Trailer Tyre Safety Advice and Tips
When it comes to renting a car trailer for your weekend getaway, moving houses, or to just have enough space to go on an epic holiday adventure, ensuring the safety and reliability of the trailer is paramount.
One of the most important preparations to consider before you attach the trailer to your vehicle and head off, is to inspect the trailer’s tyres.
At Newlands Trailers, we have one of the biggest collections of trailer rentals in Centurion and we always like to ensure that our customers are safe on the road when they hire a trailer from us.
While we go above and beyond to guarantee that our trailers are in the best condition, there are also some things that you should do when it comes to checking that everything is in order, like using this handy trailer tyre safety checklist.
Your Tyre Safety Checklist
Check the Tread Depth
Tyre tread depth is a vital indicator of tyre health and performance. Ensuring that the tyre has an adequate tread depth is what ensures proper traction and stability on the road.
When renting a trailer, take the time to examine the trailer’s tyres for sufficient tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth in South Africa is at least 1mm deep across the width and DEKRA suggests that a depth of 1.6mm is even safer.
It’s advisable to have more tread depth for safer towing. If you have insufficient tread, it can lead to a reduced grip, especially in wet or slippery conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Check the Tyre Pressure
Maintaining the correct tire pressure ensures tyre longevity and safety.
Underinflated tyres can overheat and wear unevenly, potentially leading to blowouts. Overinflated tyres, on the other hand, can result in reduced grip and handling.
Before hitting the road with your hired trailer, check the tyre pressure of both the trailer and your towing vehicle. When collecting your trailer, ask for the trailer hire company’s guidelines for the recommended tyre pressure, and make sure all tyre are properly inflated.
Ask about the Tyre’s Age
The age of the tyres can be just as important as tread depth and tire pressure.
Even if a tyre has ample tread remaining, it may still be unsafe if it’s too old. Rubber deteriorates over time, leading to a higher risk of tyre failure. When renting a trailer, don’t be shy about asking about the age of the tyres. If the tyres are several years old, consider requesting a trailer with newer ones, especially if you are going on longer trips or if you are carrying a heavier load.
Find out about the Load Capacity
Every tyre has a specific load-carrying capacity, which is indicated by its load rating. It’s essential to ensure that the tyres on your car trailer can handle the weight of your belongings. Overloading the trailer can lead to tyre failure and potentially cause an accident so check the load rating on the trailer’s tyres and cross-reference it with the weight of your cargo to ensure it’s within the safe limit.
Do a Visual Inspection
Before renting a trailer, take the time to inspect the tyres carefully. This proactive approach will help you enjoy your adventure without worrying about sudden unexpected tyre-related issues on the road.
Have a look for signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or punctures. These issues can compromise the tyre’s integrity and they should be addressed before hitting the road. If you notice any visible damage, notify the rental company and request a replacement.
Check the Spare Tyre
A spare tyre is a non-negotiable must-have when towing a trailer.
Before you accept the hire, check if the trailer rental includes a spare tyre, and if it does, ensure it’s in good condition and that it is properly inflated. You never know when you might need it during your trip.
