08-25-2025, 11:09 PM
The Growing Importance of Tire Monitoring
Tire failures remain one of the most overlooked yet dangerous mechanical issues in transportation and heavy equipment operations. In the United States alone, tire-related incidents have contributed to hundreds of fatalities over the past decade. According to recent transportation safety data, over 360 deaths were linked to tire blowouts in just four years—a figure that may seem small compared to total vehicle miles traveled, but each case represents a preventable tragedy.
As vehicle loads increase and road conditions vary more drastically due to climate shifts and infrastructure aging, tire monitoring has become a critical component of both fleet management and public safety. Governments and private operators alike are turning to advanced sensor systems to detect early signs of tire failure, structural fatigue, and overheating.
Terminology Clarification
Modern tire monitoring systems now incorporate a blend of infrared sensors, high-definition cameras, and pressure transducers. These systems are often installed at weigh stations or roadside inspection points and can automatically flag vehicles with underinflated tires, cracked aluminum wheels, or overheating hubs.
Some states have begun deploying these technologies to reduce the number of roadside tire carcasses—shredded remnants of failed tires that pose hazards to other drivers. These systems not only improve safety but also reduce cleanup costs and traffic disruptions.
In Missouri, a pilot program using infrared wheel monitoring led to a 12% reduction in tire-related out-of-service citations within six months. The program also identified several cases of cracked rims that would have otherwise gone unnoticed until failure.
Field Stories and Operator Perspectives
One operator recalled airing up a spare tire on a tandem-axle trailer without using a tire cage. The tire, aged over eight years, exploded at around 50 psi. Fortunately, the technician had only partially inflated it and was standing clear. This incident underscores the importance of proper inflation procedures and the use of protective equipment.
Another technician in Utah described a tube-type tire failure on an International winch truck. The valve stem gave out during a cold snap, causing a slow leak that was only detected by sound. Without monitoring tools, such failures often go unnoticed until catastrophic.
In the mining industry, split rims were once common. A former coal mine mechanic emphasized that while tubeless tires are less dangerous, they still pose risks during bead seating. He advocated for tire cages and proper training, noting that even minor mistakes can be fatal.
Recommendations for Safer Tire Practices
While some operators view tire monitoring as a government overreach, enforcement agencies argue that the rules have always existed—technology simply makes them easier to enforce. Most citations are still issued as warnings, with vehicles placed out of service until repairs are made.
Fabricating your own tire cage may seem cost-effective, but without engineering certification, it can become a liability. One fabricator welded his name onto a homemade cage, intending to take it with him when he left the job. However, legal experts warn that uncertified safety equipment can expose employers to litigation, especially if shared among workers.
Conclusion
Tire monitoring is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As equipment grows heavier and road conditions more unpredictable, the risks associated with tire failure multiply. Whether through government-installed sensors or fleet-based TPMS systems, the goal remains the same: prevent accidents before they happen. For operators, mechanics, and fleet managers, embracing this technology is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives, limbs, and livelihoods.
Tire failures remain one of the most overlooked yet dangerous mechanical issues in transportation and heavy equipment operations. In the United States alone, tire-related incidents have contributed to hundreds of fatalities over the past decade. According to recent transportation safety data, over 360 deaths were linked to tire blowouts in just four years—a figure that may seem small compared to total vehicle miles traveled, but each case represents a preventable tragedy.
As vehicle loads increase and road conditions vary more drastically due to climate shifts and infrastructure aging, tire monitoring has become a critical component of both fleet management and public safety. Governments and private operators alike are turning to advanced sensor systems to detect early signs of tire failure, structural fatigue, and overheating.
Terminology Clarification
- Tire Carcass: The structural body of a tire, excluding tread and sidewall rubber. Damage here often leads to blowouts.
- Zipper Failure: A sudden rupture along the sidewall, typically caused by internal pressure inconsistencies or aging.
- Tire Cage: A steel enclosure used during inflation to protect technicians from explosive failures.
- Infrared Hub Monitoring: A thermal imaging system that detects overheating in wheel hubs and brake assemblies.
- High-Definition Wheel Cameras: Devices mounted at tire height to visually inspect cracks, corrosion, and rim integrity.
Modern tire monitoring systems now incorporate a blend of infrared sensors, high-definition cameras, and pressure transducers. These systems are often installed at weigh stations or roadside inspection points and can automatically flag vehicles with underinflated tires, cracked aluminum wheels, or overheating hubs.
Some states have begun deploying these technologies to reduce the number of roadside tire carcasses—shredded remnants of failed tires that pose hazards to other drivers. These systems not only improve safety but also reduce cleanup costs and traffic disruptions.
In Missouri, a pilot program using infrared wheel monitoring led to a 12% reduction in tire-related out-of-service citations within six months. The program also identified several cases of cracked rims that would have otherwise gone unnoticed until failure.
Field Stories and Operator Perspectives
One operator recalled airing up a spare tire on a tandem-axle trailer without using a tire cage. The tire, aged over eight years, exploded at around 50 psi. Fortunately, the technician had only partially inflated it and was standing clear. This incident underscores the importance of proper inflation procedures and the use of protective equipment.
Another technician in Utah described a tube-type tire failure on an International winch truck. The valve stem gave out during a cold snap, causing a slow leak that was only detected by sound. Without monitoring tools, such failures often go unnoticed until catastrophic.
In the mining industry, split rims were once common. A former coal mine mechanic emphasized that while tubeless tires are less dangerous, they still pose risks during bead seating. He advocated for tire cages and proper training, noting that even minor mistakes can be fatal.
Recommendations for Safer Tire Practices
- Always use a certified tire cage when inflating tires above 30 psi.
- Replace tires older than six years, regardless of tread depth.
- Install onboard tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for real-time alerts.
- Use infrared thermography to inspect wheel hubs during routine maintenance.
- Train all personnel on zipper failure risks and proper inflation techniques.
While some operators view tire monitoring as a government overreach, enforcement agencies argue that the rules have always existed—technology simply makes them easier to enforce. Most citations are still issued as warnings, with vehicles placed out of service until repairs are made.
Fabricating your own tire cage may seem cost-effective, but without engineering certification, it can become a liability. One fabricator welded his name onto a homemade cage, intending to take it with him when he left the job. However, legal experts warn that uncertified safety equipment can expose employers to litigation, especially if shared among workers.
Conclusion
Tire monitoring is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As equipment grows heavier and road conditions more unpredictable, the risks associated with tire failure multiply. Whether through government-installed sensors or fleet-based TPMS systems, the goal remains the same: prevent accidents before they happen. For operators, mechanics, and fleet managers, embracing this technology is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives, limbs, and livelihoods.
