Truck Tyre Damage in Germany or Austria: What the Dispatcher Should Ask the Driver

If a driver reports tyre damage on a truck weighing over 7.5 t in Germany or Austria, the dispatcher should collect the specific information needed to arrange a mobile truck tyre service. This includes the exact wheel position, the tyre size actually fitted, details of the rim and spare wheel, and photos if they can be taken safely. Ask the driver to describe only what they can actually observe: pressure loss, a tear, a puncture, deformation or other visible damage. Do not present a suspected cause as fact.

1. Identify Which Wheel Is Affected

Confirm the exact wheel position: whether it is on the tractor unit, trailer or semi-trailer, which axle it is on and which side of the vehicle. For example, it may be on the tractor unit’s steer or drive axle, or on one of the axles of the trailer or semi-trailer, on the left or right. Descriptions such as “rear left” are not precise enough for a vehicle combination. If the affected wheel is part of a twin-wheel assembly, include this information. The condition of the other wheel may affect the service partner’s decision on site.

2. Record the Fitted Tyre Size

You need the tyre size actually fitted at the affected position. Do not rely on the driver’s memory or on standard or manufacturer specifications for the truck.

If the marking is legible and the driver can safely show it, ask them to copy the details from the sidewall or take a separate photo of the marking. If the marking on the damaged tyre cannot be read safely, details from the wheel on the opposite side of the same axle may be used only as a reference. When passing on the details, state exactly which wheel the marking was copied from. 

3. Collect Information About the Rim and Spare Wheel

Check whether there is any visible damage to the rim. Only pass on what the driver can see or show; do not draw conclusions about whether the rim is usable. If there is a spare wheel, confirm where it is located — on which side of the vehicle — and what is known about its condition and any difficulty removing it. The service partner will assess on site whether the spare wheel can be used.

4. Confirm Whether Photos Can Be Taken Safely

If the wheel is on the side of the vehicle exposed to live traffic on the Autobahn, do not ask the driver to approach it just to take a photo. If access is safe, useful photos include:

• an overall view of the vehicle;
• a close-up of the damage;
• the sidewall marking;
• the rim and spare wheel.

If access is unsafe, pass on the available information without photos.

How to Prepare a Message to Request Mobile Truck Tyre Service

Collect:

• exact location;
• vehicle type and, where applicable, the configuration of the vehicle combination; 
• registration numbers;
• exact position of the damaged wheel — on the tractor unit, trailer or semi-trailer, which axle it is on and which side of the vehicle;
• whether the wheel is part of a twin-wheel assembly;
• the tyre size actually fitted;
• a brief description of the visible issue;
• the visible condition of the rim;
• whether a spare wheel is available, where it is located and what is known about its condition;
• photos of the damage, sidewall marking, rim and spare wheel, plus a photo of the stopping location with a visible landmark, if these can be taken safely;
• contact details for the driver and, if different, the responsible contact; 
• any access restrictions or an unsafe position of the vehicle, where relevant;
• whether the police or Autobahnmeisterei have been called, or whether any services are already on site. 

Which Dispatcher Mistakes Can Delay Arranging Tyre Service

1. Reporting only “problem with the rear-left wheel”. Without confirming which part of the vehicle combination the wheel is on, which axle it is on and which side, the dispatcher will have to request the information again.
2. Giving the size from memory. If a different tyre is actually fitted, the service team will not be able to complete the job in a single call-out.
3. Assuming from the outset that the available spare wheel will be used for the replacement. Until its location and condition are known, it should not be treated as a confirmed option.

Where to Send the Information to Arrange Tyre Service

Where possible, send the information to MT onroad via WhatsApp in a single message to +49 977 5376 9999. If some information or photos are unavailable or cannot be obtained safely, send the confirmed details and state what is missing.

FAQ

What should I do if I cannot obtain all the tyre details?

Send the confirmed information to MT onroad and state what is missing. Do not use assumed values. 

What should I do if there is no spare wheel?

State this in the message to the MT onroad dispatcher. The absence of a spare wheel will be taken into account when arranging a suitable tyre service option.