Wheel end fires can occur for different reasons. For example, overuse of the service brakes on long downhill grades can rapidly heat up the wheels and even lead to smoke and flames. A failed bearing can also cause large amounts of heat that can lead to fires.
Checking for hot wheels is a good practice at every stop. In order to protect yourself, don’t directly touch the wheels but instead just hold your hand close to the hub to feel any radiating heat. Warm wheels are normal after driving, and on hot days and after a hard stop, wheels can feel uncomfortably hot. However, if the heat seems extreme or you notice other signs of mechanical failure like leaking oil or smoke, it is time to let things cool down so you can figure out what to do next.
There’s a lot riding on your wheels – literally. One wheel significantly hotter than another is a sign of something possibly being wrong with the hot wheel, and it is best to get such things looked at before continuing on your trip.
