Hyundai Elantra Touring (2012 year). Instruction - part 16
Driving your vehicle
To dry the brakes, apply the brakes
•
If your car is equipped with an auto-
•
Do not hold the vehicle on the upgrade
lightly until the braking action returns to
matic transaxle, don't let your car
with the accelerator pedal. This can
normal, taking care to keep the car
creep forward. To avoid creeping for-
cause the transaxle to overheat.
under control at all times. If the braking
ward, keep your foot firmly on the
Always use the brake pedal or parking
action does not return to normal, stop
brake pedal when the car is stopped.
brake.
as soon as it is safe to do so and call
•
Use caution when parking on a hill.
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer for
Firmly engage the parking brake and
assistance.
place the gear selector lever in P (auto-
•
Don't coast down hills with the car out
matic transaxle) or in first or reverse
of gear. This is extremely hazardous.
gear (manual transaxle). If your car is
Keep the car in gear at all times, use
facing downhill, turn the front wheels
the brakes to slow down, then shift to a
into the curb to help keep the car from
lower gear so that engine braking will
rolling. If your car is facing uphill, turn
help you maintain a safe speed.
the front wheels away from the curb to
•
Don't "ride" the brake pedal. Resting
help keep the car from rolling. If there
your foot on the brake pedal while driv-
is no curb or if it is required by other
ing can be dangerous because it can
conditions to keep the car from rolling,
result in the brakes overheating and
block the wheels.
losing their effectiveness. It also
•
Under some conditions your parking
increases the wear of the brake com-
brake can freeze in the engaged posi-
ponents.
tion. This is most likely to happen when
•
If a tire goes flat while you are driving,
there is an accumulation of snow or ice
apply the brakes gently and keep the
around or near the rear brakes or if the
car pointed straight ahead while you
brakes are wet. If there is a risk that the
slow down. When you are moving
parking brake may freeze, apply it only
slowly enough for it to be safe to do so,
temporarily while you put the gear
pull off the road and stop in a safe
selector lever in P
(automatic
place.
transaxle) or in first or reverse gear
(manual transaxle) and block the rear
wheels so the car cannot roll. Then
release the parking brake.
5 25
Driving your vehicle
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
E090000AFD-EU
(Continued)
The cruise control system allows you to
• Pay particular attention to the
program the vehicle to maintain a con-
driving conditions whenever
stant speed without pressing the acceler-
using the cruise control system.
ator pedal.
• Be careful when driving downhill
This system is designed to function
using the cruise control system,
above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
which may increase the vehicle
speed.
WARNING
•
If the cruise control is left on,
(CRUISE indicator light in the
CAUTION
instrument cluster illuminated)
During cruise-speed driving of a
OFD057010
the cruise control can be
manual transaxle vehicle, do not
E090100AEN
switched on accidentally. Keep
shift into neutral without depress-
the cruise control system off
To set cruise control speed:
ing the clutch pedal, since the
(CRUISE indicator light OFF)
1. Push the CRUISE ON-OFF button on
engine will be overrevved. If this
when the cruise control is not in
the steering wheel to turn the system
happens, depress the clutch pedal
use, to avoid inadvertently set-
on. The CRUISE indicator light in the
or release the cruise control
ting a speed.
instrument cluster will illuminate.
ON/OFF switch.
•
Use the cruise control system
2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which
only when traveling on open
must be more than 25 mph (40 km/h).
highways in good weather.
✽ NOTICE
•
Do not use the cruise control
During normal cruise control operation,
when it may not be safe to keep
when the SET switch is activated or
the car at a constant speed, for
reactivated after applying the brakes,
instance, driving in heavy or
the cruise control will energize after
varying traffic, or on slippery
approximately 3 seconds. This delay is
(rainy, icy or snow-covered) or
normal.
winding roads or over 6% up-hill
or down-hill roads.
