Care Tips for Your Trailer Tyres

14 March 2016
 Categories: , Blog


Many people think that trailer tyres seem to have an easy life as compared to their regular vehicle tyres, and therefore that do not give them the attention they deserve. These people often forget that trailer tyres endure all manner of harsh driving conditions every time the tow vehicle is turned, swerved or stopped abruptly. If you own a trailer and you want to get the most service out of its tyres, it is important that you be aware of some of the most useful tips you can follow to keep the tyres in good shape for longer.

Inflation

Under-inflation or over-inflation of your tyres is a bad thing. Under-inflation leads to tread separation and uneven tread wear, thus increasing the risk of a road hazard occurring. You should also be careful not to exceed the maximum tyre inflation limits, as this will also result in uneven tread wear. In order to ensure that your tyres are properly inflated, follow the trailer tyre manufacturer's recommendations on inflation pressure, which is usually available on the sidewall of each tyre. Also, use a tyre pressure gauge to ensure there is equal inflation pressures on all tyres before making any trip.

Storage

The tyres are the main contact point between your trailer and the ground on which it is parked. Leaving your trailer outdoors most of the time where it is exposed to harsh weather elements like direct sunlight and heavy downpours is bound to have a deleterious impact on its tyres. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is notorious for causing damage to the exterior parts of the tyres' sidewalls. Make sure that your trailer is housed in a cool, dry environment when you are not using it to minimise weather-induced damage.

Overloading

The axles on your trailer are designed to handle a particular amount of weight. Whenever you carry too much weight on your trailer, the axles are subjected to excessive loading, and they transfer the full weight of the load to the tyres. Overloading a trailer should be avoided as it shortens the lifespan of the tyres.

Spare

You should carry a spare at all times and make sure that it has the same amount of inflation pressure as the other tyres. This is because you might be forced to pull the trailer with a flat tyre just so that you can get to the nearest auto service point to get it repaired. By doing so, you will not only cause further damage to the bad tyre but the other remaining tyre as well because of excessive loading.


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