The esky is packed, the kids are loaded and you are ready for the run down the coast or the climb up the Blue Mountains. But hitching up the caravan changes the physics of your family car entirely.

Your daily commute around Penrith didn’t prepare your suspension for hauling 2.5 tonnes in 35-degree heat. Towing is a full-scale stress test for your transmission, brakes and cooling system.

At Angus Car Service, we see what happens when ‘she’ll be right’ turns into a roadside callout. Before you hit the highway this summer, here is the reality check your rig needs to keep your family safe.

Distinguishing Tow Weight from Towball Weight

People often confuse these two terms, but getting them mixed up can be disastrous.

• Tow Weight (Aggregate Trailer Mass – ATM): This is the total weight of the trailer and everything inside it. Your vehicle has a maximum limit for this, often found in the owner’s manual.
• Towball Weight (Towball Mass – TBM): This is the amount of downward force the trailer tongue places on your car’s towball.

Even if your car can pull 2500kg, putting too much of that weight directly on the ball causes the rear of your car to squat. This lifts the front wheels, lightening your steering and reducing your ability to brake or turn effectively.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for a ball weight that is 10-15% of the trailer’s total mass (GTW), with 6-10% generally cited as the minimum for stability.

Check Your Brakes and Suspension for the Extra Load

Towing puts immense strain on your brakes and exposes mechanical weaknesses you might not notice during everyday driving. Worn components that feel fine on the school run can become dangerous under towing conditions.

Your suspension needs to handle this extra load without sagging. If the factory setup struggles, upgrading can:

• Improve ride height when fully loaded, stopping the rear from dragging.
• Reduce sag and improve overall control and stability.
• Reduce stress on your factory components.

Important: Upgrades improve safety, handling and wear, but they do not increase your vehicle’s legal towing capacity. Upgrades don’t change the numbers, but they can change how safely you reach them.

Understand the Rules for Braked vs. Unbraked Trailers

The rules change depending on what you are towing.

• Unbraked Trailers: These rely entirely on your car’s brakes to stop the load. Because of this, they have much lower weight limits (usually up to 750kg GTM).
• Braked Trailers: Heavier loads legally require their own braking system (electric or override) to assist your vehicle.

If you are towing a heavy boat or caravan, ensure the trailer’s brakes are functioning correctly. A simple check of the wiring and brake lights before you leave the driveway is non-negotiable.

Manage Your Tyres, Fuel and Maintenance

Towing is hard work. It increases tyre wear (especially on the rear), spikes your fuel consumption and puts extra load on your transmission and drivetrain.

If you tow regularly, your maintenance schedule needs to change. You cannot stick to the standard “every 10,000km” plan if half those kilometres are spent hauling a 2-tonne van up a mountain.

Check your tyre pressures before you leave. Underinflated tyres are a major cause of blowouts when towing heavy loads.

Towing shouldn’t feel like a wrestling match with your steering wheel. At Angus Car Service, we strip away the mechanic-speak and focus on safety for everyone. We pride ourselves on being a workshop where every driver feels respected and heard. And we will explain the ‘why’ before we touch the ‘how’.

The 30-Second ‘Squat Test’

Before you head off, do a quick check. Hitch your trailer and stand back. Is your car’s rear sagging while the nose points at the sky? That isn’t just a heavy load; it is a suspension warning sign.

If you see the squat, tell us – we know exactly how to fix the balance. Book your pre-trip safety check online or call us on 02 4732 3676 today.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

FAQS

Q: Are there specific speed limits when towing?

A: Yes, depending on where you are. In Western Australia, for example, the maximum speed limit for a vehicle towing a trailer or caravan is 100km/h, even in 110km/h zones. In NSW and other states, you must adhere to the posted limit unless your combined vehicle mass exceeds 4.5 tonnes, in which case a 100km/h cap often applies.

Q: How do I know if my trailer needs brakes?

A: It depends on the weight. Trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) under 750kg generally do not require brakes. Trailers between 751kg and 2,000kg need braking on at least one axle (override or electric). Anything over 2,000kg must have brakes on all wheels and a “breakaway” system that activates automatically if the trailer detaches.

Q: Can I upgrade my car’s towing capacity?

A: Generally, no. Adding heavy-duty suspension or airbags helps with load carrying (reducing sag and sway), but it does not legally increase the manufacturer’s specified Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Towing Capacity listed on your compliance plate. To legally tow more, you would need a specialised engineering certificate, which is a complex process.

We’re excited to share Claire’s feature in Brave Magazine. In “10 Essential Car Care Tips for Confidence on the Road,” Claire shares practical advice to help everyone feel more confident behind the wheel, such as why you should build a relationship with your mechanic, ways to prepare for car-emergencies, what to pay attention to when you drive, and so much more.

Brave Magazine celebrates fearless voices and powerful stories, highlighting the courage and achievements of women in our community. It’sclosely connected to Women with Altitude – a network where businesswomen come together to connect, learn, and lead. Each issue features inspiring narratives, expert insights, and uplifting content, and Claire’s contribution reflects theexpertise of this vibrant network.

For the last decade, Claire has been an active member of Women with Altitude, including 8 years serving on the Penrith team where she helped run events, support local women in business, and build a community she deeply cares about. While she stepped back from the leadership team last November, she will still attend as a guest and continues to network, collaborate, and inspire through the group where she can.

This article is a reminder that once an Altitude woman, always an Altitude woman!

