Towing Guide - Flipbook - Page 30
PRACTICAL TOWING GUIDANCE
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Systems (TPMS)
TPMS is mandatory on cars from
2014 and it is worth considering such
a system for a caravan as this could
significantly reduce the risk of having
a tyre related incident on the road.
They are able to give early warning of a
problem either pressure or temperature
related to a tyre before they become
an issue giving the driver time to stop
safely.
They can give early warning of:
• rapid tyre deflation including
blow outs
• tyre wall failure
• brake binding/bearing failure
• ATC/IDC causing excessive
dampening due to unstable unit
and overloading causing excessive
heat to be generated.
The sensor can be mounted internally
as part of the valve or fitted externally.
Some insurance providers will offer a
discount for direct reading TPMS use.
Wheel nuts or bolts should be checked
with a torque wrench. If undertightened, a wheel fixing can shake
loose, but if it is over- tightened it can
deform the seating (i.e. recess) on the
wheel itself, and again, it can shake
loose.
A torque wrench ensures that the
correct tightness is achieved every
time. Consult your owner’s manual.
Mark a line or use reusable indicators to
aid detection of bolt movement.
When replacing a wheel, torque the
wheel nuts up in the correct sequence
30 NCC Caravan Towing Guide
and re-torque after the recommended
bedding in distance, typically 30 miles.
If the car suffers a puncture and you
do not have a normal size spare, refer to
the manufacturer’s instructions for the
suitability of towing with the compact
size spare or run-flat tyre supplied – you
may find that speed and distance may
have to be reduced.
If you must change a wheel at the
roadside, position the car and caravan
as clear of the carriageway as possible
and ensure the hazard warning lights
are operating. Do not put yourself
at risk, especially if the deflated tyre
is on the offside. In many European
countries, it is also obligatory to wear a
high visibility safety jacket or waistcoat.
This is strongly recommended even if it
is not a legal requirement in the UK.
