4 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Trailer Tires

There are always the too-late and inconvenient ways to tell that you need to change your trailer tires (like getting a flat tire). Or better yet, being stranded on the side of the road because of a blown tire. But it doesn’t need to come to that.

All tires need to be changed eventually. Time, sunlight, and chemicals all contribute to tire wear. That’s why we’ve come up with an easy checklist of four signs it’s time to change your trailer tires. Checking for these signs early will keep you from getting in a tough situation later on.

1. Cracking

Whether it’s from general aging or simply too much sun exposure, your tires might begin to “crack.” Cracking appears when the polymers in the rubber start to break apart. Think about how old rubber bands are brittle and more likely to break than brand new ones. The same effect happens to the rubber in tires over time. This can be dangerous, so it’s important to change your tires when you notice any cracking.

2. Air Loss

If it seems like you always need to fill your trailer tires with air, it’s time to look for puncture wounds. Even if you don’t find any holes, many times sharp objects or screws will cut your tire just enough to cause air to leak. These holes might even be too small to see or feel, but you can bet that if you’re constantly having to add air to your tires, there’s a hole somewhere. Even if this seems like a small issue at first, they should be replaced to avoid future problems.

3. Tread Loss

Not enough tread will cause your tires to have less traction on and off the road. This can be dangerous when roads are slick due to weather conditions. To check the tread of your tires, you can use the method people call the “penny trick.” Set a penny (with Lincoln’s head facing down) into one of the grooves in the tread of your tire. If there are any spots where you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tire.

4. Age

A lot of things can affect the lifespan of your tires. Mileage and weather are two major factors in how often they need to be changed. However, if you’ve had your tires for six or more years, it’s definitely time to replace them. Regardless of usage and appearance, old tires are dangerous. Even if they aren’t giving you trouble now, old tires are an accident waiting to happen. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

It’s always important to keep an eye on your trailer tires and assess their condition from time to time. Be aware of any cracking, air loss, and tread loss, as well as how long they’ve been on your trailer. Other important things to keep in mind are mileage and storage. It’s recommended that you change your trailer tires every 8,000 to 10,000 miles. And if you store your trailer in a hot, sunny climate (like Florida), it’s a good idea to get tire covers to reduce weather wear.

Think your trailer tires are ready for a change? Connect with the Tropic Trailer Parts Department for help with ordering the right tires and getting them installed.