This summer there are many who will spend part of their vacations aboard a motorhome to visit different destinations in the country. And making sure you have tires in good condition will make your journeys more comfortable and safer. “Too low a pressure in proportion to the load often causes structural damage to the tyres. When the pressure is too low, the tire flexes excessively under a high amount of vehicle load, which passes all that pressure to the tire itself. Also, this will also end up wearing out faster, “he says. Matt Morritechnical manager of Nokian Tires Customer Service.
Not in vain, among users it is a great surprise to learn the real high pressure that is needed for van and motorhome tires. Morri mentions the size of a common 235/65R16 as an example. “In this size, the maximum vehicle load requires a pressure of 575 kPa. For comparison, the tires of a passenger car of size 205/55R16 usually have a recommended pressure of between 220-230 kPa. The recommended pressure for different loads is usually marked on the driver’s window frame or the fuel filler flap,’ he says.
In addition to tire durability, pressure also affects driving safety, economy and eco-efficiency. Too low a tire pressure makes the vehicle more difficult to control in extreme situations, increases fuel consumption and significantly reduces the life of the tire itself. When the pressure is right, the tire will adapt to driving and it will be more comfortable and quiet. Therefore, it is recommended to check the pressure at least once a month.
Along with this higher pressure, attention must also be paid to the choice of valves, and ensure that they are consistent with the pressure levels used. Morri recommends using metal valves.
Passenger car tires are sometimes used on vans and motorhomes. However, Morri believes that it is vital to use category C tires, specially designed for this type of vehicle. “In van tyres, the tire structure, the carcass under the tread and the rubber compounds are stronger and designed to carry more weight than passenger car tyres. In practice, this can be seen in the fact that category C tires heat up less than others even with the added weight, which reduces the risk of damage,” says Morri.
When choosing tires for vans, attention should be paid to both the materials used and their durability. Unique aramid reinforced sidewalls give van tires special strength. Aramid fiber is also used by the aerospace and defense industries, for example. “Aramid-reinforced sidewalls are better at resisting impacts or cuts from curves or holes in the road. Aramid protects the tire from damage that can be dangerous, and even expensive to repair. Plus, it can help prevent some of the damage,” he points out.
When changing tires this season, the inflation pressure should be checked, as well as the condition of the tire tread. Summer tires are required by law to have a tread depth of at least 1.6 millimeters; In practice, the safety characteristics of the tire are substantially affected when the tread depth drops below 4 millimeters. In this sense, it increases, particularly, the risk of aquaplaning, as well as the braking distances in wet conditions.
“For those who drive frequently, alternating tires between seasons is a good way to ensure tires last longer and wear in a more balanced way. Drive wheels typically wear faster than steer wheels, so alternating tires between drive and steer wheels helps even out that wear and maximize the life of the entire set. This little effort in tire rotation can add up to big savings when it comes to purchasing new tyres,” adds Morri.
Likewise, the storage conditions of the tires also affect their useful life. Between seasons, tires should be stored indoors, in a cool, dark and dry place, to prevent the effect of ultraviolet light or incorrect storage temperatures that can affect the rubber compounds. “Tire hotels are a popular choice today. They make it possible to ensure ideal storage conditions and the service also usually includes the washing and inspection of the tyres”, concludes Morri.