Properly inflated or acceptable tread-level tires on a semi-tractor and trailer greatly increase fuel efficiency, steering safety, tire wear, and emergency handling, as well as help avoid infractions during a Department of Transportation inspection or worse.Tools RequiredDespite commonly held beliefs, using a rod or stick, commonly called a thumper to hit each tire is not the proper, effective, or accurate way to check tire pressure. The under-inflated tire may not sound different enough from its fully inflated neighbor to be noticed with a thumper, but the few pounds’ difference in air pressure often differentiates between stopping safely in an emergency and causing a traffic fatality.You need two items to check air pressure properly:A working pressure gauge, andA working air hose, if n