Top Tips for Safer Journeys
Tyres and batteries are two of the most common causes of roadside breakdowns in horseboxes. Last year, around 30% of the callouts we attended were due to tyre issues alone — many of which could have been avoided with simple checks. By taking a little extra care before you set off, you can reduce delays, cut costs, and most importantly, keep your horses safe and comfortable on the road.
Tyre Care Essentials
Healthy tyres are essential for safety, legality, and reliability. Worn or damaged tyres not only risk breakdowns but can also lead to fines of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre. Make tyre care part of your pre-journey routine:
- Inspect regularly: Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, or uneven wear that could cause punctures or loss of pressure.
- Check tread depth: The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre, but for safety replace well before this. Use tread wear indicators as a guide.
- Monitor pressures: Inflate tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended levels and check them frequently, especially before long journeys.
- Carry a serviceable spare: Make sure it’s legal, has sufficient tread, correct pressure, and can be removed easily. Not having one can cause costly delays.
Tip: Give your tyres a quick “health check” before every journey — it takes minutes but could save hours at the roadside.
Looking After Your Vehicle Batteries
Batteries are often hidden away, but they’re vital for keeping your horsebox running. Battery issues are the most common reason a vehicle won’t start. A little care and regular checks can significantly extend their life and save you the stress of last-minute failures.
- Inspect visually: Keep batteries clean, secure, and free from dirt build-up.
- Check terminals: Ensure connections are tight and corrosion-free.
- Top up cells: Where possible, check water levels and top up with distilled water as needed.
- Run the vehicle: Drive regularly to keep batteries charged, especially if the horsebox hasn’t been used for some time.
- Switch off lights: Don’t forget interior lights — they drain batteries quickly when parked.
- Fit an isolator: Installing a battery isolator switch helps preserve battery life when the vehicle is not in use.
Batteries don’t last forever. Plan to replace them every 4–5 years, and if in doubt, have your garage carry out an inspection.