Towing Tips; Recreational Towing; Driving Tips; Driving On Slippery Surfaces - Dodge Durango SRT 2018 Owner's Manual

Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE range when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you
can use the AutoStick shift control to manually
select a lower gear.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
This action will also provide better engine brak-
ing.
AutoStick
• When using the AutoStick shift control, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate
performance and avoids frequent downshifts.
For example, choose "5" if the desired speed
can be maintained. Choose "4" or "3" if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce ve-
hicle speed as necessary to avoid extended
driving at high RPM. Return to a higher gear
or vehicle speed when grade and road con-
ditions allow.
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Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experi-
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the
transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not in-
crease engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Recreational towing is not allowed.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle with any of its wheels on
the ground can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
NOTE:
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are OFF
the ground.

DRIVING TIPS

Driving On Slippery Surfaces

Information in this section will aid in safe con-
trolled launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or
other slippery surfaces may cause the driving
wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This
phenomenon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the front (driving)
wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sud-
den pulling of the front wheels. You could
lose control of the vehicle and possibly have
a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is
possible for a wedge of water to build up be-
tween the tire and road surface. This is hydro-
planing and may cause partial or complete loss