How to Lift/Drop the Truck's Middle Tire on ETS2

If you drive a 6x2 or another truck configuration with a liftable middle axle in Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) , you may have noticed that the middle tire does not always need to stay on the road. ETS2 gives you the option to lift or drop the axle while driving, but the function needs to be assigned to a keyboard or controller button first. If you have never used this feature before, don't worry. It only takes a few seconds to set up, and once you get used to it, it can make your driving experience more enjoyable.

In this tutorial, I'll show you exactly where to find the Lift/Drop Axle setting, how to assign a key, and how to use it while driving. I'll also share why I find the feature useful, especially when driving trucks with a liftable middle axle, along with some troubleshooting tips if it doesn't work on your first attempt. The steps below are based on the current ETS2 interface and should work with ETS2 version 1.58 and latest . SCS Software introduced the liftable middle axle on the IVECO S-Way 6x2 in the 1.58 update, and the game has continued to support this functionality in later versions.

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What Does Lift/Drop Axle Do in ETS2?

The Lift/Drop Axle function allows you to raise or lower a liftable axle on a compatible truck. When the axle is lifted, its wheels are raised away from the road. When you drop the axle, the wheels return to the road and carry their share of the truck's weight.

This is particularly useful if you're driving a truck equipped with a liftable middle axle. Instead of manually changing the truck configuration, you can control the axle directly from inside the cab while you're on the road.

Benefits of Lifting the Truck's Middle Tire

After trying the feature myself, I found that it adds a surprisingly nice touch to the driving experience. It isn't something you necessarily need to use on every trip, but having control over the axle makes the truck feel more interactive and realistic.

One benefit is that you can lift the axle when the truck isn't carrying a heavy load and you don't need the additional wheels on the road. It also makes the truck look more like a real-world vehicle with a liftable axle system. For me, small details like this make long-distance deliveries more enjoyable because there are more things to manage while driving.

It is also fun simply because you can actually see the axle move. Once you've assigned the button, lifting and dropping the axle becomes another small part of managing your truck. If you enjoy realistic ETS2 driving, it's definitely worth trying.

How to Lift or Drop the Middle Axle in ETS2

Step 1: Open the Settings Menu

First, make sure you are in the game and press the Esc key on your keyboard. This will open the game's menu. From here, look for the Settings option. Click it to enter the game's configuration menus.

Step 2: Open the System Settings

Inside the Settings menu, select System . This section contains several settings related to how the game works, including controls and other gameplay options.

Step 3: Go to Options

Next, select Options . Don't worry if you see a lot of different settings here. We only need to change the keyboard or controller assignment for the axle.

Step 4: Open Keys & Buttons

Look for the Keys & Buttons section and open it. This is where ETS2 lets you customize the controls used for different functions.

Step 5: Find "Lift/Drop Axle"

Scroll through the available functions until you find Lift/Drop Axle . This is the control we need to configure.

Once you find it, you'll see an empty or existing key assignment next to the function. If another function is already using the key you want, choose a different button to avoid creating a control conflict.

Step 6: Assign Your Preferred Key

Click the key assignment for Lift/Drop Axle , then press the keyboard key you want to use. For this example, I am using the "Right" button key on the keyboard to Lift or Drop the middle tire. 

I recommend choosing a button that is easy to reach while driving. You don't want to assign it to something that requires you to take your hand away from the controls. Pick whichever key feels natural for your setup.

Step 7: Save and Test the Setting

Once you've assigned the button, confirm the change (it automatically saved on the newer version) and return to the game.

Now find a safe place to test it. Press your newly assigned key once and watch the truck. If you're using a compatible truck and the axle is currently down, it should lift. Press the same button again and the axle should drop back down.

That's it. You can now control the truck's liftable axle directly while driving.

Why Isn't the Middle Axle Moving?

If you've followed the tutorial but nothing happens when you press the button, don't immediately assume the control is broken. There are a few things worth checking.

Make Sure Your Truck Has a Liftable Axle

The most common reason is that the truck simply doesn't have a liftable axle. The Lift/Drop Axle function only makes a visible difference when you're driving a compatible truck configuration.

Check the Key Assignment

Go back to Esc > Settings > System > Options > Keys & Buttons and check whether Lift/Drop Axle has the key you intended to use. If necessary, remove the assignment and configure it again.

Try a Different Key

Sometimes the problem isn't the axle at all but a conflicting key assignment. Try assigning the function to another unused keyboard key and test it again.

Check Your ETS2 Version

This tutorial is intended for modern versions of ETS2, particularly version 1.58 and newer . SCS Software's 1.58 update introduced the IVECO S-Way 6x2 with a steerable and liftable middle axle, making this feature especially relevant for that truck configuration.

Setting up the Lift/Drop Axle function in ETS2 is simple, but it adds another enjoyable detail to your driving experience. Once you've assigned the button, you can lift or drop the truck's middle axle whenever you're driving a compatible configuration.

Personally, I like having this function available because it makes driving feel a little more hands-on. ETS2 is already enjoyable for long trips, but small features like this give you more control over your truck and make each journey feel less like simply following a route and more like actually managing a truck.

If you have any questions about this tutorial, don't hesitate to ask me in the comment box below.