Unit 10, Lesson 05 - Tire Fires, Clearances, Cold Weather and Your Brakes
Tire fires can be a serious problem for drivers. The best way to avoid this problem is to prevent it in the first place. The following hints are a few things you can do to decrease the chance of having a tire fire:
- Check tires and brakes frequently for unusual heat. If any tires are soft or flat, change them.
- Never drive for an extended period of time on a soft or flat tire or with a brake that is dragging. These situations can result in heat buildup and cause a tire fire.
- Never ignore a tire that is hot. Either stay with the vehicle until the tire is cool or change it.
- Remember to always release your parking brake before moving the vehicle.
- Remain alert for potential problems from:
- Brakes that are dragging or overheating.
- Leaking oil seals that may splash oil on a hot tire.
- Dual tires that are partially deflated. When this condition exists, your odds for a fire are very high.
Tire Fire: By Takeaway (Own work), CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If a tire fire does occur, the following actions will help:
- A large supply of water is probably the best remedy for a tire fire. If possible, get to a fire station for assistance.
- Fire extinguishers are usually not very effective for this type of fire. Shoveling dirt on the tire can sometimes retard the fire enough for you to get the tire off.
- If you cannot get the tire off, try driving until the tire burns off of the rim or until you reach a good source of water. This alternative is certainly better than just waiting. If you just sit and wait, your vehicle will probably burn up.
- As a last resort, drop your trailer; by doing that, you will at least save one of the units.
General Fire Information
Not all fires will be tire fires and you need to be prepared for them when they do occur. Some general hints include:
- Do not waste the contents of your fire extinguisher. The contents are limited, so take careful aim and make every burst count.
- Fight fires with the wind at your back. If you are using an extinguisher, your efforts will be more effective and you will avoid having poisonous or caustic gases blown into your face.
- Become familiar with different types of fires. For example, fighting a gasoline or oil fire with water will only spread the fire.
Clearances
As you drive, you need to be aware of the increased height, width, and length of your vehicle. Bridges, tunnels, and overhanging trees that were no problems when you were driving your car can be a definite safety hazard when driving a larger vehicle. Some precautions you can take include:
- Knowing the dimensions of your vehicle. Squeezing through a tight place is risky. In those instances in which your clearance is less than six inches, be safe and slow down. Hazards such as rough roads might cause you to bounce into a low ceiling or swerve into a close wall.
- Being aware that some bridges and tunnels are not made for a car and a truck to pass through at the same time. If you have any doubts, let the other vehicle go through first.
- Keeping an eye out for fire escapes, low hanging tree limbs, and filing station canopies. Be especially alert when you bring your vehicle in for a test drive. A few of the driver license offices have canopies that are prime targets for unaware drivers.
Cold Weather and Your Brakes
In freezing weather a number of things can happen to your brakes.
- They may be completely ineffective for several hundred feet, then suddenly grab as the friction dries out the brakes.
- All moving parts can freeze solid resulting in the complete loss of brakes.
- The brakes may not release once they are applied.
To help prevent problems from occurring, lightly touch your brakes occasionally.
Shoveling snow from their driveway during a major Utah snowstorm in December: By Scott Catron (Own work),
CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons