Saturn VUE 2008 Owner's Manual page 235

JOBNAME: 1st Edition PAGE: 41 SESS: 1 OUTPUT: Tue Jul 24 09:46:13 2007
in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in this
section. Trailering is different than just driving your
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That is the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra
heat. What's more, the trailer adds considerably to
wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
•
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you will be driving. A good source
for this information can be state or provincial police.
2008 - Saturn VUE Owner Manual (July 23, 2007)
•
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
•
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This
helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
•
You may want to shift to a lower gear selection if
the transmission shifts too often (e.g., under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions). Using a lower
gear will minimize heat buildup and extend the
life of your transmission.
•
Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum posted
speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph
(90 km/h), to save wear on your vehicle's parts.
•
Do not tow a trailer when the outside temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
•
the weight of the trailer
•
the weight of the trailer tongue
•
and the total weight on your vehicle's tires
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