Tires: When to replace
Many times trailer tires need to be replaced long before we wear the tread off of them.
Tread wise a tire is considered worn out when it reaches 2/32" inches or less of remaining tread. There are many other indicators of tires needing to be replaced such a dry rot, side wall bulges, damaged tread etc. While the following is from Carlisle tire company, its the same basic information that is given by most of the tire companies. ************************************************** Do you need to replace your Trailer Tires? Did you know that your Trailer Tires may be worn out even though they still have plenty of tread left? This is because trailer tires have to carry a lot of weight all the time, even when not in use. It is actually better for the tire to be rolling down the road than to sit still. During use the tire releases lubricants that are beneficial to tire life. Using the Trailer Tires often also helps prevent flat spots from developing on the tire. If one tire fails, the remaining tires will have to suddenly compensate by supporting the increased load the failed tire was carrying. This sudden increase of weight may overload the other tires causing a chain reaction blowout or other internal damage. If you have experienced a blowout, make sure you check the other tires for damage and/or take your tires to a local tire shop for evaluation by the experts. The main cause of tire failure is underinflation. Check your tires at least once a month for proper inflation levels. Carlisle Tire and Wheel recommends adjusting the air pressure to the Maximum pounds per square inch (PSI) listed on the sidewall of the tire. If you inflate the tires to less than the maximum inflation level, you dramatically reduce the load carrying capacity of the tire. Tires are not completely impervious to air loss; in fact tires can lose 1 to 3 PSI per month. This is because molecules of air under pressure weave their way from the inside of the tire through the rubber to the outside. A drop in air pressure could cause the tire to become overloaded, leading to excessive heat build up. If a Trailer Tire is under-inflated even for a short period of time, the tire could suffer internal damage. The Rubber Manufacturing Association (RMA) states that a tire run at less than 80% of the maximum inflation could cause damage to the tire. Again, if you feel that your tires have been run underinflated have them checked professionally at a local tire service center. High speed towing in hot conditions degrades Trailer Tires significantly. As heat builds up during driving, the tire’s internal structure starts to breakdown compromising the strength of the tire. It is recommended to not exceed 60 Miles per hour (MPH) while towing a trailer. 3 to 5 years is the average life expectancy of a Trailer Tire. After three years you should consider replacing your Trailer tires with new ones even if the tires have adequate tread depth left. After five years Trailer Tires are considered worn out and should be replaced. Imagine staying in the sunlight all day everyday with no sunscreen! This is what your tires have to endure daily. If you are storing your Trailer for an extended period, make sure that you store the tires in a cool dry place such as a garage or under a shade tree with tire covers to protect your Trailer Tires from the harsh effects of the sun. A thin piece of wood under the tires during storage will extend your Trailer Tires life. - Summary Maintenance Tips - · Keep your tires air pressure at the Maximum PSI recommended on the sidewall of the tire · Keep a cap on your valve stem to prevent contamination of the internal rubber valve · Always travel with a spare and check your spare tires air pressure along with the other tires · If you experience a blowout, slowly move over to the right off the road to change your tire and check the other tires for possible damage · Don’t overload your Trailer Tires. The maximum load is listed on the sidewall of your Trailer Tires · Give your Trailer Tires a visual check before each trip · Keep your Trailer Tires in a cool dry place and out of direct sunlight during storage · Replace your Trailer Tires every 3 to 5 years |
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