Tyre Tips for Vans this Spring
With longer days and warmer weather finally here, spring marks the return of longer road trips and time spent away in your van or caravan. That means that now’s the ideal time to give your van a quick inspection before you take to the roads for improved safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre lifespan.
Read our essential tyre tips for spring adventures in your van or caravan now.
Check your tyre pressure
While your tyres have been parked on the drive over winter, cold temperatures can dramatically impact tyre pressure.
- Underinflated tyres can reduce fuel efficiency, accelerate tyre wear, and increase your stopping distances and risk of collision.
- Overinflated tyres can lead to reduced road grip and traction, uneven wear, and a greater risk of blowouts.
As vans carry more weight, they typically require a higher pressure than car tyres. Your van tyre pressure may also need adjusting depending on how loaded it is - keep that in mind before you overpack for your next trip!
For tradespeople whose vans frequently change weight (with tools and equipment being brought in and out), it’s especially important to carry out regular pressure checks.
How to check tyre pressure?
There are a couple of methods to check your tyre pressure:
1. Use the gauge provided at petrol stations to check, and the air pump machine to top your tyres up as required.
2. Purchase a tyre pressure gauge for convenience and at-home checks.
3. Book a free National Tyres tyre check for an expert opinion.
Remember to only carry out a pressure check when your tyres are cold, and always before a long drive!
Inspect your tread depth
Vans are subject to the same tyre laws as cars and also require a minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre. Otherwise, you’ll be risking a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per illegal tyre. It’s important to note that heavy vans above 3.5 tonnes require a minimum tread depth of 1mm.
Regardless, it’s always recommended that the tyre tread should be deeper than the legal limit, ideally 3mm. This is especially relevant for maintaining good grip on wet spring roads with a heavy van!
How to check tyre tread?
1. Use a tread depth gauge for millimetre accuracy and peace of mind.
2. Check your treadwear indicators.
3. For a rougher approximation, try the 20p coin test – insert it into the tread grooves, and if the outer edge is visible, the tyre may be illegal.
Check signs of tyre damage and wear
Due to deeper potholes, debris, rough ice, salt, and grit, winter roads can be tough on your tyres.
What signs of damage to check for on van tyres?
- Cuts, bulging or cracks in the sidewall.
- Nails stuck in the tread or signs of a slow puncture.
- Uneven wear or flat spots.
If you see signs of irreparable damage or age, e.g. punctures in the sidewall, you can buy tyres for your van or caravan here. Otherwise, our tyre puncture repair service can get your tyres looking and feeling as good as new!
Van tyres are different to car tyres because:
- They feature stiffer, reinforced sidewalls to help them support heavier loads.
- They’re typically designed to prioritise durability and carrying capacity over speed – lower speed ratings for higher load ratings.
With a great selection from a range of leading tyre brands, we’ve got the ideal caravan tyres or van tyres to suit your staycation needs. Our all-season tyres are great for spring road trips, and continue to support your adventures away year-round, even when the frost returns!
Rotate your tyres
Speaking of tyre wear, if your van has been sitting on the driveway over winter, rotate them now to prevent uneven wear. It’s also a good idea to rotate them every 6,000 – 10,000 miles, depending on how much weight they carry.
Vans are more likely to experience uneven tyre wear because:
- Uneven loads inside may sit over the rear axle.
- Frequent heavy braking and accelerating during traffic and rush hour.
- Accidental kerb contact during deliveries or tight parking spaces.
To counteract this, it’s important to maintain proper wheel alignment, ensuring that your tyres meet the road at the right angle.
Towing on tyres
If you need some extra space in your caravan, keep in mind that towing can place additional strain on your tyres as it:
- Places extra load on the van’s rear tyres from the tow bar weight.
- Can feel unstable when your tyres are underinflated.
Van driving tips to protect tyres
How you drive your van hugely impacts the condition and lifespan of your tyres. To maintain your tyres for as long as possible, avoid these driving habits:
- Mounting the kerbs when parking.
- Braking or accelerating fast and hard as this increases tyre wear.
- Driving with the wrong tyre pressure.
- Hitting potholes which may even impact your steering.
- Overloading your van or loading unevenly – check your van’s maximum load rating.
- Stop-start driving – consider planning routes and times ahead to avoid traffic.
By following these easy maintenance steps, you'll help keep your van tyres perform safely and efficiently for longer, which has positive effects on the rest of your vehicle - and wallet!
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