(Continued)
5 26
Driving your vehicle
OFD057011
OFD057012
OFD057011
3. Push the COAST/SET switch, and
E090200AFD
E090300AFD
release it at the desired speed. The SET
To increase cruise control set
To decrease the cruising speed:
indicator light in the instrument cluster
speed:
Follow either of these procedures:
will illuminate. Release the accelerator
Follow either of these procedures:
• Push the COAST/SET switch and hold
at the same time. The desired speed will
• Push the RES/ACCEL switch and hold
it. Your vehicle will gradually slow
automatically be maintained.
it. Your vehicle will accelerate. Release
down. Release the switch at the speed
On a steep grade, the vehicle may slow
the switch at the speed you want.
you want to maintain.
down or speed up slightly while going
• Push the RES/ACCEL switch and
• Push the COAST/SET switch and
downhill.
release it immediately. The cruising
release it immediately. The cruising
speed will increase by 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
speed will decrease by
1 mph (1.6
each time the RES/ACCEL switch is
km/h) each time the COAST/SET
operated in this manner.
switch is operated in this manner.
5 27
Driving your vehicle
E090400AUN
Each of these actions will cancel cruise
To temporarily accelerate with the
control operation (the SET indicator light
cruise control on:
in the instrument cluster will go off), but it
will not turn the system off. If you wish to
If you want to speed up temporarily when
resume cruise control operation, push
the cruise control is on, depress the
the RES/ACCEL switch located on your
accelerator pedal. Increased speed will
steering wheel. You will return to your
not interfere with cruise control operation
previously preset speed.
or change the set speed.
To return to the set speed, take your foot
off the accelerator.
OFD057013
E090500AFD
To cancel cruise control, do one
of the following:
• Press the brake pedal.
• Press the clutch pedal with a manual
transaxle.
• Shift into N (Neutral) with an automatic
transaxle.
• Press the CANCEL switch located on
the steering wheel.
• Decrease the vehicle speed lower than
the memory speed by
9 mph (15
km/h).
• Decrease the vehicle speed to less
than approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
5 28
Driving your vehicle
E090700AUN
To turn cruise control off, do one
of the following:
• Push the CRUISE ON-OFF button (the
CRUISE indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster will go off).
• Turn the ignition off.
Both of these actions cancel cruise con-
trol operation. If you want to resume
cruise control operation, repeat the steps
provided in “To set cruise control speed”
on the previous page.
OFD057012
E090600AUN
To resume cruising speed at
more than approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h):
If any method other than the CRUISE
ON-OFF switch was used to cancel
cruising speed and the system is still
activated, the most recent set speed will
automatically resume when the
RES/ACCEL switch is pushed.
It will not resume, however, if the vehicle
speed has dropped below approximately
25 mph (40 km/h).
5 29
Driving your vehicle
ECONOMICAL OPERATION
E100000AFD
•
Don't "ride" the brake or clutch pedal.
•
Keep your car clean. For maximum
Your vehicle's fuel economy depends
This can increase fuel consumption
service, your vehicle should be kept
mainly on your style of driving, where you
and also increase wear on these com-
clean and free of corrosive materials. It
drive and when you drive.
ponents. In addition, driving with your
is especially important that mud, dirt,
Each of these factors affects how many
foot resting on the brake pedal may
ice, etc. not be allowed to accumulate
miles (kilometers) you can get from a gal-
cause the brakes to overheat, which
on the underside of the car. This extra
lon (liter) of fuel. To operate your vehicle
reduces their effectiveness and may
weight can result in increased fuel con-
as economically as possible, use the fol-
lead to more serious consequences.
sumption and also contribute to corro-
lowing driving suggestions to help save
•
Take care of your tires. Keep them
sion.
money in both fuel and repairs:
inflated to the recommended pressure.
