The Hidden Danger of Old Tires

How old are the tires on your horse trailer and towing rig?

 

Here’s a great tip from TrailMeister reader Laura, of Ohio, that may save your life.

 

 

 

This is a lousy way to start a horse ride. The following quick tip can keep you and your horses rolling along.

 

The problem is that tires, like any rubber product, degrade over time and could present a significant yet hidden safety risk regardless of tread depth.

 

Trailer tires 6 years and older can fail/blow out when traveling; also under inflated tires get hot at high speeds causing sidewalls to fail and separate from the tread. When getting a trailer or replacing tires on any vehicle insist on tires manufactured within the past year or so. Just because a tire hasn't been 'used' or put on a vehicle does NOT mean it is NEW.

 

Tires are manufactured with a date code, 4 digits long, which represent the week and year the tire was made (For example 3211 is the 32nd week of 2011 while 0598 is the 5th week of 1998). This code is on the tire usually in a circle or indented oval following the other sizing numbers and info on the tire. (The code could be located on the inside sidewall if the tire is already mounted on the vehicle...check for it. Your safety is well worth the extra effort!)

 

 

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