- Can I or should I use tire dressings on my tires?
- What are the loads/inflations I can carry in my tires?
- How do I store my tires?
- When should I replace my tires based on age?
- How do I store my vehicle without removing the tires?
- When do I need to rotate my tires?
- When do I need a wheel alignment?
Can I or should I use tire dressings on my tires?
Many owners like to use a variety of products, some of their own making, to either "shine" up their RV tires or prevent weathering and "dry rot".
To combat weather cracking and dry rot, Goodyear uses anti-oxidants and anti-ozonants not only in the tire sidewall but in the tire casing as well. These anti-oxidants and anti-ozonants slowly make their way through to the sidewall to keep the sidewall looking great for many, many years. Anti-oxidants and anti-ozonants protect the tire from ozone, UV light, and sunlight.
As far as making the tire look shiny, there are a variety of products on the market today. We do not recommend or endorse any specific product. Just stay away from any petroleum based product which can react to the rubber.
Using soap, water, and a medium bristol brush will keep the sidewall clean and the whitewall looking bright.
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What are the loads/inflations I can carry in my tires?
Correct tire inflation is a key component in tire care. The recommended maximum inflation pressures for your tires are indicated on the certification label or in your owner's manual. Since RVs can be loaded with many different configurations, the load on each tire will vary. For this reason, actual air pressure required should be determined based on the load on each individual tire. Inflation pressure should be adjusted to handle the tire carrying the heaviest load, and all tires on the axle should be adjusted to this standard.
Each manufacturer provides load and inflation tables specific to their products to help you determine the correct tire inflation pressure for your vehicle's loading.
For Load and Inflation tables for Goodyear RV tires, click here.
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How do I store my tires?
The best place to store tires is a clean, cool, dry, sunless area away from strong air currents. Even though the rubber used to make tires is formulated to resist the effects of sunlight, ozone, and water, the life of a tire can be extended if exposure to these elements is minimized during storage.
- Stack tires flat so that the bottom tire will maintain its shape
- Wrap each tire with an opaque polyethylene covering to minimize the effects of oxygen and ozone. Most Goodyear retailers have storage bags made specifically for this purpose
- If tires are being stored outdoors, they should be raised off the storage surface
- If tires are stored while mounted on rims, they should be inflated to 10 psi
- If they are put in storage during warm weather, the initial inflation pressure should be about 15 psi to offset the pressure drop during cold weather months
- Don't store tires in an area that is wet, oily or greasy
- Don't store tires where they are subjected to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures
- Don't store tires near electric motors or other ozone-generating sources
- Don't store tires on black asphalt or other heat-absorbent surfaces
- Don't store tires on or adjacent to highly reflective surfaces such as sand or snow
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When should I replace my tires based on age?
There are many variables that could dictate tire removal/replacement relative to age. Some of the obvious would include: mileage, usage per year, and vehicle storage practices.
Many RV owners replace tires when the tire manufacturer's standard workmanship and material warranty expires.
Goodyear's warranty on Unisteel Radial Medium and Light Truck tires expires at 4 years from date of original manufacture or new tire purchase date. The warranty on Goodyear's Premium Radial tires expires at 5 years from date of original manufacture or new tire purchase date.
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How do I store my vehicle without removing the tires?
Ideally, a vehicle in storage should be placed on blocks to remove all weight from the tires. If the vehicle cannot be put on blocks, follow these steps for tire protection:
- Completely unload the vehicle so that minimum weight will be placed on the tires
- Inflate tires to recommended operating pressure plus 25%. Ensure that the rim manufacturer’s inflation capacity is not exceeded
- Be sure the storage surface is firm, clean, well drained and reasonably level
- Avoid moving the vehicle during extremely cold weather
- Move the vehicle at least every three months to prevent ozone cracking in the tire bulge area, as well as "flat-spotting" from the prolonged strain of sidewall and tread deflection
- Adjust inflation before putting the vehicle back into service
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When do I need to rotate my tires?
The purpose of tire rotation at regular mileage intervals is to achieve uniform wear on all tires.
Before rotating your tires, consult your vehicle owner's manual for rotation recommendations for your particular vehicle. The first rotation is the most important. If the tires show uneven wear, ask your Goodyear Service Manager to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance, or other mechanical problem before rotation.
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When do I need a wheel alignment?
Proper wheel alignment is essential to even treadwear. The normal wear of moving parts in a suspension system results in misalignment. When this happens, tires don’t run as straight and free as they should. The result is tire scuffing and rapid, uneven wear. Have your vehicle’s alignment checked regularly and adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
- Incorrect alignment can cause tire scuffing and rapid, uneven wear
- Alignments should be done by trained technicians to RV manufacturer’s specifications
- Proper alignment can have a positive impact on fuel economy and vehicle safety
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