•
Travel lightly. Don't carry unnecessary
•
Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a moder-
Incorrect inflation, either too much or
weight in your car. Weight reduces fuel
ate rate. Don't make "jack-rabbit" starts
too little, results in unnecessary tire
economy.
or full-throttle shifts and maintain a
wear. Check the tire pressures at least
•
Don't let the engine idle longer than
steady cruising speed. Don't race
once a month.
necessary. If you are waiting (and not
between stoplights. Try to adjust your
•
Be sure that the wheels are aligned
in traffic), turn off your engine and
speed to that of the other traffic so you
correctly. Improper alignment can
restart only when you're ready to go.
don't have to change speeds unneces-
result from hitting curbs or driving too
•
Remember, your vehicle does not
sarily. Avoid heavy traffic whenever
fast over irregular surfaces. Poor align-
require extended warm-up. After the
possible. Always maintain a safe dis-
ment causes faster tire wear and may
engine has started, allow the engine to
tance from other vehicles so you can
also result in other problems as well as
run for 10 to 20 seconds prior to plac-
avoid unnecessary braking. This also
greater fuel consumption.
ing the vehicle in gear. In very cold
reduces brake wear.
•
Keep your car in good condition. For
weather, however, give your engine a
•
Drive at a moderate speed. The faster
better fuel economy and reduced
slightly longer warm-up period.
you drive, the more fuel your car uses.
maintenance costs, maintain your car
•
Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the engine.
Driving at a moderate speed, especial-
in accordance with the maintenance
Lugging is driving too slowly in too
ly on the highway, is one of the most
schedule in Section 7. If you drive your
high a gear resulting in the engine
effective ways to reduce fuel consump-
car in severe conditions, more frequent
bucking. If this happens, shift to a lower
tion.
maintenance is required (see Section
gear. Over-revving is racing the engine
7 for details).
beyond its safe limit. This can be avoid-
ed by shifting at the recommended
speeds.
5 30
Driving your vehicle
• Use your air conditioning sparingly.
The air conditioning system is operat-
WARNING - Engine off dur-
ed by engine power so your fuel econ-
ing motion
omy is reduced when you use it.
Never turn the engine off to coast
• Open windows at high speeds can
down hills or anytime the vehicle is
reduce fuel economy.
in motion. The power steering and
• Fuel economy is less in crosswinds
power brakes will not function
and headwinds. To help offset some of
properly without the engine run-
this loss, slow down when driving in
ning. Instead, keep the engine on
these conditions.
and downshift to an appropriate
gear for engine braking effect. In
Keeping a vehicle in good operating con-
addition, turning off the ignition
dition is important both for economy and
while driving could engage the
steering wheel lock resulting in
safety. Therefore, have an authorized
loss of vehicle steering which
HYUNDAI dealer perform scheduled
inspections and maintenance.
could cause serious injury or
death.
5 31
Driving your vehicle
SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
E110100AUN
Hazardous driving conditions
WARNING - Downshifting
WARNING - Spinning tires
When hazardous driving conditions are
Downshifting with an automatic
Do not spin the wheels, especially
encountered such as water, snow, ice,
transaxle, while driving on slippery
at speeds more than 35 mph (56
mud, sand, or similar hazards, follow
surfaces can cause an accident.
km/h). Spinning the wheels at high
these suggestions:
The sudden change in tire speed
speeds when the vehicle is station-
• Drive cautiously and allow extra dis-
could cause the tires to skid. Be
ary could cause a tire to overheat
tance for braking.
careful when downshifting on slip-
which could result in tire damage
pery surfaces.
that may injure bystanders.
• Avoid sudden movements in braking or
steering.
• When braking with non-ABS brakes
E110200AFD
✽ NOTICE
pump the brake pedal with a light up-
Rocking the vehicle
The ESC system (if equipped) should be
and-down motion until the vehicle is
turned OFF prior to rocking the vehicle.
If it is necessary to rock the vehicle to
stopped.
free it from snow, sand, or mud, first turn
the steering wheel right and left to clear
WARNING
WARNING - ABS
the area around your front wheels. Then,
If your vehicle becomes stuck in
Do not pump the brake pedal on a
shift back and forth between 1 (First) and
snow, mud, sand, etc., then you
vehicle equipped with ABS.
