicles. We carry a huge range of tires, from all the major brands, and our talented support staff are always happy to help you find the perfect tires for your needs.

If you have any questions about our tires or want recommendations, just contact us!