Ways to Care for and Maintain Your RV’s Tires

The last thing you want to deal with is a blown tire while you’re on the road in your RV. But it could happen, especially if your general concept of tire care and maintenance leaves something to be desired. If your tires are worn, wobbly, improperly inflated, or exhibit other issues, not only will your RV’s drive and performance be diminished, but the safety and well being of your family will be put at risk, especially because a blow out or a flat tire could result while you’re driving. To avoid getting yourself into a potentially dangerous situation while you’re traveling the roads, take time to learn how to properly care for and maintain your rig’s tires.

Here are some of the things you can do to keep your wheels in tip-top shape:

• Inspect – At least once a month (but especially before any trip), check your tires for signs of tread wear and ensure that all valves and valve caps are in place and that sidewalls are not cracked. Review your RV’s manual to find out what the proper inflation pressure for your tires should be and inflate or deflate your tires as necessary. Don’t forget to check your spare tire for all of these things, too!

• Balance and align – Over time, the normal course of movement of your suspension can cause the tires to become misaligned, causing fast and uneven wear on your tires. For this reason, getting an occasional alignment is a good idea. Unbalanced tires can cup and create worn spots where the majority of the weight of the tire and wheel assembly is placed. Balancing the tires, however, evenly distributes that weight around the tire’s circumference and can improve the overall ride of the RV.

• Rotate – Regular rotation of your RV’s tires can help ensure even wear over their lifetime. However, it’s important to check for mechanical imbalances and misalignments that could be the root cause of tire wear and tear before rotating the tires. Consult your vehicle’s manual for rotation frequency suggestions.

• Clean – While it may seem like an obvious tire maintenance task, it’s still worth mentioning that you should occasionally clean your RV’s tires. Using a soft brush and mild soap is the best way to go about removing dirt, brake dust, and grime from your tires, but you don’t want to overdo it with washings. Why? Most tires are designed and engineered with additives and anti-oxidants that move toward the surface of the rubber over time to protect the tire from cracking and damage. Excessive washing, using harsh chemicals, and even applying tire dressings that add shine can significantly shorten the life of your tires.

Want to learn more about how to properly care for and maintain your rig’s tires? Contact us today!