Truck tyres contain the weight of the load, ensure a safe travel safely, and keep everything moving comfortably. But tyre punctures can be a big headache for truck drivers and fleet managers. From unexpected delays to high repair costs, a tyre puncture can cause a lot of trouble on the road.
That’s why Amigo Tyres - a trusted puncture repair shop in Rocklea- decided to share the biggest causes of truck tyre punctures, and also how to prevent them. Let’s go through 10 reasons why truck tyres get punctured on Australian roads!
1 Sharp object on the road
Sharp objects like nails, glass, or metal rubble are everywhere on the roads, mainly on highways and construction zones. When a truck drives over these objects, it can puncture the tyres, causing slow or fast shrinkage.
Prevention Tip: Always drive carefully, keeping an eye out for ruins. Check your tyres regularly for any signs of damage and avoid routes known for high wreckage.
2 Overloading the Truck
Every truck tyre has a weight limit it can carry safely. Overloading a truck increases the pressure on tyres, causing them to lose rubber faster and become more liable to punctures. Overloaded tyres can also become misaligned, which additionally reduces their structure.
Prevention Tip: Never exceed the approved weight limit. Ensure that the load is evenly spread to reduce strain on particular tyres.
3 Under-Inflated Tyre
Under-inflated tyres are more exposed to punctures. They increase the friction with the road and cause heat, which weakens the rubber and makes the tyre more sensitive to sharp objects and rubble.
Prevention Tip: Check the tyre pressure on a regular basis using a good standard. Keeping the tyres properly inflated ensures perfect performance and reduces the risk of punctures.
4 Over-Inflated Tyres
While under-inflation of truck tyres is a common problem, over-inflation is just as risky. Over-inflated tyres have solid surfaces, making them more inclined to damage from road threats. They are more likely to blow if they meet sharp objects or have harsh impacts.
Prevention Tip: Follow the maker’s recommended air pressure levels. Over-inflation can cause uneven wear, leading to possible punctures.
5 Poor Road Conditions
Basins, cracks, and uneven surfaces are common road threats that can cause meaningful damage to truck tyres. These road conditions increase the chances of punctures, especially when your truck is travelling at high speeds or with an overload.
Prevention Tip: Avoid rough roads whenever possible. If you encounter basins or rough patches, reduce your speed to lessen the impact on your tyres.
6 Tyre Aging and Wear
Like any other vehicle part, truck tyres wear out over time. Older tyres are more inclined to cracks, dry garbage, and weak spots that increase the risk of punctures. Even if they look fine on the outside, older tyres are prone to damage.
Prevention Tip: Replace tyres before they reach the end of their lifespan. Regularly inspect tyres for visible signs of wear, and follow the recommended replacement schedule.
Regular tyre maintenance is key to preventing punctures. Neglecting basic maintenance tasks like rotating tyres, balancing, and aligning can lead to uneven wear, weak spots, and an increased probability of punctures.
Prevention Tip: Schedule daily maintenance, including tyre rotations and alignments, to ensure even wear and long life of your tyres.
8 Extreme Speed
High-speed driving increases the heat in the tyres, putting extra stress on them and making them more inclined to punctures. Speeding also increases the risk of hitting road edges, basins, or other threats that could cause a puncture.
Prevention Tip: Adhere to the recommended speed limits. Driving at controlled speeds reduces tyre wear and the risk of encountering road danger.
9. Underuse of Tyre
Tyres that aren’t used constantly can grow flat spots, dry out, or crack. If a truck is left unused for a prolonged period, the truck tyres may lose air pressure, weakening their structure and making them more at risk of punctures.
Prevention Tip: Even if your truck isn’t in use, regularly check the tyres and rotate them if required. Proper storage and expansion can help prevent tyre damage.
10. Production Defects
Despite the fact that manufacturing defects are rare, they can lead to faulty tyres that are more inclined to punctures. These problems can weaken the tyre’s rubber, causing it to be more liable to damage. If you experience repeated punctures with a particular set of tyres, a production defect might be the cause.
Prevention Tip: Buy tyres from trusted and reputable shops like Amigo Tyres. Check for recalls or defects, and replace tyres that have been flagged for issues.
Causes of Truck Tyre Puncture: Endnotes
By understanding the common sources of truck tyre punctures, fleet managers and truck drivers can take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of costly repairs. If you ensure proper tyre pressure, avoid sharp objects, and perform daily maintenance, your truck tyres will last a long time.
If you’re looking for good puncture repair services in the Rocklea region or need advice on tyre maintenance, we recommend visiting Amigo Tyres. We offer top-notch puncture repair services in Rocklea, ensuring your tyres stay in optimal condition and reduce the chances of punctures. Still got any queries to ask? Contact us today to have them answered by our tyre experts!