Advertisement
trailer. Until you learn the "feel" and how to cope
with these changes, it is important to drive with
extra caution.
Before Starting-It is a good idea to practice
turning, stopping, and backing in an area away
from heavy traffic. This practice will help you gain
experience in handling the extra weight and length
of the trailer. Also, check lights, tires, and mirror
adjustment.
Starting-Carefully check mirrors to observe
traffic flow. It is a good idea to check the brakes
of the car and the trailer before turning into
traffic.
Turning- Remember that trailer wheels will be
closer than car wheels to the inside on curves.
Avoid soft shoulders, curbs, etc., by driving
slightly beyond your normal turning point. Signal
all turns. Avoid sudden maneuvers.
Passing-Allow extra distance for passing
another vehicle. After passing, be sure you have
ample clearance for trailer before returning to the
driving lane. Always signal well in advance of each
move.
Fallowing and Stopping-Remember trailer
weight may increase the distance required to stop.
For each 10 mph showing on the speedometer,
allow at least one length of your car and trailer
between you and the car ahead. You will need this
"cushion" of space for emergencies and to allow
faster traffic to pass safely. Avoid high speeds and
sudden stops, and allow for unfavorable road
conditions.
Backing-Skillful backing with a trailer "qu
rts
practice. Try
th~
easy method to help control
direction:
Keep
your hand at the bottom of
steering wheel. To move trailer left, move your
hand
10
the leh. To back to the right, move hand
to the right.
Down Grades-On long or steep down grades,
reduce speed and use a lower transmission range to
assist braking
as
outlined in the transmission
section of this manual.
Long Up· Hill Grades-When ascending long
up·hill grades, the possibility of engine overheatmg
can be reduced by down-shifting the transmission
to DRIVE right or L(Iowl.
Engine Overheating Warning lights-Towng a
trailer under exceptionally severe operating condi-
lions may cause the red "STOP ENG-TEMP" or
''WATER'' warning lights to come on. There are
certain procedures to follow when an indicator
light comes on:
o If the "STOP ENG-TEMP" light and an
audible warning buzzer come on because of a
mechanical failure in the cooling system, you
should not drive the car until the problem is
corrected.
o If the 'WATER" light comes on during
extreme driving conditions, you should pull
over to the side of the road, turn off the air
conditioner (if used) and run the engine
slightly faster than idle speed with the trans·
mission in neutral.
If
Ihe 'WATER" light does go off, then proceed
to dnve
but change driving conditions so as not to
tlx
cooling system so severely.
If
the 'WATER" light does not go off within a
short period of time
(1·2
minutes), then turn the
engme off and look. for mechanical problems.
NOTE If there s evidence of steam, do not
open the hood until the steam disappears.
Open the hood to cool the engine down faster.
Determine whether there is any mechanical
Advertisement
