In road transportation, trailers are like hardworking “steel partners” who carry goods and shuttle between cities and villages. However, prolonged driving, complex road conditions, and the test of heavy loads will gradually make the trailer “tired”. Regular and comprehensive maintenance is the key to keeping trailers in good condition and extending their service life. Now, we will provide a detailed introduction to all aspects of trailer maintenance.
Daily inspection: Prevent problems before they occur
Visual inspection
Before each trip, a detailed inspection of the trailer’s appearance must be carried out. Check if there are any scratches or dents on the vehicle body, especially on the frame, side panels, and other parts. These damages may affect the structural strength of the trailer. Check whether the car doors and box doors can open and close normally and whether the sealing strips are intact to prevent the goods from being damaged or lost due to poor sealing during transportation. At the same time, pay attention to whether the markings and reflective strips on the trailer are clear and complete. This not only concerns the appearance of the vehicle but also the safety of driving. At night or in bad weather conditions, clear reflective strips can make it easier for other vehicles to spot the trailer and reduce the risk of accidents.
Tire inspection
The tire is the only component of the trailer that comes into contact with the ground, and its condition directly affects driving safety and fuel economy. It is necessary to check whether the tire pressure meets the standard. Both excessively high and low pressure can accelerate tire wear and even cause a blowout accident. Professional tire pressure gauges can be used for measurement, and adjustments can be made according to the vehicle’s user manual. Check the depth of the tire tread. When the tread wears down to the warning line, the tire must be replaced in time to ensure its grip on slippery roads. In addition, it is necessary to check whether there are cracks, bulges, foreign objects embedded in the surface of the tires, etc. Once any problem is found, it should be dealt with immediately.
Lighting inspection
The lighting system is an important guarantee for the safe operation of trailers. Check whether the headlights, turn signals, brake lights, fog lights, etc., can all light up normally and whether the brightness is sufficient. Lighting malfunctions may cause other vehicles to be unable to accurately determine the driving intention of the trailer, thereby triggering traffic accidents. If the light is not bright or the brightness is insufficient, you should promptly check whether the bulb is damaged, whether the circuit has poor contact, and other problems, and carry out repair or replacement.
Regular maintenance: Deep care
Lubrication and maintenance
All the moving parts of the trailer, such as outriggers, hinges, tie rods, etc., need regular lubrication and maintenance to reduce wear and extend service life. Depending on the vehicle’s usage frequency and environmental conditions, these components are generally lubricated once every 3 to 6 months. Special grease can be used. When applying it, it should be done evenly and in appropriate amounts to ensure that the components are fully lubricated. At the same time, it is necessary to check for any leakage at the lubrication points. If there is any leakage, it should be dealt with in time to prevent the loss of grease.
Maintenance of the braking system
The braking system is the core safety component of the trailer and must be comprehensively inspected and maintained regularly. Check the wear condition of the brake shoes. When the thickness of the shoes wears down to the specified value, they must be replaced in time. At the same time, check whether the brake drum has scratches, uneven wear, and other problems. If necessary, it should be repaired or replaced. Check the quality and level of the brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, and its water content will increase after long-term use, leading to a decline in braking performance. Brake fluid generally needs to be replaced every 2 to 3 years. When the fluid level is too low, it should be added in time. In addition, it is necessary to check whether the braking pipelines are aged, cracked, or leaking air, etc., to ensure the sealing and reliability of the braking system.
Maintenance of the suspension system
The suspension system is crucial for the driving stability and comfort of the trailer. Check whether the suspension springs are broken or deformed, and whether the bolts of the leaf springs are loose. If any problem with the spring is found, it should be replaced in time to avoid unstable vehicle operation due to suspension system failure and affect the safety of the goods. At the same time, it is necessary to check the working condition of the shock absorbers. Oil leakage or failure of the shock absorbers will affect the vehicle’s shock absorption effect and increase the driver’s fatigue. The normal operation of the shock absorber can be judged by pressing the vehicle body and observing its rebound. If there is any abnormality, it should be repaired or replaced in time.
Maintenance of the electrical system
The electrical system is responsible for the power supply and control of the lighting, signals, and other equipment of the trailer. Check whether the circuit connection is firm and whether there is any loosening, corrosion, or other conditions. A multimeter can be used to test whether the on-off status and voltage of the circuit are normal. At the same time, it is necessary to check the battery’s charge and whether the electrodes are corroded. Insufficient battery charge will affect the normal operation of electrical equipment, and electrode corrosion will lead to poor contact. Regularly charge and maintain the battery, and replace it with a new one when necessary.
Special maintenance: Adapt to local conditions
Maintenance after bad road conditions
If the trailer frequently travels on muddy, sandy, and other harsh road conditions, the maintenance cycle should be appropriately shortened. After driving on bad roads, it is necessary to promptly clear the soil, stones, and other debris on the trailer to prevent them from entering various parts of the vehicle and causing wear or damage. Focus on inspecting components such as tires, suspension systems, and braking systems, as these parts bear greater pressure under harsh road conditions and are more prone to problems.
Long-term parking maintenance
If the trailer needs to be parked for a long time, proper maintenance work should also be done. Before parking, the trailer should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent dirt from corroding the paint. Choose a flat and dry parking area to prevent the vehicle from getting damp and rusting. Increase the tire pressure appropriately to reduce the contact area between the tires and the ground and prevent tire deformation. At the same time, the engine should be started regularly to let the vehicle run for a period to charge the battery and prevent it from being discharged. At regular intervals, the vehicle should also be moved to prevent local tires from being damaged due to long-term pressure.
The maintenance of trailers is a systematic and meticulous task that requires the joint efforts of drivers and maintenance personnel. Only by conducting daily inspections, regular maintenance, and special situation maintenance can the trailer always remain in good operating condition and safeguard our transportation industry. Let’s cherish this “steel partner” with all our hearts and let it accompany us on a longer and farther journey.