Issues may arise on a haulier’s journey. The quality of modern tyres means that a blowout or a puncture is a rare event. However, they can happen, for various reasons.
Andamur tells you why blowouts and punctures occur and how to solve these situations to ensure the maximum possible safety for everyone.
Why it happens
Th tyres are the only elements of the vehicle that have direct contact with the road. For this reason, they can suffer a puncture or a blowout.
Punctures are caused by a gradual loss of air and are more common. Blowouts are rare and more dangerous, caused by a sudden loss of air. The causes for both incidents are very similar:
- Impact with an object, such as glass, a curb, a stone, a nail, a screw, etc.
- Poor tyre maintenance
- Excess load
- Pressure or inflation below recommended levels
- Tyres with hardened rubber due to age
- Poor road condition
- Excessive tyre wear
- Extreme heat
Tips and how to act
If you ever suffer a blowout on the road, it is important to follow these tips to ensure that the incident does not escalate.
- Keep calm. Although it can be a nerve-wracking situation, it is important to stay calm so as not to worsen the situation.
- Control the direction of the vehicle by holding the steering wheel tightly, to avoid drifting.
- Park and signal the vehicle.
Having followed these general recommendations, the specialist magazine Truck offers the following tips when it comes to parking, signalling, and repair, following a blowout or puncture.
- Parking and signalling
- It is important to try to park the truck in a safe place. If this is not possible, stop as soon as is possible without creating a dangerous situation.
- As with any other road accident, turn on the hazard lights and place the warning triangle to signal the vehicle. It is essential to wear a high-visibility vest before getting out of the truck.
- Call for help. It is important to call 112, breakdown services, and emergency services to come to the scene and restrict the area for greater safety.
- Notify the garage or breakdown service that will carry out the repairs.
- Repair
If you decide to change the tyre, you must follow these steps:
- Immobilise the vehicle
- Apply the chocks
- Check that the parking brake is activated
- Raise the vehicle. Important! Do not lift using drive shaft or suspension components.
- You can put a sheet or wood between the jack and the road and place a stand under the support point to distribute the weight
- Check the temperature of the rim and tyre. If it is too hot, allow them time to cool down
- Deflate the wheel completely and remove the tyre once the rim has cooled
- Check the condition of the spare tyre before putting it on
- If it is in a good condition, put the spare tyre on
- Raise the jack, remove the stand, lower the jack and suspension, then remove the chocks
- Finish tightening the nuts
Once you have finished, remove the remains of material that have remained in the repair area, as long as it is not dangerous to do so.
Andamur know the problems that can occur on the road, and we care about the well-being of hauliers. Following these tips on how to act in the event of a blowout or puncture will be beneficial for you and for other drivers. #WeCareForWhatMatters
