Trailer Maintenance

Trailer Servicing – Why It Matters

Unlike a car, a trailer is often left unused for long periods. This can lead to hidden wear and deterioration that isn’t obvious until something fails on the road. Regular servicing isn’t just recommended it’s essential for safe, reliable, and legal towing.

The Foundation of Safety: Brakes & Hitches

Brakes

When a trailer is loaded, the weight and momentum are huge meaning brakes must perform perfectly.

During servicing we suggest you:

  • Inspect and adjust trailer brakes

  • Check for worn brake shoes

  • Inspect linkages for stretching, seizing, or corrosion

Properly adjusted brakes ensure the trailer slows evenly with your towing vehicle, preventing the dangerous “pushing” feeling when braking downhill or in emergencies.

If brake shoes are worn down,  they must be replaced immediately to restore safe braking performance when fully loaded.

Hitches & Couplings

Your hitch and coupling head are the only connection between your vehicle and trailer. Over time they can develop play or become stiff without lubrication.

Routine servicing helps:

  • Keep towing smooth and stable

  • Reduce jerking and pulling

  • Prevent excess stress on your vehicle and chassis

Electrical Integrity & Road Visibility

Trailer electrics are especially vulnerable because most trailers are stored outdoors. Water ingress and corrosion can quickly cause failures.

A small crack in a lens or damaged seal can let moisture in, leading to:

  • Oxidised terminals

  • Faulty indicators

  • Sudden brake light failure

We check all lighting and wiring to ensure:
✅ Indicators work correctly
✅ Brake lights are reliable
✅ Fog lamps function properly

We suggest you clean terminals and apply protective greasing to reduce future issues.

Tyres & Running Gear

Trailer tyres experience unique stress:

  • Heavy loads for short trips

  • Long storage periods causing flat spots

  • Sidewall cracking over time

Misalignment, unbalanced loading, or axle issues can cause uneven tyre wear that often goes unnoticed until a dangerous blowout occurs.

Servicing helps detect these problems early and keeps your trailer stable at motorway speeds.

The Legal & Financial Reality (UK)

In the UK, you are legally responsible for the roadworthiness of your trailer under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations.

If you are involved in an accident and your trailer is found poorly maintained, the consequences can include:

Insurance Invalidation

Most insurers may refuse to pay out if the trailer is deemed unroadworthy.

No Evidence of Maintenance

Without service records or maintenance history, it becomes difficult to defend yourself during an investigation.
A documented servicing history is your best proof of due diligence.

We’re Here to Help

Don’t leave safety to chance. We can connect you with trusted technicians to carry out professional trailer servicing and repairs.

Colin McEvoy Auto Repairs

36c Bowens Lane, Lurgan BT66 7JA

07730460355

Waringstown Service Centre

40 Moss Road, Waringstown BT66 7QY

07767656619

Brian Poots Motors

32b Coronation Place, Gibsons Hill, Lurgan BT66 7AN

02838349757

078821907927

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