With autumn fast approaching it is more than likely your trailer has seen out its main workload for the year, but for those of you who don’t let a little rain stop you, it is an important time to ensure your tyres are in top condition ready for the winter ahead!
The rules
Trailer tyres are often overlooked when assessing the condition of a road trailer as they are not regulated in the same way cars are, through an MOT. However, the same laws apply to both cars and trailers, regarding tread depth of the tyre. Light trailers up to 3,500kg must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the centre three quarters of the tyre.
Now, we know what you're thinking…you’ve got to drive an awfully long way to wear your trailer tyres down to that depth, and for those of you not doing doughnuts at the local car park with your trailer in tow, you’re probably right. Unfortunately, trailer tyres will often succumb to a more unavoidable fate, perishing. This usually occurs when tyres are not used for an extended period, and sadly, this has ‘trailer’ written all over it.
This is most common in boat trailer tyres as they are regularly exposed to harsh conditions such as saltwater environments, which can speed up the perishing process. Tyres can perish in the same way as an old rubber band, as it is stretched, cracks can be seen forming on it. This is effectively due to the rubber becoming brittle over time. When it comes to trailer tyres, the effects of perishing can be far more catastrophic than a rubber band snapping. So, make sure you know how to spot the tell-tale signs of a perishing tyre, these usually present themselves in the same form as a rubber band. The main indication being cracks in the rubber, usually on the sidewall of the tyre.
Small cracks are often unavoidable, but once they begin to get larger the present a very real danger and may result in the structure of the tyre being compromised. So always be sure to check your tyres over thoroughly at least once a year. So, how long do trailer tyres last? At TrailerTek we recommend you replace your trailer tyres every 3-5 years to ensure they are fit for the road and as safe as possible. Check out our range of replacement tyres here.
Pump that tyre up!
Another critical element to consider is the inflation of the tyre. Incorrect inflation can lead to uneven tyre wear, or even a blowout. What pressure should trailer tyres be? It is important to inflate tyres to the maximum recommended pressure when carrying heavy loads, this pressure can be found on the side wall of the tyre! Correct inflation of the tyre will also optimise fuel economy and increase the traction of the tyre.
So before the weather gets colder, why not give your trailer a little appreciation for all that summer fun, and make sure the tyres are in a safe condition for the road ahead!
