We all know that we should keep our car tyres in good condition, both to ensure that we’re safe on the road, and that we’re not using more fuel than we need to (especially with the high cost of petrol and diesel). But horsebox tyres need checking too, especially as the winter weather makes roads more hazardous with ice, rain and mud.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that it’s your responsibility to ensure that any vehicle you take on the public highway is in roadworthy condition (and this includes towed horseboxes). If a vehicle is found to be in an unsafe condition, it could potentially invalidate your horsebox insurance if you are then involved in an accident. This means that every part of your horsebox needs to be in tip-top condition – especially your tyres!
Under pressure…
One of the easiest ways to damage a tyre is to inflate it to the wrong pressure. Tyres that are too soft or too hard can be dangerous, and they certainly push the fuel consumption of your vehicle up, too. If a tyre is too soft or too hard, it can seriously affect the handling of the trailer, which will translate through to the towing vehicle and make the entire car and trailer unstable. Throw a large horse into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for disaster! So here’s a quick guide on how to check your tyre pressure:
- Check your tyres weekly, and before any long journeys. Valves can have ‘slow leaks’, so even if you haven’t used your horsebox, the tyres can still deflate.
- Make sure the tyre pressure is correct in line with the manufacturer’s recommended level. You’ll find this (usually a simple ‘32psi’ for example) in the owner’s manual. On motorised horseboxes you’ll find it on a plate located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s doorsill.
- Check your tyres before you set off so that they are cold. If they have travelled more than a couple of miles then they will have heated up and this will give you a completely different reading!
- If you’re towing a horsebox then the tyre pressure of the vehicle you are used to tow the box should be higher.
- Make sure your pressure gauge is accurate. A digital tyre gauge costs a few pounds and is an essential piece of your general maintenance equipment.
- Don’t forget to check any spare tyres as well!
- Use this opportunity to give each tyre a general visual check. Remove any stones that might have become stuck in the tread, and look for any bulges or cuts in the sidewalls.
- If you are unsure about the condition of your tyres or if the pressure is correct, then talk to an expert at an approved fitting centre – preferably one that is familiar with stock vehicles such as horseboxes.