Caring for your Caravan Tyres during the Winter
Taking the weight off the wheels for a few weeks by removing them and using axle stands can help extend the life of your vehicles
suspension and tyres.
Rules to follow to help preserve your tyres during the winter
Now that autumns definitely here, many caravanners will probably be putting their vehicles aside until next spring. Before you leave
your caravan for the winter, there are a couple of things you ought to do to make certain your vehicles tyres don’t suffer too much
in the winter period. ‘By following these simple tips, you can make sure your caravan’s tyres will be ready to hit the highway next
spring.’
1. You can increase the tyre life, suspension and also the running gear in your van if you take the weight off the wheels just for a
couple of weeks of the year. To do this support the axles with axles stands and take off the wheels and bolts for storage (Please be
aware some insurance companies may not cover this in the policy). If this is done keep wheels away from direct sunlight and in a place
where exposure to oils and greases is avoided and cover with natural materials such as Hessian, not plastic.
2. Cover your tyres to shield them through the changing elements. Contact with direct sun and coastal climate conditions make tyres
deteriorate more quickly. Ideally shield the tyres from sunlight to help prevent degradation with the rubber but avoid using plastic
bags that seal the wheel and bearings and could cause condensation in the hub. Ideally use a cover fit for purpose. The
Stationary
caravan wheel cover Cuts out ultra violet light and dirt for a very reasonable price.
3. If you are a hardy winter caravanner, consider changing to winter tyres which have better grip on wet roads when the temperature
drops below 7 degrees. It is a legal requirement in some countries, so check before you decide to travel.
4. Tyres can deteriorate over the winter - so make sure you do a tyre check before taking to the road next spring, checking for cracks
in the tyre wall.
5. Tyres left standing for long stretches are susceptible to flat spots which can lead to punctures - check pressure carefully
following the winter.
6. If at all possible during the winter rotate the tyres, they don't like standing around on a single piece of tread for very long
periods. Consider turning the wheels, say every six to eight weeks, to alleviate any problems, and be sure pressures are correct
during this period.
7. Winter wheels (special clamps rather than wheels) can be used, but they do not fulfill the required criteria for some caravan
insurance policies.
So essentially follow this advice to alleviate any problems occurring with your tyres over the winter period:
It's a good idea to put your van on axle stands, thus eliminating the weight from your suspension and giving it a rest so to speak,
but more important, it will take the weight off the road tyres therefore alleviating the flat spot, wall damage and possible tyre
renewal in the new year. Make sure you check with your insurance company, both van and household, to make sure you are covered. Prior
to doing this check your insurance as most policies say you need to have wheelclamps fitted. Do not leave the caravan on the corner
steadies.
Follow this advise and you will be able to drive away your caravan next year with no wories and enjoy all those coaravan accessories you have in place.