At Angus Car Service, we’re proud to see women’s achievement and expertise highlightedalongside practical car care tips. Our “Women Welcome” mission is all about transparency, trust, and fair treatment – making car care approachable and stress-free for everyone.

We couldn’t imagine a better place for Claire to share our mission and help everyone take the wheel with confidence. Check out her tips and tricks today!

You drag yourself out of the driver seat to inspect a flat, and then you realise the jack’s rusted, the wheel brace is missing, and the spare barely keeps a pump. As cars fly past, you’re standing there, head scratching and cursing.

Our Angus Car Service team hears similar stories weekly. Let’s simplify how you handle a flat tyre, assess tyres and have your car towed smartly.

How Often to Check Your Spare and Tools

Check the pressure on your spare tyre at least every three months and before any long trip. A flat spare is the world’s most useless safety feature. At Angus Car Service we check your spare at every service as part of the safety check.

While you’re at it, pull out your jack and wheel brace and make sure they actually work. Rusted jacks and missing tools are far more common than people think, and they only show themselves at the worst possible time. You may also like to add a pair of gloves and something to kneel on to your kit.

How to Change a Flat Tyre With Confidence

First things first: secure yourself and the vehicle.

1. Pull over somewhere safe and find a level spot to park.
2. Turn the vehicle off and switch on your hazard lights. Engage the parking brake, or leave it in first gear if you have a manual.
3. Next: check the spare tyre is inflated and gather your tools – jack, wheel brace.
4. Refer to the owner’s manual for your specific car’s lift point. According to the NRMA, following correct lifting procedures and tool use dramatically reduces risk.

Once you’re ready:

1. Place the wheel brace onto a wheel nut and slightly loosen the nuts. You want the wheel to still be held into place when you jack the car up.
2. Next, crank up the car with the jack so that the wheel is about five centimeters above the ground.
3. Loosen the nuts fully by hand and remove the wheel, fit the spare and hand-tighten the nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheel is evenly centered and seated against the hub.
4. Lower the vehicle and then fully tighten the nuts.
5. Remember: never crawl beneath a car that’s only partially supported. If you’re using a space-saver spare, know its speed limit. The specs may be less friendly than a full-size replacement.

When to Repair Versus Replace a Tyre

You might be tempted to patch a tyre and carry on, but some damages are red flags.

Repairs are acceptable only when the puncture is small and in the tread area – not on the sidewall or shoulder.

Tyres are legally unroadworthy when tread depth dips below about 1.5 mm in Australia.If you notice uneven wear, bulges, sidewall tears, or a blowout, replacement is the smart move. An old tyre may not cause a breakdown immediately, but the hidden risk is there. It’s always best to check with a trusted tyre centre to confirm if the tyre can be repaired.

Towing Smart: Save Money, Stress Less

If your car can’t be repaired on the spot, don’t assume you’re helpless. If you have it, call roadside assistance first, as they will be able to tow your car a certain distance for free. You can also call your trusted mechanic. Many workshops have discount towing partnerships and can bypass expensive storage yard fees.

Arrange towing only after your vehicle is safely stopped and away from traffic. That first call can spare you a second one, a bigger bill and an extra stop in the dark, wondering why you didn’t pick up the phone earlier.

Check your car before trouble strikes. Need a service before you head out on a trip? Contact us now. We’re here to help!

The holidays are just around the corner, and if your family car’s about to clock up some serious kilometres, it’s time to make sure it’s ready for the road. Your vehicle will be working overtime, handling the summer heat and holiday traffic. A little prep now means a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable drive later.

Here’s how to get your car summer-ready (and road-trip approved).

1. Is Your Family Car Ready for the Chaos of Summer?

Between school runs, sports drop-offs, and weekend getaways, your family car definitely deserves a little TLC before the heat really sets in. A full pre-summer check will help you avoid unwanted surprises during your travels. We recommend paying extra attention to:

✔ Cooling system – keep the engine from overheating in summer traffic.

✔ Battery health – heat can accelerate wear and tear.

✔ Brake safety – very important for long trips and stop-start driving.

Pro tip: December bookings fill fast! Beat the rush and book your family car in early so you can hit the road without the stress.

2. Smooth Out the Ride with a Suspension and Alignment Check

Feeling every bump lately? After a wet winter and rougher roads, your suspension and wheel alignment might need some attention.

If you notice any one of these signs, please don’t put off a service:

• Your car pulls to one side
• Uneven tyre wear
• A bumpy or “floaty” ride
• Steering that feels off

Good suspension makes for a smoother drive and is also key for safety, handling, and tyre life. A quick check can make a big difference before your next road trip.

3. Don’t Miss Your End-of-Year Service

We mentioned it before, but if your car’s due for a service, now’s the time to secure your spot. Regular servicing keeps everything running as it should, including engine oil, filters and fluids, giving you peace of mind before you set off.

4. Drive Away Feeling Fresh

There’s nothing quite like that feeling of driving off in a freshly cleaned car, especially when you’re about to embark on a road trip! Every vehicle we service gets a complimentary exterior wash because we know that a car that looks great feels great, too.

It’s all part of giving you that fresh, summer-ready feel for the holiday season.

While we don’t offer interior detailing, we always recommend giving your cabin a quick clean-out ahead of your travels so that you have as comfortable a trip as possible.

Whether you need a quick check-up or your full end-of-year service, our team at Angus Car Service will make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready and looking its best when you pick it up.