Hyundai Matrix 2003 Owner's Manual page 255

C190E01FC-EAT
TRAILER AND CARAVAN TOWING
Tongue load Total trailer weight
SSA2200B
WARNING:
It is not recommended that the vehicle be
used for towing until the first 1,000 miles
of Running In has been completed. All
Hyundai MATRIX models are suited to tow-
ing trailers and caravans up to the limits
indicated below. MATRIX models fitted with
automatic transaxle have a transaxle oil
cooler and further transaxle cooling should
not be required.
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
SC200B3-E
TOWING ATTACHMENTS
It is strongly recommended that only an
Hyundai Approved towing attachment is used
to ensure that the loads placed upon the body
structure are correctly distributed. The use of
a non approved attachment will result in the
invalidation of the vehicle warranty. Hyundai
towing attachments are designed and con-
structed to ensure maximum towing perfor-
mance and ease of fitment. A range of acces-
sories including electrical kits are available
through the Hyundai dealer network.
It is of the utmost importance that those areas
of the vehicle which are subjected to greater
stress during towing are maintained in accor-
dance with the recommendations given at the
end of this book. In addition, the daily operating
checks relating to engine oil, transmission oil
and tyres must be performed at each refuelling
to ensure maximum reliability and safety.
The use of a proprietary stabiliser will assist in
achieving an inherently stable outfit but whilst
the use of such equipment will improve the
characteristics of a balanced outfit, it will not
compensate for a badly loaded and therefore
unstable outfit.
The tyres and braking equipment fitted to the
trailer or caravan must be maintained in ac-
cordance with the recommendations of the
manufacturer. Special attention should be paid
to tyres which deteriorate through time and
exposure rather than as a result of the dis-
tances towed. The inside walls of the tyres
should be inspected along with the outside
walls for cracking and damage. The trailer
wheel nut torque must be checked on a regular
basis, preferably before each towing session.
The trailer hitch and the safety catch mecha-
nism must be maintained in good working
order. The trailer break away cable or chain
should be inspected for damage and should
be attached to the vehicle towing attachment
each and every time the trailer is hitched to
the vehicle.
Whilst towing, the performance of the vehicle
will be reduced in terms of acceleration, brak-
ing and handling due to the increased loads
placed upon the vehicle. The driver should
anticipate the change in characteristics and
adjust the driving style in keeping with these
changes. Care should be exercised when
cornering and braking to prevent the outfit
becoming uncontrollable by reducing corner-
ing speeds and allowing increased braking
distances.
The driver should exercise care to ensure that
when pulling away from rest particularly on
uphill gradients the clutch unit is not subjected
to excessive slippage which will reduce the
useful life of this component. Use of the
"Overdrive Off" "2" and "L" positions when
driving vehicles with automatic transmission
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