Care and Maintenance

 

 

Tips for Reliability and Longevity

 

Proper maintenance ensures your horsebox remains in excellent condition, maximising its lifespan and reliability.

 

Here are some practical tips to help you care for your vehicle:

 

Engine Care

 

Run the Engine Weekly – This keeps oil circulating and prevents oil seals from drying out, which could lead to leaks.

 

Monitor Oil and Coolant Levels – Regular checks help detect leaks early and safeguard the engine’s reliability.

 

Service Intervals – Modern engines, oils, and filters require servicing every 15,000–25,000 miles. Although horseboxes rarely cover such distances annually, an annual oil and filter change is good practice.

 

Cambelt Replacement – If your horsebox has a cambelt (timing belt), replace it every 5–6 years or at 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Horseboxes with a timing chain generally do not require replacement during the engine’s expected lifetime.

 

 

Parking and Usage

 

Avoid Long-Term Parking on Grass or Mud – These conditions accelerate chassis corrosion and increase the risk of brake seizure.

 

Brake Maintenance – Transporting horses means brakes often have minimal use. Periodically taking your horsebox for a drive without horses and using the brakes effectively helps prevent issues at MOT time, as unused brake discs can become glazed.

 

Tyre Pressure – Front tyres should be set at 55 psi, while rear tyres can go up to 60 psi, depending on load.Ramp & Interior Maintenance.

 

Ramp Usage on Level Ground – Using the ramp on uneven terrain can strain and twist it, making closure difficult. If unloading on uneven ground, placing a chock under any raised ramp rubbers helps stabilise it.

 

Protecting Floor & Wall Matting – In high temperatures, matting expands, putting stress on adhesives. Where possible, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to maintain its integrity.

 

Sealant Checks – Periodically inspect sealant in joins around matting, panels, and windows—both internally and externally—to prevent water ingress and premature structural degradation.

 

Warning Lights & Assistance

 

Dashboard Warning Lights – Never ignore unexpected warning lights. Some may be minor wiring faults, but all should be checked before continuing your journey. Modern vehicles tend to trigger unexplained dash warnings more frequently. If this happens while you’re out and about, feel free to call us—we’ll help assess whether it’s safe to proceed or if breakdown assistance is necessary.

 

 

If you need any further advice or assistance in maintaining your horsebox, we’re always just a phone call or email away!