Calgary winters are brutal. And while some are better than others, all of them are accompanied by short days, long nights, and freezing temperatures. So the obvious question then becomes: What does this mean for your trailer and bike rack hitch? The simple answer is it means you have to care for your hitch equipment proactively.
At Calgary Hitch Shop, we have been Calgary’s Hitch Specialists for over 25 years. For this reason, we want to ensure you’re adequately prepared for this winter season. So here are 5 tips to keep your trailer and bike rake hitch in good condition during the winter.
1. Clean Your Trailer and Hitch of Salt
The double-edged sword of trailer and hitch ownership: The same salt that ensures your safety on ice-covered roads also creates issues for your vehicle. The salt penetrates any crack or crevice in your automobile or hitch setup, resulting in corrosion. Keep your vehicle immaculate to avoid this outcome.
2. Remove the Ball Mount
If your hitch is not in use, remove the ball mount. The temperature fluctuations produce gunk and can result in deterioration. Moreover, people will appreciate this effort when they park behind you.
3. Buy Dielectric Grease
Dielectric grease is a silicone-based lubricant that repels moisture, safeguarding electrical linkages against battery post corrosion. It also keeps grime, wetness, and other components from your vehicle’s electrical contacts.
4. Repack Your Bearings
Calgary winters are unique; cold temperatures and warm Chinook winds can create a challenging situation: The constant thawing and refreezing entail that moisture will undoubtedly get in the bearings, resulting in corrosion. So be sure to repack your bearings in the spring.
5. Inspect Your Tire Pressure
Calgary’s unpredictable winter weather can be detrimental to your tire air pressure. Consequently, improper inflation can result in imbalanced tear wear, and this can lead to compromised responsiveness and handling. Be sure to check your tire pressure often, and then adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Winter in Calgary brings its challenges. However, these difficulties won’t throw you off-kilter if you’re prepared. At Calgary Hitch Shop, we have proudly served Calgary for a quarter-century. As a result, you can feel confident in our capability of handling your hitch requirements. Contact us today to see how we can meet your trailer and bike rack hitch needs.
