Horsebox and trailer owners in Bristol and Somerset have just a few more days remaining to take advantage of free tyre inspections being offered by a Bristol service centre. Autoserv Car & Bike is offering the free inspections as a way to help motorists ensure that their caravans and horsebox trailers are completely safe before getting on the road. The free inspections come to a close at the end of April (2015).
Autoserv director Steve White told the Bristol Post that many horsebox trailer and caravan owners do not realise tyres can degrade during winter storage. Furthermore, the typical seven-year expiration date for tyres still holds true for horsebox trailers, caravans and utility trailers with limited use. Tyres should be replaced after seven years even if they do not show tread wear.
Horsebox trailer owners should be especially careful about their tyres given the cargo, they are carrying. Trailer tyres should be checked for the following:
- Tread Wear – Insufficient tread remaining on a tyre could lead to a potential blowout while on the road. Tyre grip can also be a problem during rainy weather or high winds. Lastly, uneven tread wear could be a sign that something else with the trailer is not functioning properly.
- Wall Strength – Tyre sidewalls provide most of the necessary strength to keep tyres intact. They are susceptible to rotting during long periods of storage, so they should be inspected thoroughly before the first trip of the spring. Any signs of rot or damage cause to consider tyre replacement.
- Air Pressure – Maintaining proper air pressure is both a safety and cost issue. Improperly inflated tyres can lead to accidents, especially with horsebox trailers, by way of failure at motorway speeds. Improper installation also costs money by reducing fuel efficiency.
Every horsebox trailer and caravan owner should be checking tyres at least several times annually. It is most important in the spring when vehicles are taken out of storage.
Horse Box Trailer Training
We applaud the efforts of Autoserv Car & Bike to help ensure safe tyres on horsebox trailers, utility trailers, and caravans. We encourage horsebox owners to go one step further by considering training classes. You may not need a special licence to tow a horsebox trailer, but annual training brings skills up to speed in preparation for the busy summer season.
The HGV Training Centre offers horsebox trailer training across the UK. Our training will teach you everything you need to know about the safe transport of horses. Completing our course will ensure you are the best you can be while transporting your precious cargo this summer. For more information about training costs, locations and class schedules, contact the HGV Training Centre straight away. Class space will fill up the further we go into the horse season; it is better to schedule your training now than to wait until summer.
