RV Pre-Purchase Inspection

Tires are the only contact point we have with the road, as they are the key to propelling and stopping your vehicle. We rely on that small patch of rubber that is at each of the four corners, to keep us on the road. It is important that we make sure that they are the proper tires, inflated, in good condition, wearing properly, and not too old.

Proper Tire

Manufacturers choose specific tires to be fitted on their units. They take into consideration what the vehicle was built for, its maximum performance, and weight loads. After determining these factors, they choose a tire that best fits the vehicle’s needs. It is important to have these same considerations when we replace our tires. Choosing the wrong tire can have severe consequences

Proper Tire Inflation

Tire inflation is important for three reasons, handling, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Manufacturers have recommended tire inflation posted for your unit. Manufacturers usually put a sticker with pressures near the VIN label.

Good Condition and Tracking Properly

To keep up with your tire’s wear, look for four things. Look for how deep is the thread, your vehicle’s alignment, tire balance, and damage.

Make it a regular practice to check your tires for damage. Damage can come in the form of punctures (nails, screws, glass, rocks, etc.), sidewall damage from curbs, or bubbles. Bubbles occur when your tire begins to delaminate. Your tires are constructed of numerous plies of rubber and steel wire. Delamination is usually caused by an impact such potholes, running over bumps, or objects in the road, that causes the belts of the tire to tear, or age. At that point, the belts are compromised and can no longer hold its shape. An air pocket will form between belts and rubber tread, which may also be felt as a vibration.

Tire Age: How Old is too Old?

Two frequently asked questions, are how can you tell how old a tire is and what’s wrong with an old tire. Tires have “Born on Dates” which are production dates. They usually appear in an oval on the sidewall and consist of 4 numbers such as 1508. The first pair of numbers is the week in which the tire was made and the second pair is the year. For the number 1508 stands for the 15th week of 2008 or April 7-13, 2008. When buying new tires, it is a good idea to find out what is the production date of the tires you are buying, so you have a record of when your tires were produced. Tire manufactures and vehicle manufactures opinions vary on how old is too old. Six to eight years is a good timeframe to consider replacing your tires, despite how much tread is left on them. Contributing factors of tires aging are heat and humidity. As they age, tires will begin to break down and delaminate. Inspect your tires to see if you can see cracks in the sidewall, check the born on date, and most importantly, have a tire professional inspect your tires, and follow their recommendations.

Importance of Tire Maintenance.

Tire maintenance is important on many levels, as it is the only contact the vehicle has with the road. Efficiency and proper inflation can increase your fuel mileage. It is economically efficient to make sure your tires are properly inflated, balanced, and suspension aligned can extend the life of your tire. So much is riding on four little rubber contact patches and you should make the right choices.

Please contact FREEDOM RV Inspections & Services for more information, prices and scheduling.

**The prices listed do not include the service charge.