The Importance of Regular Trailer Inspections
The Importance of Regular Trailer Inspections
Posted on June 1, 2023
Maintaining a trailer may seem complicated, but that’s far from the truth. Unfortunately, many hold back from regular maintenance because they assume it’s expensive. However, regular trailer maintenance reduces the chances of unexpected expenses and helps increase the trailer's lifespan.
Why Conduct Regular Trailer Inspections?
Minor trailer issues often do not signal a reason for alarm. A slight ticking sound or a tight gear may seem ordinary, but this could be the beginning of a major breakdown or severe problem. Trained professionals understand how to identify a problem when it’s just started. This helps you nip the situation in the bud, save on hefty repair expenses, and stay safe while travelling.
What to Look for During a Trailer Inspection?
Brakes
To begin with, professionals always inspect the brakes to ensure they’re functioning smoothly, are lubricated well, and all wheel bearings are in place.
Tires
With a vehicle that large, tire inspection is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of the trailer. Even if one of the tires is over or under-inflated or has a small puncture, it could cause imbalance, making it difficult to control the vehicle, especially when travelling at high speeds.
Lights
People who own trailers often travel at night and in lowly lit areas. The only thing they have to depend on is the headlights of the trailer. A problem with the front or rear lights can lead to a collision, an accident, or the loss of life of animals, or worse, humans because they went unnoticed due to a light problem.
Electrical Systems
Since trailers often travel long distances and go through large stretches of land without any habitation, a failure in the electric system could mean being stuck there for hours. This is not only troublesome but risky as well.
How To Identify Common Trailer Problems During an Inspection?
Worn Brake Pads
Effective braking is vital to control the vehicle with a vehicle as large as a trailer. When professionals inspect the brakes, they check if they aren’t working correctly and replace them if necessary. This is because ignoring brake problems can increase stress on the vehicle and lead to failure.
Low Tire Pressure
If the tires are underinflated, they tend to wear out quicker. Professionals check the pressure, tread depth, and tire levels to ensure they’re acceptable.
Faulty Lights
The signal lights must be tested to ensure they work correctly and are connected well.
Pros and Cons of Conducting Your Own Trailer Inspections Vs Hiring a Professional
Pros
Identify Major Repairs Early
When you check your trailer yourself, you might be able to identify problems ahead of time, especially when you’ve been using the trailer for long.
Conduct Regular Checks
After a while, it becomes second nature to check various components of the trailer before you hit the road, so you’re on top of any problems.
Cons
Cannot Catch Major Problems
Multiple trailer problems can be silent, and you may not even know what you’re looking for till it tumbleweeds into something big. Regular professional checks will nip them in the bud.
Conclusion
Regular trailer inspections are vital for various reasons. Don’t risk your trailer's health and safety. Come to our Edmonton trailer service centre and get the best health check done.