Towing a trailer can look like an easy task, however, if done incorrectly then it can affect the safety of you and your passengers. Towing a trailer can seem like second nature. After all, if you can drive a car then how different can it be just attaching a trailer and heading out on the road? The truth? Very different. Trailer and towing safety isn’t just important for the safety of those in your vehicle, but it can also cause problems for the trailer and your vehicle.

How to Tow Your Trailer Safely

Whether it’s a boat trailer or a simple box trailer, Jim Ackney has the below article to offer with tips to help you tow either safely and effectively.

Tires

Just like you pay attention to the pressure and condition of your vehicle’s trailer, it’s equally as important that you take a look at your trailer tires before heading out on to the road. Even if you aren’t a mechanic, you will be able to identify problems, such as bald spots on your tire, chunks are taken out which could lead to a blowout, or even debris stuck in the tread which could cause a leak. After all, the last thing that you want is for debris to come out and your trailer tire to start leaking as you are backing your boat into the water. When you are sure that their condition is up to the task, consider the pressure inside them and the type of terrain you’re going to be pulling them through. For example, if you expect to be towing them through the mud then be sure their pressure is correct for the task.

Brakes

If you are new to towing a trailer then it can be difficult to know if your brakes are working. After all, if you and your trailer come to a stop when you press your vehicle’s brakes then you could assume that everything is working correctly. However, if your brakes aren’t actually working correctly and you start to drive down an incline then it could seriously affect the ability of your towing vehicle to slow or even brake. The easiest and quickest way to check your trailer’s brakes is to have somebody look at them while you sit in your towing vehicle and press the brake pedal. If there aren’t any problems then you’re good to do. But if there are, your trailer needs to stay at home until the problem is fixed. Click here to buy Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil and keep your towing vehicle’s engine in good shape. To find out more, check out the online store or speak with a friendly professional at Jim Ackney. Experts in the field of engine maintenance and engine fluids, trust in the expert advice of Jim Ackney to help you get the right products for your vehicle to not just keep it in good health, but to also extend its lifespan.

Electrics

While your trailer may not have Bluetooth connectivity or voice-activated commands, it does have electrics and their working order is incredibly important. So important that, if your trailer’s electrics aren’t working then your trailer isn’t fit to be on the road. While you are in the towing vehicle, press your brakes, put your car in reverse, and activate your indicators. If any of these commands don’t trigger the associated lights on the back of your trailer then it’s time to either replace some bulbs or have the wiring checked out. Even if you’re just driving down the road, these lights are responsible for telling other road users your intentions, including your braking which could prevent a serious incident.

Anything Behind You? Don’t Take a Chance!

If you’re towing a high load, be it junk items you are scraping or a tall boat, there’s a good chance that your regular side-mirrors won’t provide you with a clear view of what is behind both your vehicle and the trailer. As you can imagine, this can lead to serious problems when changing lanes or reversing your trailer into a parking spot or even the water. A simple fix would be to clip on additional mirrors to your existing side mirrors. Made for the purpose, extended mirrors are the best way to improve your field of vision when it comes to towing a load. Of course, if you want an extra layer of safety, you can also consider attaching a rear-view/reversing camera to your trailer with a corresponding screen in your towing vehicle.

Last, but Not Least

Take it slow! There are very few reasons why you need to tow your trailer at freeway speeds. Instead, when you are planning your trip, accommodate for the reduced speeds you will need to tow your trailer at, remembering that the smaller wheels will limit the top speed you can safely travel at.

A Synthetic Oil Change in Edmonton, AB Can Improve the Quality of Your Lead Vehicle’s Engine

Of course, none of the above tips matter if your towing vehicle isn’t up to the task of getting you to your destination. Basic maintenance items like a synthetic oil change in Edmonton, AB can not only help improve the quality of your engine and its performance but can also extend its lifespan. To find out more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Edmonton, AB, speak with Jim Ackney at 1 (888) 476-0545. With extensive knowledge and a wide range of high-quality AMSOIL products to choose from, Jim Ackney will ensure that you get the best product for your engine type.