If a dual tire is leaking while hazmat is being hauled, what is the required action?

• A. Ignore and continue
• B. Stop at the nearest safe place and fix it
• C. Tighten lug nuts and continue
• D. Replace the tire on the road if possible

Answer: (B)

When a dual tire is leaking on a hazmat load, you must stop at the nearest safe place and fix it before continuing. A leak means the tire is losing air, which can lead to a blowout, loss of wheel control, or further damage to the wheel and rim. With hazmat, any tire failure also raises the risk of a cargo spill or exposure, so it’s essential to address the problem while the vehicle is safely parked rather than attempting to drive away with a compromised tire. Stopping in a safe location gives you a stable area to inspect, repair, or replace the tire and to recheck proper torque on the lug nuts and correct tire pressure before resuming the trip. Ignoring the leak or simply tightening lug nuts won’t fix the underlying issue and could make things worse, and trying to replace the tire on the road should only happen after you’ve parked in a safe spot and confirmed you can work there safely.