Semi truck tire blowout: what to do next
Losing a steer tire is the one that can put a truck off the road. Drive and trailer tires fail more often and usually show up as a bang, a shake or a smell. On a summer afternoon between Anna and Mount Vernon, hot pavement makes either one more likely.
The first seconds
- Steer tire: grip the wheel, keep the truck straight and give it a little throttle. Do not brake hard. Let it slow down, then ease onto the shoulder.
- Drive or trailer tire: slow down gradually and get off the travel lanes.
- Once stopped, turn on the flashers and get triangles out within 10 minutes, about 10, 100 and 200 feet back on a divided highway.
- Walk the damaged side and look for torn air lines, hanging wires, a cracked fender or a damaged brake chamber.
Calling for a roadside tire
- Sidewall size and which position failed
- Steel or aluminum wheel, and any broken studs or nuts
- Mile marker, direction and which interstate
- Your carrier's tire account or preferred brand
Near southern Illinois parking
If the truck can safely creep, the Trail of Tears rest areas near mile 32, the Marion exits and the Rend Lake rest areas give the tire truck more room than the shoulder. See roadside tire service.