RV tire blowout is a serious threat to RV owners. One minute you’re driving down the road, the next you hear a loud blow and are swerving to get to the side of the road. It’s tough to have this damage to your second, moving home. How your tires perform on the road is vital to the efficiency and safety of your RV. Coach Specialists sees this type of damage done to RVs often and can tell you the most common warnings signs your RV needs new tires.
Common Warning Signs Your RV Needs New Tires
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are roughly 11,000 tire-related crashed that occur each year. Making smart decisions about the care of your RVs tires is going to be your best option when it comes to safety. Here are some ways to help you decide if your RV needs new tires:
Steps for checking tire safety:
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Check for worn down treads.
Your tires divert water away from the underneath of a tire via their tread design. This is what helps maintain traction, keeping you from hydroplaning when it rains. As tires age, their treads wear down. If your tire’s tread is worn down to 1/16thof an inch or more, your RV needs new tires. At that point, your tire is no longer safe and you can slide on wet leaves, roads, and ice very easily. If you’re confused, a good way to check your tires is to look for “tread wear bars.” In most tires, both US and foreign, tires come with a “tread wear bar” that exist between the treat patterns on your tire. When you see the tread wear bar level with the rest of the tire treads or worn down itself, that’s a sign your RV needs new tires.
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Check for bulges, bubbles, tears, and cracks.
Any type of abnormality in your tires is a clear indication that something is wrong. Bulges in the sides of your tires could indicate an internal structure issue with the frame. This could be the result of a collision or something small like you rolling over a curb or pothole. Because the structural integrity of the tire has been compromised, driving around on it can cause a blowout at high speeds. Any cracks or tears in the tires are also a sign of deterioration and they should be replaced immediately.
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Check for Dry Rot.
Any cracks or tears in the tires are also a sign of deterioration and dry rot. Dry rot means the rubber material on the tire has begun to break down and can no longer withstand the weight of the RV or varied temperatures. When your tires have dry rot, the steel can separate from the tire, which with cause damage to the exterior of your RV. Dry rot is always a concrete sign that your RV needs new tires.
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Vibrating Wheels.
Vibrating wheels are a sign of poor tire rotation. When you feel your tires vibrating, it’s a sign that there is uneven wear on your tires. Rotating your tires regularly can help prevent this uneven wear and prolong the life of your tires, preventing a blowout.
Replacing and Maintaining Your Tires
If your RV needs new tires after a blowout, Coach can help. Our certified technicians are always ready to help you find the best deals on tires and even put in the manpower to save your RV from further damage. A good place to start preventing blowouts and maintaining your RV’s tires is with proper care and maintenance.
You should be replacing your RV’s tires at least every 6-7 years. The NHTSA recommends 6 years as a minimum standard for replacement. Over that amount of time, your tires will naturally become worn, even if you have experienced any damage. After 10 years without replacement, you run the risk of blowouts and collisions.
Another way to maintain the tires is by consistently checking them. As a rule of thumb, you should always check your tires before and after a trip. When you take your RV out on the road, check not only the look of the tires but the air pressure as well. If you notice any abnormalities, it may be time to set up an appointment with a certified RV repair shop to start talking about getting your RV new tires.