Acura 2004 MDX Owner's Manual page 194

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Towing a Trailer
When driving with a fix-sided (e.g.
camper, utility) trailer, do not
exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At
higher speeds, the trailer may
sway or affect vehicle handling.
When being passed by a truck or
large vehicle, cross-winds and air
turbulence can disrupt your
steering and cause your trailer to
sway. Keep a constant speed, steer
straight ahead, and do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Do not park on an incline unless it
is unavoidable. If you must, turn
the vehicle's wheels toward the
curb on a downhill or away from
the curb on an uphill. After
parking, place wheel chocks at
each trailer tire on the downhill
side.
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Driving
Backing Up
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the bottom of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left,
and turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.
Retrieving a Boat
If the vehicle's wheels slip when
retrieving a boat from the water,
shift to first gear, and turn on VTM-4
Lock (see page 176 ). Disengage
VTM-4 Lock as soon as the boat is
out of the water to prevent damage
to the VTM-4 system.
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, reduce speed
and, if necessary, pull to the side of
the road and let the engine cool.
If the transmission shifts frequently
while going up a hill, shift down one
gear.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
this could cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to D . Do
not ''ride'' the brakes. Remember it
will take longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.
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