How to Decrease Utility Trailer Bounce

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Here are some tips to help limit the amount of utility trailer bounce when towing.

Steps

1. 1
   Do not overload the trailer. The frame, tire, wheel and suspension components have been selected based on the load capability of the trailer.

   
   
2. 2
   Distribute the load on the trailer so that about 60% of the weight is on the tongue. Your trailer might be different, but generally most of the load weight should be located between the tongue and the trailer tires. If the loaded trailer tilts tongue up before securing to the hitch, the load is distributed incorrectly.
3. 3
   Plan routes with known quality road surfaces when possible. Pulling a trailer over a smooth paved surface will result in less bounce than a gravel covered, pothole laden surface.
4. 4
   Slow down when needed and where surfaces dictate. Reducing speed will quickly minimize bounce should it start. Slow down in anticipation of surface changes (expansion joints on bridges, "speed" bumps, etc.).
5. 5
   Avoid high speed roadways. Uneven surfaces (bumps, etc.) and speed are two significant contributors to bounce. By removing (or reducing) one or the other, bounce is no longer a problem.
6. 6
   Gradually reduce the trailer tire pressure down to (but never less than) minimum. The previous steps should stop trailer bounce, if however, bounce is still a problem, try this last step.

   
   

Tips

• The faster a trailer is pulled, the more likely it will bounce. Avoid highways and other higher speed roadways if possible.

Warnings

• Never attempt to connect mismatched sized tongue and hitch components.
• Always connect supplied safety chains.
• Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for loading the trailer.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer's maximum speed.
• Maintain tire pressure in the range specified on the tire sidewall or trailer manufacturer's recommendations. All tires on the trailer should have equal pressure.
• Expect additional weight proportionate braking distances when pulling a trailer.

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How to Cut Coil Springs

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You can lower your car by cutting the coil springs that are compressed in the strut above the car's tires. A professional mechanic often carries out the process of cutting a car's coil springs and lowering the vehicle. With a few tools, such as a coil compressor and angle grinder, you can cut the coil springs yourself. All of the tools and supplies necessary to cut coil springs are available at auto parts stores and home improvement stores. Use these tips to cut coil springs.

Steps

1. 1
   Raise the car. Use a jack to raise the area of the car from which you will remove the old coil spring. Follow the instructions that come with your jack.

   
   
2. 2
   Remove the tire.
   • Take the hub cap off of the wheel.
   • Unscrew the nuts and remove the tire.
3. 3
   Remove the strut. The strut holds the coil spring and the shock absorbers over the tires, and allows for a smooth ride. Follow the owner's manual for your car to remove the strut.
4. 4
   Measure the old coil spring. Use a tape measure to measure the length of the coil spring while it is still compressed in the extended strut.
5. 5
   Remove the existing coil spring. Use a coil compressor to remove the coil spring. A coil compressor allows you to remove the spring while it is still compressed, and to safely and gradually decompress the spring. Follow the instructions that come with the coil compressor.
6. 6
   Measure the new coil spring.
   • Locate the dead coils on the spring. The dead coils are the coils on one end of the spring that touch each other. These coils do not move with the spring as it tenses and flexes.
   • Measure out the distance of the old compressed coil spring from the other end of the spring.
   • Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to that number. If your old compressed coil spring measured 12 inches (30.5 cm), the new length will be 13 inches (33 cm). This measurement is the shortest possible length to which the new coil spring can be cut. If you cut the coil spring shorter than this total measurement, you will not be able to use the new coil spring in your car.
   • Mark the place where you will cut the new coil spring with a bright-colored marker.
7. 7
   Cut the coil spring. Use a hacksaw or an angle grinder to cut the coil spring. An angle grinder is a small tool that uses a disc to grind or cut objects. The angle grinder's metal wheel should be 4 inches (10.2 cm) in diameter.
8. 8
   Install the coil spring.
   • Place the new cut coil spring into the strut.
   • Re-install the strut. Follow the owner's manual of your car to re-install the strut.
9. 9
   Attach the tire.
   • Place the tire back onto the hub.
   • Tighten the lug nuts.
10. 10
    Lower the car. Use the jack to lower the car. Follow the instructions that come with your jack.
11. 11
    Repeat the entire process for each coil spring that you will replace on the car.

    
    

Tips

• If you are cutting coil springs to lower a car, ensure that you are working with the proper type of coil spring. A coil spring with tangential ends is the only type of coil spring that may safely be cut to lower a car. Do not cut a coil spring with square ends or pigtail ends.
• Wear safety goggles when cutting a coil spring.
• Lowering a car with a new coil spring will result in a smoother ride and increased ease in handling the car.

Warnings

• Do not use a torch to cut coil springs. The heat from a torch will damage the springs.

Things You'll Need

• Coil spring with tangential ends
• Jack
• Strut
• Tape measure
• Coil compressor
• Bright-colored marker
• Hacksaw or angle grinder

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How to Clean the Tires on Your Car

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Clean the Tires on Your Car

Cleaning your tires is an easy way to improve your vehicle's appearance and performance. Not only does cleaning your tires look great, but it also ensures better traction and braking for your vehicle. Doing so will also save you money in the long-run. If you allow for dust to accumulate on your tires and in the wheel well, you are enabling corrosive elements that can damage the effectiveness of your brake pads. Make sure you wash your tires thoroughly and often.

Steps

1. 1
   Wash your car's wheels and tires separately from the remainder of your car. Use a separate bucket of soap and water specifically for your wheels and tires, so you don't get the grease and grime from your wheels and tires onto the rest of your car.

   
   
2. 2
   Use a tire cleaner. There are plenty of cleaners available that are made specifically to clean obtrusive elements from tires and wheels. Apply the tire cleaner to your tires and wheels based on the instructions on the packaging. Some cleaners are creams that should be applied with a soft cloth; others are sprays that should be applied to all spots on your wheels and tires.
3. 3
   Scrub your tires. Use a feather-bristled brush to remove all the malefactors of everyday driving that accumulate in your wheels. Scrub your wheels one set at a time, and rinse off the tire you were just working on before moving on to the next wheel. Make sure you get into the crevices of the wheel where the brake pads are. This area accumulates the most dust from brake pads and is most sensitive to the corrosion that dirty wheels cause. If necessary, rinse and repeat. You can never be too cautious about cleansing your wheels and tires.
4. 4
   Dry with a terry cloth. You can find special microfiber detailing towels, too. Make sure you dry the entire tire and wheel off. If you don't completely dry your tires and wheels, the wax and detailing solutions you use may dissolve and not work properly. You will also be exposing your vehicle to unnecessary rust.
5. 5
   Wax your tires. This is done in the very same manner that you wax your car. Apply the wax with the applicator pad the wax comes with before buffing the tire for a protected tire that will not only look good but will resist dust and other harmful elements. Waxing and detailing your tires will also protect them from UV light that breaks down tire rubber.

   
   

Tips

• The key to cleaning your wheels and tires is attention to detail. It's easy to neglect the inside of your wheels and the wheel wells; it's often times difficult to reach deep inside of your hubcaps and clean these areas. That's why it's especially important to find a brush that will not only remove the dust, but one which also be able to reach into your specific wheels' crevices.

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