Towing A Trailer - Chevrolet Impala 2007 Impala Owner's Manual

Towing a Trailer

CAUTION:
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If you do not 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.
You may also damage your vehicle; the
resulting repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this
section. Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
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Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with
the 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 and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment,
and it has to be used properly.
That's the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety
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 pulling requirements.