When you think about maintaining your vehicle, you probably think about tasks like washing it, changing the oil, and rotating the tires, among others.
However, what many people overlook is one of the simplest and most affordable upgrades you can make: a tire cover.
Dried-out, worn, or damaged tires are one of the leading causes of RV tire blowouts.
Doing something as simple as covering your tires when your vehicle is parked for an extended period, especially during winter or in an arid climate, doesn't just extend the life of your tires... It can also help keep you and your family safe!
In the following guide, you'll learn why tire covers matter. We'll discuss the various types of tire covers you might see, learn how to measure and size them correctly, and what to look for when shopping, to help you get the most value for your money.
By the end, you'll be ready to pick the perfect set and extend the life of your tires with confidence.
But before we get to that...
Why Should You Use Tire Covers?
Are RV tire covers necessary? Maybe not. You can leave your tires exposed, and they won't fall apart instantly.
But your tires are constantly under attack.
Sunlight fades them and dries out the rubber. Rain and snow accelerate wear. Dirt, debris, and ozone in the air chip away at their integrity. Not to mention the fact that they're constantly being heated up and torn apart while you're driving on the highway.
Left unprotected, your tires can crack, fade, or fail prematurely. And replacing a complete set of tires... The cost of RV tires can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Thankfully, tire covers protect your car or RV tires and can help you maximize their lifespan.
Think of a set of tire covers as sun protection, an umbrella, and a dust shield all rolled into one.
They're not going to make your tires invincible. However, tire covers are handy for RV owners, overlanders, commuters, and truck drivers who rely on their vehicles for long trips, as well as anyone else who keeps their vehicles parked for extended periods.
Types of Tire Covers & Materials
If there's one thing to take away from all this, it's that not all tire covers are created the same. Some are good, some are great, some are less impressive, and others are cheap and disappointing. To ensure you choose the right tire covers for you car or RV, let's examine some of the different designs, styles, and materials available.
- Soft tire covers - These can be made from various materials, such as vinyl, polyester, canvas, or other woven fabrics. You might even find some tire covers with multi-layer designs (waterproof exteriors and soft, cotton interiors)
- Hard-shell/rigid covers - You may also find rigid shell tire covers, which can be made from ABS or other molded plastics to provide even more durable, long-lasting tire protection.
- Coatings & treatments - All covers keep your tire protected from the elements. However, some tire covers, such as TireShield Pro, feature a special UV-resistant coating that's also waterproof, not just water-resistant.
Ultimately, hard-shell covers offer some of the best protection, but they're usually more expensive and difficult to store. And there's also no guarantee they won't crack or fade over time.
That's why we recommend looking for high-quality soft tire covers that include other valuable features, such as the one that we're about to discuss below.
Key Tire Cover Features To Look For
Yes, there are various types of tire covers available. But if you ask us, these are THE most important features to look for when shopping around.
- Secure fit - The last thing you want is a tire cover that's loose and that flaps around in the wind. Look for tire covers with elastic bands, drawcords, straps, or special StormLock buckle systems.
- UV Resistance - Depending on where you park, your tire covers can spend a significant amount of time exposed to the sun. Some tire covers have special UV-resistant coating that protects them from drying out, fading, or cracking due to UV exposure.
- Warranties - Different products and brands offer varying warranties. Select a tire cover brand that offers reliable warranty protection or a money-back guarantee.
- Stitching quality & reinforcement - Tire covers made with thick vinyl and reinforced stitching are bound to last longer than cheap and flimsy covers that only have single stitches.
- Inner lining - Some tire covers, like TireShield Pro, feature rugged, durable exteriors and soft cotton interior liners that protect your rims from scratches and scuffing.
- Ease of installation - Brands like SnapRing TireSavers and TireShield Pro include special features that make the covers easy to install and remove.
- Weather protection - UV-resistance is one thing. But you also want waterproof tire covers that won't dry out, freeze, or crack when the temperature plummets below the freezing level.
How To Measure & Size A Tire Cover Properly
When shopping for tire covers, one of the most important factors to consider is the size of your tires.
In most cases, you can find the tire size by looking at the sidewall. Then, once you've got that, you can use our handy Tire Diameter Calculator to find recommended tire cover sizes.
However, if your tires are old and worn out, you may need to use a measuring tape and manually measure your tires. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to measure for RV tire covers for more tips and tricks on getting the perfect fit.
Finally, it's also essential to consider special cases, like dual-axle or tandem tire configurations.
In some cases, you can find tire covers made specifically for these types of configurations. But in other situations, you may need to purchase a separate tire cover for each of your tires.
Tire Cover Use Cases & Applications - When To Use Tire Covers
Typically, you'll want to use tire covers whenever your vehicle is parked outdoors for an extended period. That's because tire covers work to protect your tires from harsh UV exposure, dry rot, moisture, and ice.
Here are a few other use cases and applications for tire covers.
- RVs parked during the off-season
- RVs, campers, or trailers when set up for the summer (for a more polished look)
- On mounted spare tires
- For off-road rigs when not in use
- Classic cars or seasonal vehicles
- For long-term vehicle storage
Image courtesy of Dominik Lange @ Unsplash.com
Comparing Popular Tire Cover Brands & Models
We've written another great article that takes you through some of the best RV tire covers out there. However, tire covers aren't just a great fit for RVers. Whether you're a classic car enthusiast, haul a travel trailer or camper, or you're just someone who likes their vehicles and garage to look neat... Tire covers are a great way to enhance the appearance of your property.
Here are just a few of the most popular tire cover brands you'll see online.