R (Reverse) in vehicles equipped with a
may attempt to rock the vehicle free
manual transaxle or R (Reverse) and any
by moving it forward and backward.
forward gear in vehicles equipped with
• If stalled in snow, mud, or sand, use
Do not attempt this procedure if
an automatic transaxle. Do not race the
second gear. Accelerate slowly to
people or objects are anywhere
engine, and spin the wheels as little as
avoid spinning the drive wheels.
near the vehicle. During the rocking
possible. If you are still stuck after a few
• Use sand, rock salt, tire chains, or
operation the vehicle may suddenly
tries, have the vehicle pulled out by a tow
other non-slip material under the drive
move forward or backward as it
vehicle to avoid engine overheating and
wheels to provide traction when stalled
becomes unstuck, causing injury
possible damage to the transaxle.
in ice, snow, or mud.
or damage to nearby people or
objects.
CAUTION
Prolonged rocking may cause
engine over-heating, transaxle dam-
age or failure, and tire damage.
5
32
Driving your vehicle
• Avoid staring directly at the headlights
of oncoming vehicles. You could be
temporarily blinded, and it will take
several seconds for your eyes to read-
just to the darkness.
OUN056051
OCM053010
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E110400AUN
Smooth cornering
Driving at night
Avoid braking or gear changing in cor-
Because night time driving presents
ners, especially when roads are wet.
more hazards than driving in the daytime,
Ideally, corners should always be taken
here are some important tips to remem-
under gentle acceleration. If you follow
ber:
these suggestions, tire wear will be mini-
• Slow down and keep more distance
mum.
between you and other vehicles, as it
may be more difficult to see at night,
especially in areas where there may
not be any street lights.
• Adjust your mirrors to reduce the glare
from other driver's headlights.
• Keep your headlights clean and prop-
erly aimed on vehicles not equipped
with the automatic headlight aiming
feature. Dirty or improperly aimed
headlights will make it much more diffi-
cult to see at night.
5
33
Driving your vehicle
• If your tires are not in good condition,
making a quick stop on wet pavement
can cause a skid and possibly lead to
an accident. Be sure your tires are in
good shape.
• Turn on your headlights to make it eas-
ier for others to see you.
• Driving too fast through large puddles
can affect your brakes. If you must go
through puddles, try to drive through
them slowly.
• If you believe you may have gotten
1VQA3003
1VQA1004
your brakes wet, apply them lightly
E110500AUN
while driving until normal braking oper-
E110700AUN
Driving in the rain
ation returns.
Highway driving
Rain and wet roads can make driving
Tires:
dangerous, especially if you’re not pre-
E110600AUN
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to
pared for the slick pavement. Here are a
Driving in flooded areas
specification. Low tire inflation pressures
few things to consider when driving in the
will result in overheating and possible
Avoid driving through flooded areas
rain:
failure of the tires.
unless you are sure the water is no high-
• A heavy rainfall will make it harder to
er than the bottom of the wheel hub.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires which
see and will increase the distance
Drive through any water slowly. Allow
may result in reduced traction or tire fail-
needed to stop your vehicle, so slow
adequate stopping distance because
ure.
down.
brake performance may be affected.
• Keep your windshield wiping equip-
After driving through water, dry the
✽ NOTICE
ment in good shape. Replace your
brakes by gently applying them several
Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
windshield wiper blades when they
times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
pressure shown on the tires.
show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield.
5 34
Driving your vehicle
Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil:
WARNING
High speed travel consumes more fuel
•
Underinflated or overinflated
than urban motoring. Do not forget to
tires can cause poor handling,
check both engine coolant and engine
loss of vehicle control, and sud-
oil.
den tire failure leading to acci-
Drive belt:
dents, injuries, and even death.
Always check the tires for proper
A loose or damaged drive belt may result
inflation before driving. For prop-
in overheating of the engine.
er tire pressures, refer to “Tires
and wheels” in section 8.
