As summer approaches and the camping season gets underway, ensuring your caravan, camper, or trailer is road-ready is essential. Continental, the global tyre manufacturer, highlights key checks to keep your travels safe and hassle-free. From inspecting tyre pressures to avoiding overloading, a few simple precautions can make all the difference.
Inspect and inflate
After a long winter break, tyres may have lost pressure. Start the season by checking tyre pressures on an unloaded vehicle, preferably at a reliable filling station or with your own gauge for accuracy. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre. Proper inflation is critical to prevent premature wear, overheating, or even tyre failure during your holiday.
Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressures, usually found in your vehicle’s manual or on a label inside the vehicle. While inspecting, watch for signs of damage like missing tread, embedded stones, bulges, or sidewall abrasions. If in doubt, consult professionals at a fitment centre, such as BestDrive, for expert advice.
Replace ageing tyres
Even with no legal restrictions in South Africa, replacing older tyres is crucial for safety. Tyre rubber deteriorates over time due to environmental exposure, which compromises performance. Continental advises replacing tyres every six years, or after eight years at the latest, regardless of tread depth.
To determine tyre age, check the four-digit code on the sidewall. For example, “2219” indicates the tyre was made in the 22nd week of 2019. Motorhomes and trailers often age tyres faster because they spend extended periods stationary or exposed to sunlight.
Load smartly
Overloading is a common issue with caravans and trailers, especially when packing for long trips. Excessive weight from items like full water tanks, gas cylinders, and provisions can reduce the vehicle’s braking efficiency and increase the risk of tipping during sudden manoeuvres. Overloading also stresses the tyres, potentially leading to dangerous failures.
To ensure safety, distribute loads evenly and stay within the recommended payload limits. A lighter load not only improves handling but also prolongs the life of your tyres.
Continental: Advancing mobility
Continental has been at the forefront of tyre technology and mobility solutions for over 150 years. With expertise spanning cars, trucks, buses, and specialty tyres, Continental continues to innovate for safety, sustainability, and smarter transportation.
Get your caravan season off to a safe start by following these tyre care tips and making every journey a smooth one.
