What is a Wheel-off?
The term “wheel-off” is literal: the wheel coming off a truck or trailer. More specifically, wheel-offs happen while the truck or trailer is in motion, making this a potentially dangerous and life-threatening highway situation.
Fleet vehicle wheel-offs cause a bit more concern than passenger vehicle wheel-offs, as the tire sizes are often significantly larger. When you combine the larger tires with faster highway speeds, there is a high potential for hazardous situations.
The general weight and shape of tires also contribute to the danger of wheel-offs. Tires keep speed and momentum on roadways and inevitably become an uncontrollable hazard, moving at upwards of 60mph.
What Causes Wheel-offs?
There are a few usual culprits when it comes to wheels becoming removed while the vehicle is in motion:
- Loose lug nuts, bearings, or fasteners
- Broken or damaged lug nuts, bearings, or fasteners
- Axle or suspension failure
- Improper initial installation
- Dirt and grime buildup on wheels or hubs
Fortunately for fleet managers and drivers, these issues can be prevented. This prevention comes down to fleet maintenance and pre-trip fleet inspections.
How to Prevent Wheel-offs with Fleet Inspections
While all fleet vehicles are required by federal law to undergo pre- and post-trip inspection, the inspection tips below can help specifically address the potential hazard for wheel-offs. When these hazards and inspection points are addressed, we avoid safety hazards for fleet drivers and surrounding traffic.
- Check all lubricated parts and lubricate where necessary
- Check and clean all wheel and tire parts
- Be exact and precise about how the bearings sit: both over- and under-tightening the bearings can cause wheel-offs or other issues
- Check the wheel ends for any unusual noises and bearing condition
- Look for any obvious or clear signs of damage to parts like the hub, studs, bearings, lug nuts, or fasteners
Motorplex Fleet Inspections
Our Motorplex team is well-versed in wheel issues and inspection needs. We also offer full fleet maintenance and inspection services, available at your site or our Motorplex service centers.
Contact us to book a service appointment!
To schedule your fleet maintenance, get in touch with Motorplex in Auburn or Spokane!
Need professional fleet maintenance? Then Motorplex is here to help. Contact us now to book an appointment in Auburn, WA or Spokane, WA!