•
Driving on tires with no or insuffi-
cient tread is dangerous. Worn-
out tires can result in loss of
vehicle control, collisions, injury,
and even death. Worn-out tires
should be replaced as soon as
possible and should never be
used for driving. Always check
the tire tread before driving your
car. For further information and
tread limits, refer to “Tires and
wheels” in section 7.
5 35
Driving your vehicle
WINTER DRIVING
During deceleration, use engine braking
E120101AUN
to the fullest extent. Sudden brake appli-
Snow tires
cations on snowy or icy roads may cause
If you mount snow tires on your vehicle,
skids to occur. You need to keep suffi-
make sure they are radial tires of the
cient distance between the vehicle in
same size and load range as the original
operation in front and your vehicle. Also,
tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels
apply the brake gently. It should be noted
to balance your vehicle’s handling in all
that installing tire chains on the tire will
weather conditions. Keep in mind that the
provide a greater driving force, but will
traction provided by snow tires on dry
not prevent side skids.
roads may not be as high as your vehi-
cle's original equipment tires. You should
✽ NOTICE
drive cautiously even when the roads are
1VQA3005
Tire chains are not legal in all countries.
clear. Check with the tire dealer for max-
Check the country laws before fitting
imum speed recommendations.
E120000AUN
tire chains.
More severe winter weather conditions
result in greater wear and other prob-
WARNING - Snow tire size
lems. To minimize winter driving prob-
Snow tires should be equivalent in
lems, you should follow these sugges-
size and type to the vehicle's stan-
tions:
dard tires. Otherwise, the safety
and handling of your vehicle may
E120100AUN
be adversely affected.
Snowy or Icy conditions
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may
Do not install studded tires without first
be necessary to use snow tires or to
checking local, state and municipal regu-
install tire chains on your tires. If snow
lations for possible restrictions against
tires are needed, it is necessary to select
their use.
tires equivalent in size and type of the
original equipment tires. Failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your car. Furthermore, speeding,
rapid acceleration, sudden brake appli-
cations, and sharp turns are potentially
very hazardous practices.
5
36
Driving your vehicle
Chain installation
CAUTION
When installing chains, follow the manu-
•
Make sure the snow chains are
facturer's instructions and mount them as
the correct size and type for your
tightly as you can. Drive slowly with
tires. Incorrect snow chains can
chains installed. If you hear the chains
cause damage to the vehicle body
contacting the body or chassis, stop and
and suspension and may not be
tighten them. If they still make contact,
covered by your vehicle manufac-
slow down until it stops. Remove the
turer warranty. Also, the snow
chains as soon as you begin driving on
chain connecting hooks may be
cleared roads.
damaged from contacting vehicle
components causing the snow
1JBA4068
chains to come loose from the
WARNING
tire. Make sure the snow chains
- Mounting chains
E120102AUN
are SAE class “S” certified.
When mounting snow chains, park
Tire chains
•
Always check chain installation
the vehicle on level ground away
Since the sidewalls of radial tires are
for proper mounting after driving
from traffic. Turn on the vehicle
thinner, they can be damaged by mount-
approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles (0.5
Hazard Warning flashers and place
ing some types of snow chains on them.
to 1 km) to ensure safe mounting.
a triangular emergency warning
Therefore, the use of snow tires is rec-
Retighten or remount the chains
device behind the vehicle if avail-
ommended instead of snow chains. Do
if they are loose.
able. Always place the vehicle in
not mount tire chains on vehicles
park (P), apply the parking brake
equipped with aluminum wheels; snow
and turn off the engine before
chains may cause damage to the wheels.
installing snow chains.
If snow chains must be used, use wire
type chains with a thickness of less than
0.59in
(15mm) for P195/65R15 tire,
0.39in
(10mm) for P205/55R16 and
P215/45R17 tires. Damage to your vehi-
cle caused by improper snow chain use
is not covered by your vehicle manufac-
turers warranty.
Install tire chains only on the front tires.
