TankBlanket: Winterisation that Works
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UV Tyre Damage: Prevent it with The TankBlanket WheelJacket
One
attribute of a motorhome or caravan that should always be at the forefront of
an owners mind is tyres. A
typical leisure vehicle travels three thousand miles per year compared to
twelve thousand for a private car, and this has significant implications for
tyre safety.
We
are not advocating paranoia but diligence.
In
general tyres should be inspected regularly for wear and damage, but this
becomes even more imperative for low mileage vehicles, such as motorhomes or
caravans. A tyre, even if its tread depth is legal, can be unsafe. The effect
of time, UV light and extended periods of inactivity cause the tyre to age
prematurely, that is, become brittle.
To
combat the aging effect of UV light, tyre manufacturers add carbon black, which
absorbs UV rays.
While
using a tyre regularly actually reduces the aging process, as driving causes
the tyre to flex, generating heat, which in turn, distributes the tyres protective
wax compounds to its outer surface.
A
tyre that is not used frequently will experience premature breakdown at its
surface which is accelerated with constant exposure to UV rays. An aged and
therefore unsafe tyre becomes brittle and cracks, which is a sign that its
carbon black content is depleted.
A
tyre used under normal circumstances will be replaced before the effects of UV
light become apparent. It is low mileage vehicles that are susceptible to
becoming unsafe even if their tread depth remains legal. This is why it is extremely
important, after a period of storage, such as during winter, that tyres are thoroughly
inspected before use.
It
is not possible to accurately predict the service life of a tyre, although due
to safety, many tyre manufacturers recommend that all tyres including the spare
are changed after a certain number of years even if the tread has not reached its
legal limit. This advice varies from manufacturer to manufacturer so please
refer to their guidelines or consult with your local accredited tyre retailer.
To
prevent UV damage, where possible, leisure vehicles such as motorhomes and
caravans which are stored or stationary for any length of time should have their
tyres covered. In addition, it is good practice to reduce the static load on
the tyre by jacking the vehicle up or removing its wheels and storing them
horizontally. If you are uncertain about your tyres condition or how best to
store them for extended periods then please consult a qualified tyre
specialist.
By
covering tyres with a cover capable of blocking UV rays you reduce the aging
process and effectively extend their life. The TankBlanket System includes
WheelJacket a stylish cover that fits over the wheel to shield them from
weather and harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays.
 |
| WheelJacket |
Un-garaged
vehicles, especially those that are driven infrequently and therefore do low
mileage, are at higher risk of developing cracked sidewalls from being exposed
to the sun. WheelJacket protects your tyres by blocking UV light and preserving
the natural oils and compounds in the rubber which effectively extends the life
of your tyre by slowing the rate of carbon black depletion.
For
more information on Tyre care and maintenance please follow this link:
For further winterisation tips and advice from TankBlanket please visit:
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