Tire Replacement Guidelines and Sidewall Weathering

TIRE REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES

Goodyear does not state a "uniform" replacement age for RV tires because there are many conditions that dictate a tire's safe and effective life span. Some factors that influence how long a tire will last are:

• Usage per year - more frequent usage will result in longer life
• Vehicle storage practices (6 months loaded with little or no rotation is not good!)
• Usage in warmer climates can also negatively impact a tire's overall life due to greater extreme ozone exposure
• RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) says, ”Statistics indicate that the average life of an RV tire is five to seven years.“

SIDEWALL WEATHERING

Weather cracking, pictured above, is a naturally occurring condition that results from exposure to heat and sunlight. Goodyear's warranty for weather cracking is four years from purchase date (or four years from manufacture date if proof of purchase is not available).

Weather cracking is common in RV tires from all manufacturers.

• Appears as crazing and or cracking in the flex area of the sidewall
• Probable causes of sidewall weathering
• Long periods of inactivity or storage
• Direct exposure to air and sunlight
• Exposure to high levels of ozone (smog, electrical generators)
• Excessive washing or dressing using alcohol or petroleum based cleaners

When should the tire be replaced?

• Cracks > 2/32" deep
• Internal components of tire (steel or fabric body plies) are visible

Without evidence of weather cracking, use the following as a gauge:

• Usage per year --More frequent usage will result in longer life
• Vehicle storage practices (6 months loaded with little or no rotation is not good!)
• Casing quality --Absence of repairs, liner wrinkles, weather cracking, sidewall scuffs or cuts

TREAD DEPTH

Tread depth is an indication of whether the tire can safely remain in service. Less than 6/32" tread depth may require replacement to ensure sufficient traction and handling performance. Consult your local Goodyear RV tire retailer to confirm that your tires need replacement if you measure less than 6/32" tread depth remaining.

CASING QUALITY

Satisfactory casing quality is another gauge of a tire's overall condition. Casing quality relates to innerliner wrinkles, tire repairs or any visual signs of tire abuse (sidewall cuts or scuffs etc).