CDL General Knowledge TestDriving SafelyMedium
When driving a commercial vehicle, you notice a strong smell of burning rubber and see smoke coming from one of your dual tires. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- APull over immediately to a safe location and inspect the tire.
- BIncrease speed to generate more airflow and cool the tire.
- CSpray water on the smoking tire to cool it down.
- DContinue driving to the next service station for inspection.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Pull over immediately to a safe location and inspect the tire.
A smoking tire indicates severe overheating, which can lead to a blowout or a tire fire. Pulling over immediately to a safe location is critical to prevent further damage or a dangerous incident.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Increasing speed will worsen the overheating and increase the risk of a blowout or fire.
- C. Spraying water on an overheated tire can cause it to explode due to rapid temperature change and is very dangerous.
- D. Continuing to drive with a smoking tire is extremely dangerous and risks a blowout, fire, or loss of control.
Tire Overheating/Fire Response
Immediate actions to take when a vehicle tire is severely overheating or has caught fire.
- Pull over immediately and safely.
- Do not spray water on an overheated tire – it can explode.
- If fire, use a fire extinguisher (Class A or B/C for tires).
- Evacuate if fire is uncontrollable or near fuel tanks.
Memory trick: Smoke and fire, pull over, admire (from a distance).