Trailers are practical for carrying loads over long distances. It saves you both money and time that would have been spent on hiring packers and movers. However, poorly maintained trailers can be a real menace on the road. Lack of trailer maintenance leads to breakdowns and unsafe operations which can earn you a traffic ticket. This is why routine trailer maintenance is a must for road safety.
Besides road safety, regular maintenance helps you avoid downtime when your trailer breaks down and requires repairs. If you own a trailer, it is recommended that you learn basic trailer maintenance skills. In case you don’t understand the intricacies, you can always go for a professional trailer repair and maintenance service.
Trailer Maintenance 101: Basic Tips for You
Possessing basic maintenance and repair skills will help you troubleshoot issues before they become full-blown problems. It will also help you converse better with professional mechanics. Here are a few basic tips for maintaining a trailer:
Coupling and Decoupling: Coupling is the process of connecting the trailer with your towing vehicle. If you own a trailer, you should be familiar with the process. Ensure that your coupling mechanism is working perfectly fine without any slacks. As the majority of trailer accidents happen because of imperfect coupling/fitting, proper coupling maintenance is critical. Clean the pins before and after every trip. Do not hesitate to go for professional servicing if you face any issues.
Tyres and Wheels: The wheel is the most important element of a trailer. Always ensure that they are in prime condition by:
Regularly washing them: Clear the dirt off the wheel regularly. Brake dust and dirt can accumulate and solidify over time, causing permanent damage to the wheels.
Checking for punctures: Always check your tyres for punctures. This will help you avoid any problems on the road or when hauling heavy loads. If you can not do it on your own, take professional help.
Looking for rust: Rust can compromise your wheel integrity and cause accidents. Check the rims for rust and always use anti-rust sprays on the metal parts of the wheel.
Keeping spare wheels: Always have a reserve wheel at your dispense. Check for and change damaged wheels right away to avoid damaging them completely.
Check Electricals: When it comes to trailer maintenance and repairs, the electrical system requires thorough inspection as it controls the lights and other important systems. Make sure to check on these electrical elements of your trailer:
Breakaway system: If your trailer doesn’t have one, install it right away. They are operated with a small battery and have a circuit system. It has an electric brake that stops your trailer if it accidentally gets detached from your vehicle.
Brake lights: Make sure they are in sync with the brakes of your vehicle.
Blinkers: Check for their proper condition And ensure that they work properly.
Tail lights: Very useful at all times and especially at night as it notifies other vehicles of your presence.
The Brake System: Your trailer brake lights are indicators that your brakes are working just fine. Some other things you need to check for manually include:
Condition of pads: Check to see that the trailer brake pads are not torn. If they have, replace them immediately.
Brake power: The intensity of the brake needs to be checked too. You should also check if the brakes are causing any vibration in the trailer. If that is the case, you should search for professional help.
Greasing is essential: this is one of the most recommended tips from every mechanic. This includes the moving parts of the trailers which are exposed to constant friction. Greasing these parts:
Helps in smooth movement
Absorbs excessive heat produced by friction
Helps cool down, when the machine is at rest
Preserve moving parts and keeps them in good condition
Clean up the chassis: Your trailer chassis is the part of your trailer that gets exposed the most. It is important to clean them up once in a while and apply anti-rust spray on them.
Safety chains: A safety chain keeps a safe distance between the trailer and your vehicle. Always wash and keep them rust-free to ensure maximum safety when on the road.
It is rightly said that the trailers are indeed the extension of your vehicle. You should take care of them the same way you take care of your car. Besides that, a trailer in bad condition is not only unsafe for others but your vehicle also. Several service centres offer trailer and semi-trailer maintenance. Custom Trailers is a leading manufacturer and supplier of trailers in Melbourne. If you require professional trailer repairs in Melbourne, they provide the best services. You can call them on 0488 950 598 / 03 9401 4525, or reach them at [email protected]. They have a comprehensive service package for anything related to trailers in Melbourne.
