Tire Thumping

I thump with a small sledge hammer because it gives more predictable results. That said, you can tell if a tire is low by thumping. I thump everytime I stop. I wouldn't check as often if I had to use a gauge.

 

after you tump so many tires you can tell pretty well which is low and which is not. i know its weird sounding but you can.
some guys will know real close if its the same truck they been driving and has run the same type of tires for ever.

 

Its not done to check the exact pressure in s tire. Its just a quick check to make sure u dont have a tire thats real soft which would need further inspection. U still need a guage to get the pressure rite. I just prefer to do that in my shop with all the proper tools and time and if I get dirty its ok. People think that guys thumping tires are duin it as if they can tell the pressure by the thump. Thats impossible and I doubt anybody would say they can. Its just a quick way to tell if u have a problem. Besides at least that guy checked at all. Too many of these steering wheel holders wouldnt know the tire from the mudflap and dont check either!

 

Pull a 6 or 7 axle trailer and then tell me your gonna be checking 34-38 tires using this method on a regular basis. Tandem yeah sure you can do it in adequate time but not gonna happen with the extra tires

 

I always use a gauage.
Use to pull triples...30 tires. Always used a guage, every day.
Most drivers don't check pressure. Most drivers don't even thump!
That's why there's so many gators on the road!

 

Thump every time you get out and check with gauge regularly. just a quick check is all it is

 

i thump my tires 2 or 3 times a day i check air pressure when i change my oil .

 

From years of thumpin tires and from the sound they make, thats how.
I run 120psi in my steers and 130 drives and trailer and when a tire is at 100psi its sounds flat to me. Also at the high psi I can take my hand and pat the tire and if it dont sound right I get the gauge out.

 

First off you check tires when cold not on the road, when at a brake check. Thumping tires, gives you an idea of the pressure. I use an infered thermometer also check the tire temperature as well as the hub and the brake drum if it is hot. Heat is an indication of a problem. Especially if all but one is cool.
You can add pressure to a hot tire, but on the road you get a maximum of about 100 lbs with any length of hose unless you are there for a long time.
There is a brake check near my location and it is rare to see truckers do a walk around and inspection let alone check pressures.