Why Don't Large Trucks Use Tubeless Tires?
2 Answers
Tubeless tires have poor load-bearing capacity. Large trucks, with their cargo and own weight, often exceed 20 tons, which tubeless tires cannot withstand. In contrast, steel-belted tires can handle varying loads without issues and have a longer lifespan. Steel-belted tires feature a fine steel wire mesh within the tire's rubber fabric layers, along with an inner rubber tube, enhancing the tire's load-bearing capability. Below are some tips for driving near large trucks: 1. Avoid Truck Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots, especially on the right side. Often, trucks drive in the middle of the road, and with slow vehicles blocking the fast lane, overtaking from the truck's right side becomes common, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. 2. Hazards of Truck Turns: When a truck turns, there's a specific term called 'inner wheel difference,' referring to the differential between the front and rear wheels on the turning side. If a car stays in this area, the truck driver may not see it at all. It's crucial to move away quickly.
I've been driving heavy trucks for over twenty years, and I've always felt that while tubeless tires work well on small cars, they're unreliable for heavy trucks. Heavy trucks often carry loads exceeding 10 tons, and tubeless tires lack an inner tube, making them prone to blowouts or leaks under high pressure—especially on long hauls with bumpy roads where wheels can deform and lose air from the jolts. Tires with inner tubes have the cushioning of the tube to withstand high pressure and impacts, and they're easier to repair—just find a roadside shop for a patch. Tubeless tires require professional tools, which delays transport time. Nowadays, some new trucks come with tubeless tires, but I've personally witnessed several accidents under heavy loads, so I always advise new drivers to choose tires with inner tubes—safety first. Truck tires are no small matter; a blowout on the road not only means lost cargo but also risks, so it's better to stick with what's reliable.
