Personal gear

The tires aren't that bad to change if you know how and have the correct tools. Out on the road, that is the responsibility of the tire service guy who comes out and does the repairs.

As for the jake brake, it is a control that sits above the valves, and basically closes them out of their normal sequence so that the engine can develop back pressure. In effect, it turns the engine into an air compressor, and the energy it takes to fdo that is used to assist in slowing the truck or controlling it's speed. They are not illegal, though small towns often have an ordinance restricting their use. The problem comes about with the guys who remove their mufflers and have straight pipes on the truck, and then the sound of the engine brake can be irritating.

it's irresponsible to have a loud truck, yet many drivers are more concerned with being cool than they are with being responsible. Usually the worst offenders are the Peterbilt and KW's, since their drivers seem more concerned with image than others are.