Pontiac 1996 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 182

Towing
a
Trailer
A
CAUTION:
If you don't
use
the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the
brakes may not
work
well
--
or even at all.. You
and your passengers could be seriously injured.
Pull
a
trailer only if you have followed
all
the
steps in this section. Ask your Pontiac dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
Pulling a traikr improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by
your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and
see yumr
Pontiac
dealer for important information about towing a
trailer with your vehicle.
Bo
not tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with a
2.4L (Code T) engine.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with
a
3.1L (Code M) -engine and proper trailer towing
equipment,
To
identify what the vehicle trailering
capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the
information in "Weight of the Trailer'' that appears later
in this section. But trailering is different than just
driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes
in handling, durability, md fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used
propetly.
That's the reason for this part. In it
are
many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safe%
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, transaxle,
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 gulling requjsernents.
1 '
4-34