PRESS RELEASE – for immediate distribution

As Tyre Safety Month gets underway (October 2022), the National Caravan Council (NCC) together with the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) have released some top tips on making sure that your touring caravan, motorhome or campervan’s tyres are kept in good condition.

1. Always check your tyre pressures (if towing not just on the towcar but also the caravan) before starting a long journey.  This will also help with fuel economy.
2. To get an accurate reading, ONLY check pressure when a tyre is cold.
3. While caravan and motorhome tyres rarely wear out, the same legal tread depth limit as for a car (1.6mm) applies.  Don’t forget the spare!
4. You should check the tyre sidewalls and treads regularly for cracks, cuts and bulges. Tyres with higher inflation pressures (50 psi and above) may deteriorate faster – therefore always look them over closely.
5. Replace a tourer’s tyres, including the spare, in accordance with the caravan industry’s recommendation: This advises that caravan tyres should ideally be replaced at five years old and should never be used beyond seven years old.
6. If your motorhome/campervan or tourer is left unused for long periods, it is a good idea to move it periodically.  It is advisable to cover the wheels with breathable material when the vehicle is not in regular use. This will help to protect tyres from the harmful effects of sunlight.
7. Take care when replacing tyres. It is important to ensure that the replacement tyres have at least the same load rating as the originals. NB Tyres suitable for cars may not be suitable for all caravans/motorhomes.
8. Tyre pressures and wheel nuts or bolts on both the car/caravan and motorhome should be checked regularly to comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
9. Manufacturers provide recommendations for increased tyre pressures when towing or under heavier loading. Incorrectly inflated tyres can initiate instability and/or premature tyre failure.
10. If in doubt, contact your nearest Approved Workshop, where you can get sound, professional advice on both servicing and looking after touring caravans and motorhomes.    Each Approved Workshop – there’s over 550 of them – can provide useful leaflets on various topics including Wheels and Tyres.

Ends

Editors’ notes

The NCC (National Caravan Council) is a not-for-profit trade association for the tourer, motorhome, caravan holiday home and park home sectors and it has been at the heart of the industry for more than 80 years.  The NCC works with its members to ensure that the industry delivers high quality products and services.

The Approved Workshop Scheme is a joint enterprise between the NCC, the Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club. It is the only scheme to be supported by all of the major UK manufacturers* and is now the UK’s largest group of independently assessed workshops.  It is seen as the benchmark for motorhome and touring caravan servicing in the UK.