You have probably seen the spikes that some truck drivers put on their semi-truck, and you may have wondered why the trucks have these spikes.
Well, as you can see, the spikes look intimidating, which is one of their purposes. The spikes are intended to discourage drivers from getting too close to the truck, but they are also there to protect the lug nuts.
In this simple guide, I will explain why truckers have spikes on their wheels and how they work.
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The Spikes Serve As A Warning
The spikes on a truck’s wheels encourage drivers to keep their distance from the semi-truck. Keeping this distance is important for the safety of both the trucker and other drivers since truckers have large blind spots along the sides of their trucks.
If you are concerned the spikes may be dangerous if you bump them, you probably don’t need to worry. The spikes are generally made from plastic or an aluminum alloy that is unlikely to do more than scratch your car.
However, you should still keep away from the sides of semi-trucks since getting into an accident with one of these trucks can be particularly deadly. It’s best to abide by the warning these spikes give you and stay away.
Truck Tire Spikes Provide Protection
The spikes on the wheels also protect the lug nuts. Trucks drive long distances, sometimes under challenging conditions. So, the lug nuts suffer a lot of wear and tear.
The lug nuts can get dirt, water, and debris on them, which could cause rust, corrosion, or other damage. But, by putting these spikes on the truck’s wheel rims, they are protected from the elements.
The spikes can also help keep the lug nuts from loosening. Though a flat cover may be able to do the same job, spikes are a more common option, likely because they are more noticeable.
This means that other drivers on the road will see them keeping everyone just a little safer.
Drawbacks Of Tire Spikes
There are some drawbacks to wheel spikes that many truckers have recognized. This includes the potential for scratching other cars that get too close.
Also, though these spikes may serve as a warning, longer spikes can lead to a greater likelihood of scratches with other cars. They can be a distraction as well as a warning with their distinctive and often reflective appearance.
The Spikes Are Decorative
In addition to encouraging safety and protecting the lug nuts, tire spikes are decorative, Truckers spend a lot of time in their trucks, and wheel spikes are one way of personalizing their trucks.
Tire spikes allow truckers to personalize their trucks without interfering with any company markings.
The spikes are typically four to five inches long and made of aluminum alloy or sometimes plastic. But they come in many different colors and designs.
Are Tire Spikes Legal?
Tire spikes are legal. They are generally no more than four or five inches long and are made of a relatively soft material.
So they are unlikely to harm other cars. However, some companies don’t allow their drivers to put spikes on their tires because they believe they may give other drivers a poor impression of their company.
