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Over time, wear and tear will affect a towbar, which is why it is important to regularly check the condition of your towbar and to check it is still fitted securely. Using a towbar that is in poor condition is dangerous to you and to other people, so it is vital that you inspect your towbar regularly and get it replaced if necessary. If you use your towbar regularly, you should be inspecting it more frequently than if you just use it occasionally.
It is a legal requirement for a towbar to meet EC type approval to ensure the relevant manufacturing and testing standards have been met. Generally, these approved towbars will have a long lifespan but factors such as how much a towbar is used, the weight it is towing, and the weather conditions the towbar is exposed to can affect the longevity. You can expect a towbar to stay in top condition for 5-10 years, depending on usage.
When you inspect your towbar, you should:
Check the mounting is secure
Check that the mounting of the towbar is secure, by testing how tight nuts and bolts are. Also check the locking device to make sure there are no split pins. If your towbar has a tow-ball, check the condition of this as well. Try wiggling all components to see if there is any looseness that needs to be tightened up.
Look for any rust
As your towbar ages, it may start to rust which will weaken the structure so you should check for any signs of corrosion. If you spot any rust, it is time to replace your towbar before it gets any worse and becomes more dangerous to use.
Replace the towbar based on usage
If you are towing a caravan every weekend, then you will need to replace your towbar at least every five years to ensure that it is in top condition. However, if you are towing smaller weights and only use the towbar a few times per year, you will probably not need to replace it for many years.
Book your MOT
As part of your vehicle’s MOT, the mechanic should check your towbar’s condition and highlight any concerns that they may have and actions that are required. If the towbar is in poor condition, they will require it to be removed or replaced before your vehicle will pass the MOT.
Keep your towbar clean
Dirt and grime can cause damage to your towbar with the serious risk that it will not function properly, so you should regularly clean your towbar, particularly in winter months and after long journeys where it might have collected some dirt. By keeping your towbar clean, you will also be able to clearly see any rust or other safety issues, so you can replace it if necessary.
It is important that you never tow more than the vehicle’s load limit, as this will also put pressure on the towbar and would be unsafe, as well as illegal.
Having your towbar fitted by a qualified professional will help to prolong its life and ensure it remains safe to use for as long as possible. PF Jones has an extensive range of towbars to fit every type of car and we also offer a fitting service.
Get a quote for your towbar and professional fitting at PF Jones, the towbar experts.
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