Tyre Safety Month – how to maintain your motorhome tyres

This year’s theme for Tyre Safety Month is: If your tyres won’t stop you, what will?

As the only point of contact between the road and your motorhome, it is absolutely essential that tyres are checked and maintained all year round.

But as we head into winter, what can you do to make sure your motorhome tyres are ready for the colder months? Here are some tips:

The correct tyres

It might sound obvious, but making sure your motorhome is fitted with tyres of the correct specification is the most important thing you can do.

We advise using the same type of wheels tyres for all wheels and make sure they are specifically manufactured for these types of vehicles.

Campervan tyres have the “CP” mark on their walls, which indicate they can take the heavy load, while the “C” mark indicates they are suitable for commercial vehicles. Don’t take the risk of getting tyres that are not suited to the vehicle just because it might save you a few pounds – it may cost you a lot more in the long run.

And, if you’re heading abroad in the winter months, check regulations regarding the use of winter tyres.

Under pressure

Incorrect tyre pressure is dangerous as it means it is more difficult to handle the motorhome on the road and can also lead to tyre failure.

Check your vehicle handbook for the correct pressure and make sure you carry out the checks when the tyres are cold.

The tread

Like all vehicles, motorhome tyres must have a minimum tread of 1.6mm. It’s easy to check: take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves – if you cannot see the coin’s outer band, it is above the minimum requirement.

Signs of deterioration

Although it is generally recommended that motorhome tyres are changed every five years, do not assume they are safe if they are less than that. Check regularly for signs of deterioration, which includes cracks in the sidewall, any cuts/slashes, or embedded objects.

The spare

The spare tyre should be the same specification as those already being used on your motorhome. Set it to the maximum pressure for the vehicle so that any change can be done quickly and efficiently.

If you have any questions about which tyres you should use for your motorhome, contact the team at Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld for advice.