If you’re getting your trailer ready for a WOF in Hamilton or the surrounding towns, leaf springs are one thing you don’t want to muck around with. These unsung heroes keep your trailer riding smooth, even when you’re dragging it through all sorts of Hamilton weather – the steamy summer runs through Morrinsville, those freezing foggy starts on Cobham Drive, or the potholes you hit on Victoria Street. Here are a few tips I give local drivers at the workshop to help you look after your leaf springs, keep your trailer safe, and stay on the right side of a WOF check.
1. Regular Checks – Don’t Wait for It to Rattle Apart
Catch Issues Before the WOF Does
We see all sorts roll in – Suzuki Swifts towing garden trailers, or someone from Ngaruawahia hauling building gear behind their Honda Odyssey. No matter the combo, the best advice is to have a squiz at your leaf springs every month or so. Look for cracks, rusty patches, or bits starting to sag out. If there’s a broken leaf or something’s missing altogether, that’s a big red flag. Don’t wait until you’re parked up outside the VTNZ on Lake Road and failing on something you could’ve sorted for a lot less hassle. Early inspections give you time to book repairs before things get too bad. Find more info on what dodgy leaf springs look like here.
2. Know Your Load Limit – She’s Tough, But Not Unbreakable
Don’t Overcook It on Weight
We often get people from Te Awamutu or Cambridge towing horse floats or loaded trailers – and some definitely push the limits. Overloading is a fast way to flatten those springs and put your trailer – or your car – off the road in a hurry. If you’re running a Ford Ranger or an old Nissan X-Trail, remember the leaf springs have their breaking point and they definitely cop a hammering on those country roads full of speed humps and potholes between Hamilton and Gordonton. Keep an eye on the weight, especially if you’re carting stuff regularly. If you’re always loaded up, you may want to look at swapping in some heavy-duty springs before that next trip. Here’s some good reading on how to work out your safe trailer load, and the NZTA guide has the nitty gritty details too.
3. Get the Pros In – It’s Not Just a Bolt-On Job
Leave the Hard Bits to Technicians
Look, you can do a lot with a decent toolkit, but fixing or installing leaf springs isn’t as simple as it looks on YouTube – especially on some of the less common stuff (we recently had a Volvo V60 Cross Country in, was a mission!). It’s heavy work, getting the suspension lined up right is key, and it takes proper tools and know-how. Our techs can suss out which springs best fit your trailer and your towing habits, then make sure everything’s bolted in tight and lined up. Don’t muck about and risk it popping loose on Avalon Drive. Check out this step-by-step guide if you want to see what the job involves.
4. Service the Whole Lot – Not Just the Leaf Springs
Do the Job Properly and Save Headaches Later
It’s common sense really – if you’re swapping out springs, it’s smart to check everything around them too. Bushings, U-bolts, shockies – it’s all part of the same system and they all get a workout on Ruakura Road or those endless school run stop/starts. Fixing the springs and ignoring worn-out shocks is like patching one tyre and ignoring the bald one. Ask for a full suspension check when you’re in for your next car service Hamilton. It’ll save you a return trip and gives you peace of mind come your WOF. Want the details? Read more on comprehensive suspension repairs and the WOF inspection criteria itself.
Wrap-Up – Don’t Let Springs Let You Down
Leaf springs don’t get much attention till they go wrong, but trust me, they make all the difference for passing your WOF and keeping your trailer (and family) safe. At Grimmer Motors, we see everything from Toyota, Kia, and Peugeot right through to the odd Daihatsu or older Mercedes wagon. No matter what you drive, regular checks and getting faults fixed early is simpler (and cheaper) than a big repair down the line. We’re always happy to talk trailers, leaf springs, or anything else that worries you under the bonnet or out the back. Here’s what you get when you book with us:
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Proper, honest leaf spring inspections – none of that cursory glance business.
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Good advice on your trailer’s limits and how to look after it year-round.
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Top-notch spring fitting from our skilled technicians.
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Full suspension checks, so nothing gets missed at your next WOF Hamilton.
Keep things safe and simple – book in at Grimmer Motors for your next trailer check or car service. We’ll help you stay sorted and ready for whatever Hamilton throws at you.
Book Your Trailer Service Now