Protyre Urges Caravanners to Be Tyre Aware

Much has been said about the British making the most of their newly enfeebled pound by taking their holidays at home, and this means….gulp….that many of the approximately two million caravan owners nationwide may consider hitting the road this Easter. Many of these owners will set off without having carried out basic safety checks to ensure a trouble free break, says Protyre, the UK’s leading independent tyre dealer network.

Out of season storage conditions can sometimes have a detrimental effect on caravan and trailer tent tyres and owners are recommended to carry out some simple checks to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers during a journey. Carefully examine tyres to ensure that there are no cuts, lumps or bulges and that the sidewalls are sound and not affected by ozone cracking or distortion through being left standing for an extended period. Tyres must also have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread, although Protyre recommends that tyres with less than 2.5 mm of tread should be considered for replacement. Owners of trailer caravans or trailer tents are advised that if the tyres are over 7 years old that they should be replaced irrespective of their condition.

Determining the age of a tyre is straightforward. A code is marked on the tyre’s sidewall with the first two numbers determining the week, with the third and fourth digits referring to the year of manufacture. Should caravanners be in any doubt about the condition or age of tyres, Protyre is offering a free Easter tyre safety check at any of their 34 UK outlets, details of which can be found at www.protyre.co.uk website.

Tyre pressures are equally crucial to the safety, stability and economical running of both the caravan and the towing vehicle. Under or over inflated tyres affect not only the handling; such pressure incongruities can result in a tyre failure. Tyres not inflated to the correct pressures can also wear more quickly. Owners should consult the vehicle handbook for the correct tyre pressures, notes Protyre.