Not all commercial tire damage is the same. A puncture in the tread area, damage near the shoulder and visible sidewall damage require different evaluation. Drivers should avoid assuming that every air leak can be repaired before the tire is inspected.
The shoulder and sidewall flex differently from the tread
The sidewall and shoulder are highly stressed areas as the tire carries load and flexes. Cuts, bulges, impact damage, exposed cords or other structural concerns in these areas can change the repair decision. A roadside technician needs to see the actual damage and assess the tire’s condition and application.
Low-pressure operation can create hidden damage
A tire that has been driven while significantly underinflated may have internal damage even when the original leak looks small. Tell dispatch how long the tire was low, whether the truck was loaded and whether the tire became hot or changed shape.
Photograph the entire wheel position when safe
A close photo of the damage is useful, but a wider photo can also show the wheel, hub, brake area and nearby components. That matters when a blowout or sidewall failure has damaged wiring, air lines, mud-flap hardware or other parts around the wheel.
Report steer, drive or trailer position
Commercial tire position matters. A steer application is not automatically interchangeable with a drive or trailer application. Provide the full sidewall size and position before a replacement tire is selected.
Current commercial tire availability rules
New commercial service includes 15-, 16-, 17.5-, 19.5-, 22.5- and 24.5-inch applications. Used or recap options may be available only for qualifying 22.5- and 24.5-inch commercial applications, subject to exact size, application, position and current inventory. Verified exact-size examples include 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5.
For sizing details, use the commercial truck tire-size reference. For a disabled commercial truck or trailer, see the commercial roadside repair page. Passenger vehicles are serviced at the West Palm Beach shop and use new replacement tires only.