For anyone who drives or owns a Sprinter, a tire blowout can be quite a big issue. For many, knowing whether a tire may blowout can seem impossible. You’ll be driving around fine, and *boom,* all of a sudden you hear a loud pop and you’re rushing to pullover. Whether you’re in the FLEET business, a contractor, or simply someone who has a Sprinter van, it’s frustrating when it happens. When it comes down to it, your business and safety depend on your tires. At The Sprinter Center, we see damaged tires all the time and can offer you some advice on what to look out for.
The Warning Signs: How To Know When Your Sprinter Van Needs New Tires In Dallas, Texas
Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looks at the amount of tire-related crashes. And according to their studies, there are roughly 11,000 crashes each year. It’s always best to take the safety in your Sprinter Van seriously. Below are a few ways you can check the condition of your Sprinter van’s tires.
Safety Check Your Tires
Look At Whether The Treads Are Worn Down
With the way your tire’s tread is made, the water gets redirected underneath to pass through smoothly. The divots within the treads are there to make sure your tire has maximum traction and prevent hydroplaning. However, if you measure your tread and see that it has worn itself out to roughly 1/16th of an inch, you’ll need to get new tires for your Sprinter van. And that’s because your tires are worn out beyond the base level of what is safe to drive on and could easily result in accidents because of reduced traction. If you’re unsure of a decent way to look at your tires, it’s never a bad idea to look at “tread wear bars.” Most tires have a “tread wear bar” that is located within the treat patterns on your Sprinter van’s tires. So, if you see you see that the tread wear bar is worn down or at the same level as the tire treads, your Sprinter van likely needs some new tires.
Look Out For Cracks, Bubbles, Tears, Or Bulges
If you see anything on your tires that looks out of place (like cracks, bulges, etc), it’s a decent tell that there may be an issue. Beyond that, if you spot any bulges on the side, it could be a pretty decent indication there are some structural problems inside the frame. Anything from running over a pothole to running into something could cause bulges in your tires– which can easily hurt the integrity. With compromised integrity, you can also easily blowout your tire if you’re going fast enough.
Look Out For Dry Rot
If you see anything that looks like a tear or a crack, it could also signify potential dry rot. Which basically happens when the rubber on the tire has started to break apart and is unable to support the weight of your Sprinter van. Dry rot can cause a whole slew of problems– including the separation of the tire from the steel. Needless to say, if you suspect dry rot or even see it, your Sprinter van will definitely need to get some tire replacements.
Look Out For Vibrations In Your Wheels
If you feel your tires vibrating, it’s likely a sign of poor rotation. The vibration essentially means there’s wear and tear on your tires that are a bit uneven. However, if you rotate your tires on a consistent basis, it can assist in preventing the wear and tear and elongate your tire’s lifespan.
Make Sure You Maintain And Replace Your Tires Regularly
The Sprinter Center specializes in Sprinter Van repair. If your Sprinter van requires maintenance or new tires, we can help you out. Our team consists of passionate and certified technicians who are always ready to help you get the best deals and have your Sprinter van frontline ready ASAP. If you want to prevent blowouts or further damage, consistent maintenance of your Sprinter van is the way to go.
A good rule for Sprinter vans is to get your tires rotated at least every time you go in for maintenance. Beyond that, you should replace your tires at least every 6 years. Both Mercedes Benz and the NHTSA recommend 6 years at the very least. Anything over that time can result in potential, unwanted, damage because the tires will naturally wear down. And anything beyond 10 years can result in serious blowouts and potential collisions.
In conclusion, it’s always a good idea to consistently check the tires yourself– and this is especially true before and after long trips. Whenever you take your Sprinter van out for work, take a look at your tires and even check the pressure. If you spot anything weird, schedule an appointment with The Sprinter Center.