A steer tire blowout is one of the scariest and most expensive things that can happen to a truck driver. It can cause major damage, put people in danger, and lead to extensive delays. Whether you’re an owner-operator or manage a fleet, it’s important to know what causes blowouts, what they can cost, and how to help prevent this event from causing catastrophic damage.
What Causes a Steer Tire Blowout?
There are several things that can lead to a steer tire blowout. One of the major causes is having the wrong tire pressure. If a tire has too much or too little air, it can wear out faster and is more likely to blow. Old or worn-out tires are also at risk, especially if the tread is thin. Sometimes, things in the road like metal scraps or tire pieces can damage the tire. And when roads are rough, uneven, or full of potholes, tires take more of a beating, which makes blowouts more likely.
What Happens When Your Steer Tire Blows Out?
When a blowout happens, it causes serious problems right away. The tire isn’t the only thing that gets damaged—parts of the truck, like the wheel, fender, or suspension, can also break. The truck may not be able to move, which means time off the road and lost income. There’s also the cost of getting the truck fixed and paying for labor.
How Bad Can Steer Tire Blowouts Get?
Worse, a blowout can lead to an accident. The driver could get hurt, or someone else might. Even if no one is badly injured, the driver may need time off to recover. In some cases, the crash could lead to a lawsuit, which means legal bills and insurance problems. In the most serious situations, a blowout could even mean losing the truck, or worse, losing a life.
Watch Out for These Road Hazards
Some road and driving conditions make steer tire blowouts more likely. Items on the road can damage tires easily. Roads that are bumpy, uneven, or have deep ruts put more pressure on the tires. Hitting a pothole can crack or split the tire. Driving along steep shoulders or dealing with high winds also makes it harder to steer safely. When a big truck passes close by, the wind can push your truck, and that can cause the driver to over steer. Over time, all this stress wears out tires and steering parts—and makes the driver more tired.
One Smart Tool That Can Help: Safe-T-Plus
One of the best ways to help prevent problems from a blowout is by using a steering control unit like Safe-T-Plus. This device helps keep the truck going straight, even if a front tire blows, which greatly increases the likelihood a blown tire will be a simple tire changing event.. It also makes steering smoother and helps reduce the wear on tires and steering parts. Safe-T-Plus works on all sizes of trucks, from small to large. It helps drivers stay in control when they’re dealing with crosswinds, rough roads, or passing vehicles. It also helps reduce driver fatigue, which means they can stay alert and drive longer without feeling as worn out.
Protect Your Truck, Your Driver, and Your Business
Even though not every blowout can be avoided, there are ways to lower the risk. Regular tire checks, smart driving, and adding a steering control unit like Safe-T-Plus can help protect your truck, your driver, and your business. A little prevention can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe and saving money in the long run.
By JC Adams with Safe-T-Plus.
You can reach JC at 770-322-8727 ext. 231 to learn more about his company and inquire about their product.