Caravan just been collected from its annual service and attention has been drawn by the dealers service representative to the beginnings of cracking of the side walls of both road wheels of the caraven.
The caravan was new in May 2007 and the tyre coding indicates manufacture in week 16 of 2007 - could not have been more 'factory fresh!'. There is 8.5mm of tread remaining according to the service report and the tyres during this period have covered just under nine thousand miles. They have never been 'bumped' or 'scuffed' and I have always, but always been meticulus and checked the pressures both outward and return journeys. I thought, I had also checked for tyre wall cracking but it seems not thoroughly enough, clearly not expecting such an issue during this period!!
During the winter period the van has each year been lifted on blocks with the tyres covered. When in storeage or on site the tyres are again covered.
To be on the safe side I had been planning to replace the tyres at a five year interval in May 2012 but not wanting to risk a major problem this will now been to be brought forward. I have a quote of just under £150.00 for Continental replacements.
I do feel these existing tyres have not delivered what they should have, afterall some recommendations on the suject suggest a period of seven years before change. These are showing signs of premature failure after precisely four years; this cannot be right. The tyres are Matador SK Maxilla.
Any recommendations or advice for seeking redress from someone, say caravan manufacturer on the basis of poor quality product or should I be approaching Trading Standards for their advice?
Many thanks for any comments, assistance or experiences of similar failings and the outcome.
Bernard in Tring
The caravan was new in May 2007 and the tyre coding indicates manufacture in week 16 of 2007 - could not have been more 'factory fresh!'. There is 8.5mm of tread remaining according to the service report and the tyres during this period have covered just under nine thousand miles. They have never been 'bumped' or 'scuffed' and I have always, but always been meticulus and checked the pressures both outward and return journeys. I thought, I had also checked for tyre wall cracking but it seems not thoroughly enough, clearly not expecting such an issue during this period!!
During the winter period the van has each year been lifted on blocks with the tyres covered. When in storeage or on site the tyres are again covered.
To be on the safe side I had been planning to replace the tyres at a five year interval in May 2012 but not wanting to risk a major problem this will now been to be brought forward. I have a quote of just under £150.00 for Continental replacements.
I do feel these existing tyres have not delivered what they should have, afterall some recommendations on the suject suggest a period of seven years before change. These are showing signs of premature failure after precisely four years; this cannot be right. The tyres are Matador SK Maxilla.
Any recommendations or advice for seeking redress from someone, say caravan manufacturer on the basis of poor quality product or should I be approaching Trading Standards for their advice?
Many thanks for any comments, assistance or experiences of similar failings and the outcome.
Bernard in Tring
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