For many RV enthusiasts (like us at Coach Specialists of Texas), the springtime is when we start yearning for the road. As the weather gets warmer, we hear the sound of new destinations calling our names. Many motorhome owners tend to park their vehicles in the winter and rev them up as soon as the temperatures start to rise. This is no surprise, since the winter often brings poor driving conditions, but it can mean that your RV will need some TLC before it’ll be road-worthy. In particular, one major component to take care of is the state of your tires. Last week, we talked about ways that you can prolong the life of your RV tires, so this week we wanted to address signs that your tires are ready to be replaced. If your tires are a little worse for the wear, it’s always better to replace them before you take a trip anywhere, since you don’t want to find yourself stranded on the side of the road because of a costly tire blowout.
Here are the common signs of motorhome tire wear you should inspect for in order to avoid a blowout:
Dry rot.
If you’ve parked your motorhome during the winter and you’re getting ready to embark on a trip this spring, absolutely be sure to inspect your tires for dry rot. As a tire ages and has more exposure to the elements, it can begin to deteriorate. Over time, the rubber will become weak, brittle, and cracked. Once this happens, your chance of having a blowout increases exponentially, so get those tires replaced ASAP.
Low tread.
The guideline for tire tread is 2/32 of an inch minimum. Before you hit the road, make sure you have plenty of tread on your tires—not just the minimum you can get away with. For most motorhome drivers, we spend lots of time on the road. Therefore, we need to have a little extra tread to meet our travel needs.
Uneven tire wear.
Every time you get gas and certainly before any long trip, take a look at your tires to see how the tread is wearing. Keep an eye out for feathering, cupping, or wear that is significantly deeper than other sections of your tire. These could be signs of over or under-inflation, as well as problems with your alignment.
Punctures.
Be vigilant in inspecting your tires for punctures. Many times, tires will pick up nails on the road and continue to function, even with the nails still in them. Over time, these punctures will cause air to leak and may ultimately lead to a blown tire, so it’s best to address them as soon as you see them.
Under-inflation.
Many times, it is obvious when a tire is under-inflated—the tire will appear flatter where it meets the pavement. Either way, it’s a good idea to measure your tire pressure every time you get gas. If you find that you need to add air frequently, you might have a puncture to address.
Do you have questions about tire blowout damage and motorhome repair in Dallas, Texas?
At Coach Specialists of Texas, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have about your motorhome and its repair needs. Our mission is to get you back on the road quickly and hassle-free.