RV FEATURE
These markings indicate when the tyre was made.
In this case, it was made in the 20th week of 2018.
This tyre was made in the 13th week of 2001.
"A SEVEN TO
10-YEAR-OLD
TYRE IS AT THE
END OF ITS
USEFUL LIFE."
This hardly ever affects cars because driving
(in effect) pumps out the oxygen. When such
a tyre fails it is usually a sudden blow-out. If any of the above is encountered during your
pre-trip maintenance, it would be prudent to
consider the possible consequences.
A barely worn but seven to 10-year-old tyre
is thus at the end of its useful life. While tyre
makers add materials that slow the effect of
ozone, they still place that upper limit for tyre
longevity. Never buy a tyre from anyone other
than a tyre dealer that has a high turnover
unless first checking its age. 2. BRAKES
A further issue (affecting tubed tyres) is to
avoid having an RV left for any time in water
that reaches tyre level. This is because if
water actually penetrates the tyre casing and
is trapped between that casing and the inner
tube, it may cause the tyre subsequently to
rupture.
Tow vehicle brakes will usually be checked
when the vehicle is serviced, but caravan
brakes due to their mode of operation are far
more affected by even minor defects.
Most work by having a magnet pressed
against the revolving back plate, which in turn
forces the leading edge of each brake lining
against the drum.
Mechanically adept readers can readily
check the brake linings, but that magnet and
back plate can wear badly – and may need
replacing.
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