The only thing that will break the rhythm of a journey is mechanical failure in an outback town with no place nearby to get help. But a few basic checks before you hit the road can prevent most roadside disasters, especially those that afflict these five most-maligned components.
- Wheel Bearings
Grinding nose or wheel wobble when spinning by hand. Bearing problems will show up as hot wheels after a drive. A simple maintenance item is to repack bearings once a year or 12,000 miles – it will save expensive axle damage.
- Trailer Tyres
Perform a monthly inspection of your tread depth, sidewall cracks and proper inflation. If your tyres are over six years old, consider replacing them regardless of the tread depth remaining – as rubber compounds deteriorate.
- Brake Components
On hydraulic systems, listen for abnormal noises and verify brake fluid levels. Bad, noisy pads or seized mechanisms risk dangerous handling and cause the rotors to have a big lip. For Trailer Parts, contact //autoandtrailer.com/shop/trailer-parts
- Coupling and Safety Chain
Check the drive coupling for wear, cracks, or having components that are bent. Make sure the entire locking mechanism is secured in place, and not overextended or damaged by cutting. If the coupling fails, you lose your entire trailer.
- Lighting System
Test all lights – turn signals, running and brake. Inspect for corrosion in connections and bring spare bulbs. Broken lights are a first-tier stop by police, and they present an unacceptable risk to safety.
Prevention Pays Off
Check these components for fifteen minutes before long trips. Don’t roll the dice with roadside breakdowns, replace worn parts as they are required. When it comes to replacement parts, you may end up saving a fortune on recovery services and missed trips.
