Tips for Auto Trailer Brake Maintenance

There’s a lot you can do to keep your auto trailer in peak working condition. The most obvious, of course, is keeping up with periodic repairs and maintenance. One of the most important

aspects of proper maintenance is taking good care of your car hauler’s brakes. After all, the brakes keep your auto trailer from slamming into your tow vehicle or causing other issues on the road. We have gathered some helpful tips on brake maintenance to get you started, so read on to learn more.

Types of Brakes

To understand how to take proper care of your brakes, you need to know how your auto trailer’s brakes function and what might need fixing. There are two different styles of brakes: electric

and surge. Electric brakes rely on a connection between your towing vehicle and the auto trailer so that the car hauler brakes can get a signal when it’s time to stop. This means that when you press the brake pedal in your tow vehicle, the brakes get activated.

On the other hand, surge brakes, are activated when you slow down your rig and get a forward jolt. The system senses a forward motion and triggers the brakes to prevent them from slamming into the rear of your towing vehicle.

Inspection

The best way to keep your auto trailer brakes well-maintained is to check them regularly. Inspect every part of the system from your towing vehicle all the way back to your rig to look for any signs of damage or disrepair. This means checking the shoes, drums, and shoe return springs, in addition to any hardware.

Think about the types of brakes you use and how that might affect the kind of maintenance you need to perform. For example, for electric brakes, you’ll need to check the wiring and connections to ensure there is no breakage. For surge brakes, try and push your trailer to see if the braking system activates. If it doesn’t, you might have an issue with the brake fluid or the master cylinder or wheel cylinders. If you find that your brakes are wearing unevenly when you compare the left and right sides, this may mean you’re not balancing the weight in your trailer properly or that your hitch isn’t adjusted properly.

Periodic Maintenance

Inspect your brakes at least annually or after you’ve clocked 12,000 miles. Regular inspection is essential if you don’t use your trailer very often. While it’s important for you to do these tasks at home to ensure that your brakes function well, it’s also sometimes necessary to have a professional examine the whole brake system. You may be able to make some minor repairs, but an expert can resolve any problems, saving you valuable time.

If you’ve any questions regarding auto trailer brake maintenance, Victory Custom Trailers has got you covered. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit us for assistance with service, repairs, or parts. We are located in Metamora, MI, and we welcome all those in Detroit and Flint.