Caravanners urged to check tyres ahead of summer holidays

Leisure vehicle owners are being urged to check their caravans' tyres ahead of hitting the road on their annual summer holidays.

Bridgestone, the world's largest tyre maker, has issued advice to caravanners and motorhomers to help make sure they have a safe trip, wherever they're going.

In particular, when a caravan or trailer tent is only moved once or twice a year the tyres can develop 'flat spots' where the rubber deforms due to the weight pressing down on the same point for an extended period. This can severely impact safety at higher speeds.

Another consideration is that all vehicle tyres should be replaced after ten years from new, regardless of appearance, apparent condition or tread depth remaining. Rubber degrades over time and becomes less grippy.

Bridgestone's business development director Stuart Jackson, who is also chairman of TyreSafe, said that motorists should look for any sign of age deterioration in the tyres such as sidewall cracking and carcass deformation.

He said: "Whatever tyres are fitted to the towing car, caravan, trailer tent or motorhome, it is essential to the safety and stability of the combination that all tyres are correctly inflated for the applied load.

"Tyres that are driven under inflated for extended periods are more likely to suffer from rapid wear which could lead to a sudden and rapid deflation, causing loss of control. Debris left on the carriageway after a tyre failure could prove hazardous for other motorists."

He continued: "We never recommend the dangerous practice of fitting a replacement tyre on the hard shoulder and roadside safety advice issued by Highways England should always be observed.

"Keeping tyres correctly inflated ensures an even wear rate leading to longer tyre life. Pressures should be checked and adjusted prior to any journey when the tyres are cold - not during or after a run when they will be higher. Never reduce pressures when the tyres are warm, as they could be too low when they cool down.

"After pressure checking, ensure the valve is not leaking and the valve cap is fitted. The correct inflation pressures for your car tyres can be found in the owners' handbook and often inside the drivers' door or the fuel filler cap displayed on the vehicle."

 Courtesey of Caravan Times.