- Camco Vinyl Tire Covers - Great budget option and a quick solution if you're not looking for long-term protection
- Explore Land Tire Covers - Good mid-range covers that offer better performance than Camco
- SnapRing TireSavers - A great, easy-to-install option that makes sure your covers stay in place
- MagneShade EZ Fold Tire Covers - Stylish-looking covers. But they're expensive and don't actually cover the whole tire
- TireShield Pro Tire Covers - Premium all-around design, fair price for a 4-pack, and features reinforced stitching and StormLock buckle system to hold the covers in place.
Maintenance & Care Tips For Tire Covers
Cleaning, maintaining, and caring for your tire covers isn't rocket science. But there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you extend the life of your covers and keep them looking their best season after season.
After all, nobody wants dusty, moldy, or torn-up tire covers on their vehicle. You don't want to be "that guy," do you?
- Cleaning the cover - You don't need to keep your tire covers spotless. But wiping them down with warm water and mild soap keeps them shiny and dust-free.
- When to remove - If you're using inexpensive tire covers, remove them during storms and windy days. Unlike TireShield Pro covers, which feature a special StormLock buckle system to keep them in place, inexpensive covers are prone to flapping around, tearing, and flying away in the wind.
- Storage best practices - Always store your tire covers in a dry location. It's also essential to ensure they're dry before storing them in a bag. Otherwise, you could end up with damp, moldy tire covers the next time you take them out.
- When to replace - If you notice your tire covers are cracked, worn out, faded, or torn, it's time to replace them. Tire covers that are no longer whole just won't protect your tires adequately. Therefore, it's essential to replace them when they start to fall apart.
How long do RV tires last? A Good set of tires can last anywhere between 3 and 7 years. But it really depends. The more time you spend on the road, on hot asphalt, or driving down bumpy highways and roads, the faster your tires wear out. However, covering your tires when you're parked is the easiest and most cost-effective way to extend the life of your tires.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
There's nothing complicated about shopping or using tire covers. But we've often seen people make the following mistakes, which are easily avoidable.
- Buying the wrong size - Buy covers that are too big, and they're sure to look loose and flap in the wind. Buy covers that are too small, and they'll be hard to install and more likely to tear prematurely.
- Not securing properly - If your tire covers aren't secured, or if they lack elastic banding or straps, they'll be loose. They will flap around in the wind, tear, allow water/moisture to get in, and, more importantly, they won't protect your tires the way they're supposed to.
- Ignoring weather ratings - Whether you park your rig in the blazing hot sun or in frigid sub-zero temperatures, you need to purchase tire covers that are suitable for your local climate. Only specific tire covers are designed to withstand extreme UV exposure or freezing temperatures.
Image courtesy of Albert Vincent Wu @ Unsplash.com
How Much Are Tire Covers?
When it comes to cost, tire covers can vary significantly depending on the brand, materials, features, and other factors. Some budget options may only last a season or two, while premium brands can run well over $100 for a set.
Tool Trooper's TireShield Pro tire covers strike an excellent balance between quality and value, starting at just under $45 for a 4-pack.
So you can protect all four tires without breaking the bank. Additionally, they're available in multiple sizes. And they are equipped with other premium features like our StormLock buckles, adjustable height, and a special waterproof, UV-resistant coating that ensures long-lasting protection against the elements.
Buying The Best Tire Covers For Your Vehicle
Whether you drive an RV, a transport truck, a sedan, or any other type of vehicle, it's essential to purchase tire covers that not only look good but are also the correct size and fit for you and your vehicle.
To recap everything we've learned today, here's a quick checklist of the most important things to know about tire covers.
- Look for tire covers made with thick, durable vinyl
- Reinforced stitching ensures your tire covers will last longer
- Look for waterproof covers that also have UV-resistant coatings
- You must choose tire covers that fit your vehicle's tires snug
- Not all tire covers are fully waterproof or UV-resistant
- Buckles, straps, and elastic bands help your tire covers stay in place
We encourage you to look for quality over price. You can find numerous inexpensive and poorly made tire covers available.
However, they won't last as long as higher-quality covers made with durable materials, reinforced stitching, and other features that make them a better buy.
Frequently Asked Questions - Best Tire Covers
Now, we've covered everything there is to know about tire covers. We encourage you to check out our other tire cover-related blog posts to learn more about buying the best tire covers for your car, truck, SUV, or RV.
We'll go over are a few frequently asked questions we hear from our readers below. But before we get, we encourage you to check out some of our other related blog categories:
Can tire covers damage my tires?
Tire covers shouldn't damage your tires. But if you buy cheap tire covers, they're more likely to scratch and scuff your rims. They might also wear out sooner than later, allowing moisture to get at your tires, and leaving them exposed to the elements. That's why we encourage you to look for covers with soft interior cotton liners and reinforced stitching that won't tear.
What is the best material for tire covers?
Thick, durable vinyl with reinforced stitching is the best material you can look for in a tire cover. We also recommend looking for tire covers that have extra UV-resistant or waterproof coatings, which take things a step further and protect your tires in all weather conditions.
What should I do if my tire cover flaps in the wind?
If your tire covers are flapping around in the wind, you either bought a set that is too big for your tires, or you need to adjust them. Some covers, like TireShield Pro, feature built-in StormLock buckles and elastic bands to ensure a perfect fit every time.
Can I leave tire covers on when driving short distances?
No, tire covers are not intended for use while driving. You should always remove your tire covers before moving your vehicle to prevent damage to them or the vehicle. If you frequently move your vehicle, consider purchasing a set of tire covers with an easy-to-use strap or buckle system that makes taking them off and putting them back on quick and easy.