Towbar Winter Maintenance The Right Way
Although nobody really wants to think about it, the inevitable onset of winter is coming ever closer, and for those of us with a towbar fitted, it is important that we undertake some sort of maintenance to ensure longevity and that your towbar will continue to provide many more years of sterling service.
Although it is fair to say that towbars require very little maintenance, there are still a few things that you can or probably should do, so let’s look into what those are.
Check for and Deal With Any Rust
Towbars are made using the toughest steel on the marketplace, the reason being that towbars must meet strict safety standards. Whilst this is beneficial from a safety perspective, steel is prone to rust, especially in cold, wet winter conditions.
Although only a small task, regularly check your towbar for any signs of rust, and if you see any, then sand off the rust and immediately apply a primer to prevent the rust from returning.
Check The Housing
In addition to the towbar itself, we would also advise you to check the housing of the towbar (if you have a detachable), ensuring it is kept clean from dirt and debris. After all, corrosion on the housing, particularly at any of the points of contact, could cause harm to your towbar.
Clean the contact points with a cloth, and scrape off any flakes of rust you discover.
Check, Check, and Check Again
Although towbars need relatively little maintenance, it is still important that you regularly check around the towbar to ensure that there are no issues or problems arising. It is important to check every component of the towbar, including the levers and any flexible joints. The check should involve wiggling every piece of the towbar to ensure they are still securely connected to your vehicle. Every component should remain tightly fitted and work as it was designed to.
Detaching
The next tip applies to two of the most popular types of towbars: detachable swan neck or detachable flange. The clue is in the name - detachable. Detach any and all of the removable parts, as this will enable you to conduct a much more efficient inspection. Pay particular attention to the retriever socket and the detachable towbar. You want to ensure that there is no give between these parts, with the towbar being rigid when it is attached.
Although it is unlikely that any issues will arise or develop in the unlikely event that you find some sort of problem, then it is important that you contact the professionals at North West Towbars rather than trying to attempt a repair yourself. At Northwest Towbars, our expert technicians can get to the root of any problem and find a cost-effective and, more importantly, safe solution. Whatever your towbar needs or requirements, North West Towbars are the local experts in and around Manchester.
Call us today on 0161 474 7474 for a free, no-obligation quotation.