How do I know when to replace my trailer tires?
How to Know When to Replace Your Trailer Tires
It goes without saying that knowing when to replace your trailer tires is crucial to your safety, and to the safety of your passengers, your cargo and others on the road. Blowouts are never good, and can be catastrophic. As you might expect, there’s no one-size fits all answer for exactly when to replace your trailer tires since many factors can impact the best answer for you.
A good rule of thumb is that you should change your trailer tires around 5 years after you install them with normal use and conditions. But keep reading to discover a few circumstances you’ll want to consider when making the replacement decision.
Age Causes Trailer Tires to Deteriorate
Even with the superior Rubbermaster trailer tire compounds, age will eventually cause tires to deteriorate regardless of how many miles they travel. Many times, trailer tires are used infrequently and sit a lot which can lead to oxidation starting to break down the chemical compounds in the tire. If it’s stored in the sun, UV radiation can shorten a tire’s life. The same with extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, and constant exposure to moisture. Ditto for a spare utility tire, though storage away from the elements can help extend its life. Beyond that, improper tire pressure, excessive speed, improper loading, and axle or alignment issues can reduce the life of your trailer tires.
Other Considerations for Knowing When to Replace Trailer Tires
Tread. Proper tread is important for providing the traction to keep your trailer from slipping and sliding. Uneven wear patterns can indicate problems such as over-inflation, a bent axle, alignment issues or loads that are too heavy. In most states, you can get a ticket if your tread is worn down below 2/32 of an inch. You can test your tire treads with a penny placed in the tread depth, with President Lincoln’s head down and facing you. If you can see the top of his head, you need to replace your trailer tires.
Debris, Cracks, Punctures, Damage & Deformities. It’s always a good idea to check your tires before each use for cracks, punctures and foreign objects wedged in your tire because these can lead to a blowout if you don’t catch them soon enough. Depending on the location, repair is a possibility, but if the tear or puncture is in the sidewall, the tire needs to be replaced. Keep an eye out for bulges, flat spots and uneven balding as well.
Valve Stem. When you’re inspecting your trailer tires for cracks and debris, take a good look at the valve stems as well. If cracks in the valve stem mean you won’t be able to properly inflate the tire, you need to replace it.
If you have any questions about whether it’s time to change your trailer tires, contact us. Our tire experts here at Treadworld can provide you with all the information you need to keep you and your cargo rolling safely down the road. Further, you can depend on Rubbermaster quality not to let you down.
