Salt, water, mud, and kilometres – tow bars get their fair share of Finnish weather. Although tow bars don't complain, they don't maintain themselves either. This article reviews how to keep your tow bar in good condition and safe in all weather conditions, year after year.
Maintenance of removable tow bar
The detachable tow bar ball should not be stored attached to the car between uses, as it may become stuck in place or be affected by weather conditions. The ball part should be stored separately in a dry place, such as the trunk. The tow bar mechanism should be checked periodically and, if necessary, cleaned and lubricated to ensure that it remains in good working order and locks properly every time.
Maintenance of fixed tow bars
It is recommended to use a plastic protector on the ball of the fixed tow bar to prevent corrosion of the ball. This prevents wear on the ball and looseness in the connection, which can cause noise while driving. However, the biggest problem is often that a rusty ball looks unsightly, and no one wants to tow a trailer with it.
In older cars, rust can be a problem for both the car's structure and the tow bar. In some cases, rust protection for the tow bar and its attachment points may be a necessary part of maintenance. It is also important that the tow bar is installed correctly from the outset: incorrect installation can contribute to rusting. At Koukkupaja, however, this is always done carefully and correctly so that the customer does not have to worry about it afterwards.
Cleanliness of the power outlet and storage of the adapter
No impurities should accumulate in the towbar socket, and any water holes in the socket must be kept open. Water holes prevent moisture from accumulating inside the socket and thus prevent the electrical connectors from oxidizing.
The adapter should not be left in the socket when the towbar is not in use. Leaving the adapter in place exposes the socket to moisture, which can impair the electrical connection of the towbar over time.
Service life of tow bar
The service life of a tow bar is affected by its quality, frequency of use, and environmental conditions. A well-maintained, high-quality tow bar can last for the entire service life of the car. On the other hand, salty roads, mechanical wear, and lack of maintenance can significantly shorten its service life.
Regular inspection and necessary maintenance extend the service life of the tow bar and ensure safe use in all conditions.
📝 Checklist for tow bar maintenance:
✅ Store the removable tow bar in a dry place between uses.
✅ Clean and lubricate the removable tow bar mechanism if necessary.
✅ Check that the ball part of the detachable tow bar locks correctly.
✅ Keep the socket clean and the water hole open (if there is one).
✅ Do not leave the adapter plugged into the socket between uses of the tow bar.
✅ Use a plastic ball cover on the fixed tow bar to prevent corrosion.
✅ In older cars, rust protection for the tow bar may also be necessary.
Need help?
The experts at Koukkupaja are here to help if you need assistance with tow bar maintenance. Feel free to contact us! 👍
