Keeping your vehicle safe when you’re towing a trailer is important. There are a few things you should check before you get behind the wheel. You should be checking your car’s tire pressure, checking for signs of wear and tear on your tow hitch, and checking your driver’s vehicle inspection report.
Tire Pressure
Having your tow vehicle’s tires checked regularly is a must. It can affect handling and safety and prevent a flat tire. Fortunately, the process is easy. Using a pressure gauge, you can quickly find the proper inflation pressure for your tires.
If you’re unsure about the proper inflation pressure for your tires, you can check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or tire information placard. Generally, these will contain the manufacturer’s recommendation. You can also contact the tire dealer for more information.
Tire pressure is important for safety, and should be checked at least once a month during the winter months, and once a month in the summer. This is especially true if you’re driving in inclement weather.
If you’re planning on towing a trailer, you’ll also want to check its tire pressure. If the tire pressure is too low, you’ll notice steering and handling problems, and may encounter a blowout. On the other hand, if the tire pressure is too high, you’ll experience less traction and have a reduced braking threshold.
Trailer Lights
Performing a Car towing safety checklist is an important step in making sure your trip is as safe as possible. This is especially true when towing a trailer. Performing routine checks will help you reduce the chances of breaking down on the road and will also decrease your risk of getting into an accident. One of the most important items on your towing safety checklist is your lights. This is especially true when towing oversized trailers. They can help you see what’s in front of you and help other drivers see you. Having a working light is a must. If you can’t see what’s in front of you, you’re going to have a hard time staying on the road.
Another important item on your towing safety checklist is a functioning breakaway system. A breakaway system is a safety feature that activates trailer brakes in the event the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle. Several large trailers feature hydraulic surge brakes to reduce the stress on the tow vehicle.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Report
DVIRs are a formal record of the safety inspections performed on a commercial vehicle. They are designed to prevent defective vehicles from operating on the road. They are also intended to protect the safety of road users and drivers. Motor carriers are required to repair any defects reported on the DVIR. They are also required to certify that the repairs were made. The repairs should be made as soon as possible. If repairs are not made, the carrier will be liable for the vehicle being in an unsafe operating condition. A DVIR should contain the following information: the vehicle license number, the name of the person who carried out the inspection, the date of the inspection, and the location of the vehicle. It should also include a list of defects that are safety-compromising.
Check For Signs of Wear & Tear On The Tow Hitch
During the winter months, your tow hitch will see extra wear. If you’re towing a heavy load, the stress can wear out the hitch, transmission, and engine. This can cause several problems, including worn bushings and broken hitches. To avoid problems, check for signs of wear and tear on your tow hitch regularly. If you’re not sure where to look, a wheel jack can help test the coupler’s integrity. You can also check the trailer floor for signs of damage. The floor should be level to avoid jackknifing.
A rusted hitch ball can also cause problems. If the ball mount is rusted, it can get stuck inside the receiver opening. It may be removed by using a rubber hammer or WD-40. You can then reapply ball grease or apply a ball cover to protect the ball.
