TOW VEHICLE MAINTENANCE TIPS

          Transmission maintenance tips

          Tow vehicle maintenance tips

          Trailer Towing Tips

FLUID LEVELS
Start with the engine oil level, radiator coolant level and brake fluid level. Check each these levels first thing in the morning while the engine is still off and not warm. Next you will want to check the transmission fluid level. Start your vehicle and let it warm up for a few minutes. The transmission fluid level must be checked with the engine running. Some Chrysler vehicles require you to put the transmission in neutral to get an accurate reading (refer to your owner's manual for more information). Remember to always set your emergency brake when checking your transmission fluid. If any of these levels are low, top them off immediately to prevent major damage and schedule an appointment with Harrell & Beverly Transmissions to have the fluid loss evaluated.

TIRE PRESSURES
Correct tire pressures are very important; it helps provide better gas mileage, it keeps the ride smooth and it maximizes vehicle handling. You will want to check the tire pressures and tire condition for your tow vehicle and trailer. If your tires are wearing thin, dry cracked, cut or damaged in any other way have them repaired or replaced immediately. Do not forget about the spare tires for your tow vehicle and for your trailer.

BELTS AND HOSES
Check the condition of your belts and hoses. Weak hoses and belts will fail under extreme vehicle operating conditions leaving you stranded on the side of the road. If your belts are dry cracked or crystallized it is time to have them replaced.

   


LIGHTS
Check the operation of the lights for your tow vehicle and your trailer. Have someone walk around the vehicle while you operate the head lights, turn signals, brake lights and running lights. If any are defective have them replaced before your next trip (you want people to see you and know what you are doing when towing). Spraying WD-40 or similar product into the pig tail wiring connector will help reduce corrosion due to submersion in water. Recommended tip: to reduce the possibility of tail and brake light fuse failure (electrical short due to water conductivity) disconnect the trailer wiring from the tow vehicle when launching and retrieving the boat. REMEMBER TO RECONNECT THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE TOW VEHICLE BEFORE LEAVING THE BOAT RAMP.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Florida's summer heat and stop-and-go driving are brutal on your tow vehicle, reducing its longevity and performance. Add the weight of your trailer and you have a recipe for major problems if you don't take the necessary precautions. The following service intervals are recommended: service your transmission once a year or every 15,000 miles, service your engine every 3,000 miles, service your differential(s) every 30,000 miles, have your coolant system evaluated once a year (extended life coolant can be serviced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles), have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles, and clean the fuel injection system once a year. Some manufacturers say their transmissions could be serviced at intervals that range from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. They also want to sell you another vehicle as soon as possible. These recommended service intervals are assuming ideal driving conditions like not having any stop-n-go traffic, no hot weather and no towing.