Today, I would like to continue my “back to basics” saga as I have stumbled upon yet another luxury I’ve come to take for granted. As many of you are aware, I’m driving a rental truck for the next few months.


This morning, as I conducted my daily pre trip inspection I came to realize just how convenient the T.P.M.S. (tire pressure monitoring system) can be. In my Cascadia Evolution, I was fortunate enough to have this luxury good readily available to speed up the daily inspection process.


Since now equipped with the rental truck, I’ve been forced to reunite with some old friends in the form of a tire gauge and 2 and ½ LB sledge hammer. Each morning, I must begin the day by carefully checking the pressure of each tire. This morning, while performing this inspection, I was reminded just how easy it was to simply look at my PST tire monitoring system for a quick digital reading of my pressures and make a brief visual inspection of my tires before hitting the road.
Each time that I stop during the day, I make a habit of inspecting my truck while keeping an eye out for any abnormalities. Today, I used my hammer to strike my tires for an acoustic test to see if any tires produced the distinct sound of a low tire. I confirmed my suspicion by checking the pressure with my gauge only to find that, indeed, the outside left rear tandem tire was 5 Lbs. under inflated. I then checked to see if any punctures were to blame for the problem. I found no signs of such a puncture and then moved to the only other possible culprit. Spraying the valve stem with 409 cleaner, I noticed it was bubbling; indicating a leak. I whipped out my wrench and tightened the loose valve stem and then filled the tire back up with my air hose. I was back on the road with a new appreciation for another modern convenience of today’s generation. I also reflected on the importance of conducting such a test every day to avoid discovering this problem on the road. The purchase of a T.P.M.S. system is a worthy investment for any driver to install in his/her truck.
This experience has, yet again, reminded me of how many new technologies have improved the lifestyle of the truck driving profession and made each of our lives just a little easier.
 

Comments (7)

Henry Albert

Henry Albert is the owner of Albert Transport, Inc., based in Statesville, NC. Before participating in the "Slice of Life" program, Albert drove a 2001 Freightliner Century Class S/Tâ„¢, and will use his Cascadia for general freight and a dry van trailer. Albert, who has been a trucker since 1983, was recognized by Overdrive as its 2007 Trucker of the Year.

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Man I just sit and wonder how you guys come up with this 'SEMI" stuff!!! I recently purchased a TPMS from TST and am so looking forward to having installed on my new unit. The hammer in the right hand , The tire depth gauge in the left, and the Air Gauge in the right rear pocket. Yes that means I am loaded down for a Pre-Trip inspection. Great Post Henry.

September 19, 2014 21:11:21 PM

Hey Henry, if you're an iPhone user, they now sell the infrared attachment called the FLIR One for the iPhone. I've never used it, so have no idea how well it works, but knowing Apple, I'm sure it has a great bunch of features. But that is a great idea that I've thought of as well for checking anything heat related.

September 18, 2014 22:27:30 PM

It is amazing what technology can do in today's time!

September 18, 2014 20:39:07 PM

I agree a tire thumper or a hammer is not a pressure gauge however it is a great tool to check for a low tire throughout the day . Another tool I keep wanting to purchase for quick mid day inspections is a infrared temperature gun to spot faulty wheel bearings shocks and many other components on my semi truck and trailer . Right now I simply place my hand on the individual component to see if any parts are running hotter than normal .

September 18, 2014 20:20:52 PM

Kurt I would go one step further as I would not be without a tire pressure monitor on duals or wide base singles. Thumping does not tell the actual pressure but it is an aide to let you know it sounds different then the one next to it. We also have a TPMS and our tires are still gauged to be sure all is the way it should be.

September 18, 2014 18:09:35 PM

I have never driven super singles, but I would not be willing to without a tire monitoring system due to the serious disability of having a tire go down. I would think they should be paired as standard equipment.

September 18, 2014 16:35:37 PM

Although the hammer is one tool, nothing beats the old fashioned tire gage. Hammer will tale you that you have air in the tire not PSI. About a year ago I read an article about this. I think it was called "Dumb the Thumb". But any visual and hands on of sorts is better then not. I would even go so far as to say you should periodically spot check the TPMS system with a manual tire gauge just to compare the readings.

September 18, 2014 5:44:24 AM