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How many wheels does a semi have?

Are semis and eighteen-wheelers the same thing, or are those two different types of trucks? I assume that, if there is a difference, it has to do with the number of wheels.

Liz Jenson · Updated on Jun 9, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Yes,

semi trucks and eighteen-wheelers

are the same thing! However, not all semis have eighteen wheels like their name suggests: some actually have 10, 26, or 34 tires instead. You can still refer to semis with different wheel numbers as eighteen-wheelers, though!

While it might not be technically accurate, the name eighteen-wheeler has become synonymous with a semi-truck, regardless of the actual number of wheels that the truck has. This phenomenon is similar to Kleenex becoming synonymous with tissue. While not all tissues are Kleenex, the brand is common enough that everyone still knows what you mean when you ask for a Kleenex.

While you’re learning more about semis, check out the

to learn more about your

policy options, too. Jerry can collect quotes for you in less than a minute, making it easy to compare rates and choose the best deal. Download the app to learn more.

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