Why Do Semi-Trucks Have Spikes on Their Wheels?

While driving down the highway, you may notice the semi-trucks beside you have what looks like spikes coming off their tire rims. But what purpose do those spike studs hold, and what happens if you get into an accident with a truck driver and those spikes cause damage?

Munley Law explains the purpose of these lug nut covers and your rights in semi-truck accidents.

What Are Wheel Spikes on Semi Trucks?

Spikes on the wheels of semi-trucks are lug nut covers. They are meant to protect lug nuts from debris and corrosion over time but also have aesthetic appeal.

While wheel spikes look intimidating, they are often made of weaker metals like aluminum alloys and even sometimes plastic. So, if your vehicle came into contact with one, the worst that would happen is a few scratches on your car.

Why Do Trucks Have Spikes on Their Wheels?

These spiked lug nut covers serve several practical purposes. From blind spot deterrents on big trucks to wear and tear protection and aesthetic design, truck drivers opt for these covers for several reasons.

Aesthetic Appeal

Tire spikes give intimidating commercial trucks an edge compared to small passenger vehicles. Because lug nuts need to be covered from road debris and wear and tear, many commercial truck drivers and truck companies look for ways to protect these vehicles while also giving flare to semi-trucks.

These shiny metal spikes may appear menacing if you see them on the roadways, but it’s really no different than you personalizing your own vehicle within federal regulations.

Lug Nut Protection

As mentioned, spiked wheel bolts protect lug nuts on the tires. Because these heavy trucks have a lot of drive time, they are often exposed to different weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice, as well as bits of dirt that can erode and weaken lug nuts.

Using spikes on truck wheels, the lug nuts stay protected while giving that formidable appearance.

Visual Deterrent

Truck drivers have blind spots along the edges of their vehicles, making everyday driving conditions a potential hazard if you get into one of those areas.

The tire spikes act as a visual deterrent for drivers, giving tractor-trailer drivers space to avoid issues in the truck’s blind spots.

Are Wheel Spikes Dangerous?

Spikes on truck tires are not dangerous. Most of these covers are made from weak aluminum alloys, so while they look dangerous, if your car collides with the side of a truck, the spikes would likely crumble and cause cosmetic damage to your vehicle.

Legal Considerations and Regulations

A truck driver is legally entitled to place wheel spikes on their tires unless their employer rules against it. However, some states regulate the size of these spikes, including their length, width, and installation.

So, while these tire spikes may not have many rules against them, commercial truck drivers do have to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations on truck safety.

Tire regulations include:

• Tread depth: Steer tires or front axel tires, which handle the vehicle’s turning, must have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 of an inch, while all other tires must have a minimum of 2/32 of an inch.
• Tire condition: Tires must be in good condition. This includes no exposed belt material or body ply, sidewall or tread separation, flatness, audible leaks, or cuts. Not maintaining the tire condition leads to a higher chance of tire blowout.
• Tire damage: If there are bulges or blisters on tires, they must be replaced immediately.

If the tires on a truck are not in compliance, there can be serious ramifications for a truck driver and the trucking company. Further, if the truck is involved in an accident because of compliance issues, it can be liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.

Our Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Handle Complex Trucking Accidents

While spiked semi-truck wheels are not likely to cause you any harm, getting into a semi-truck accident can be catastrophic. At Munley Law, we specialize in semi truck accidents, representing victims in their toughest battles.

Accidents with commercial trucks can have devastating consequences, including serious injury, permanent disability, and even death. With a track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients, Munley Law will help you in the legal process by:

• Gathering evidence. If faulty tires, negligent driving, or unsafe hiring practices cause your accident, we’ll get to the bottom of it by collecting evidence from the accident scene.
• Establishing liability. Several people could be responsible for the accident, including the truck driver, trucking company, loaders, mechanics, truck manufacturer, or another motorist.
• Handling negotiations. The insurance companies will want to settle with you as quickly as possible. But that doesn’t mean you’ll get the compensation you need to recover from your losses. Munley Law fights for maximum compensation.
• Representing you in court. Not all truck accident claims can be settled. If your case goes to trial, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Call Munley Law to learn how we can help you.

Contact Our Skilled Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review

Spiked wheel covers on semi-trucks are intimidating but not a cause of concern for other motorists. But, if you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck driver, you may need support.

At the Munley Law Firm, we represent truck accident victims in their legal battles against negligent big rig truckers, trucking companies, and parts manufacturers. Given their size, semi-truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles, making the process of determining liability somewhat complicated.

With over 60 years of personal injury law experience, our truck accident attorneys will be by your side every step of the way, helping you secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

If you or a loved one were involved in a semi truck accident, call Munley Law for a no-obligation, free consultation, and to establish an attorney-client relationship that will protect your rights.