5 37
Driving your vehicle
E120200AUN
E120400AFD
WARNING - Tire chains
Use high quality ethylene glycol
Change to "winter weight" oil if
•
The use of chains may adversely
coolant
necessary
affect vehicle handling.
Your vehicle is delivered with high quality
In some climates it is recommended that
•
Do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h)
ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling
a lower viscosity "winter weight" oil be
or the chain manufacturer’s rec-
system. It is the only type of coolant that
used during cold weather. See section 9
ommended speed limit, whichev-
should be used because it helps prevent
for recommendations. If you aren't sure
er is lower.
corrosion in the cooling system, lubri-
what weight oil you should use, consult
•
Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
cates the water pump and prevents
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
holes, sharp turns, and other
freezing. Be sure to replace or replenish
road hazards, which may cause
your coolant in accordance with the
E120500AUN
the vehicle to bounce.
maintenance schedule in section
7.
Check spark plugs and ignition
•
Avoid sharp turns or locked-
Before winter, have your coolant tested to
system
assure that its freezing point is sufficient
wheel braking.
for the temperatures anticipated during
Inspect your spark plugs as described in
the winter.
section 7 and replace them if necessary.
Also check all ignition wiring and compo-
CAUTION
nents to be sure they are not cracked,
E120300AFD
•
Chains that are the wrong size or
worn or damaged in any way.
Check battery and cables
improperly installed can damage
your vehicle's brake lines, sus-
Winter puts additional burdens on the
pension, body and wheels.
battery system. Visually inspect the bat-
tery and cables as described in section
•
Stop driving and retighten the
7. The level of charge in your battery can
chains any time you hear them
be checked by an authorized HYUNDAI
hitting the vehicle.
dealer or a service station.
5 38
Driving your vehicle
E120600AUN
E120800AUN
E121000AUN
To keep locks from freezing
Don't let your parking brake
Carry emergency equipment
To keep the locks from freezing, squirt an
freeze
Depending on the severity of the weath-
approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into
Under some conditions your parking
er where you drive your car, you should
the key opening. If a lock is covered with
brake can freeze in the engaged position.
carry appropriate emergency equipment.
ice, squirt it with an approved de-icing
This is most likely to happen when there
Some of the items you may want to carry
fluid to remove the ice. If the lock is
is an accumulation of snow or ice around
include tire chains, tow straps or chains,
frozen internally, you may be able to thaw
or near the rear brakes or if the brakes
flashlight, emergency flares, sand, a
it out by using a heated key. Handle the
are wet. If there is a risk the parking
shovel, jumper cables, a window scraper,
heated key with care to avoid injury.
brake may freeze, apply it only temporar-
gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, a blanket,
ily while you put the gear selector lever in
etc.
E120700AFD
P (automatic transaxle) or in first or
reverse gear
(manual transaxle) and
Use approved window washer
block the rear wheels so the car cannot
anti-freeze in system
roll. Then release the parking brake.
To keep the water in the window washer
system from freezing, add an approved
E120900AUN
window washer anti-freeze solution in
Don't let ice and snow accumu-
accordance with instructions on the con-
tainer. Window washer anti-freeze is
late underneath
available from an authorized HYUNDAI
Under some conditions, snow and ice
dealer and most auto parts outlets. Do
can build up under the fenders and inter-
not use engine coolant or other types of
fere with the steering. When driving in
anti-freeze as these may damage the
severe winter conditions where this may
paint finish.
happen, you should periodically check
underneath the car to be sure the move-
ment of the front wheels and the steering
components is not obstructed.
5 39
Driving your vehicle
TRAILER TOWING
E140000AEN
This section contains many time-tested,
If you are considering towing with your
CAUTION
important trailering tips and safety rules.
car, you should first check with your
Pulling a trailer improperly can
Many of these are important for your
state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to
damage your vehicle and result in
safety and that of your passengers.
determine their legal requirements.
costly repairs not covered by your
Please read this section carefully before
Since laws vary from state to state the
warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,
you pull a trailer.
requirements for towing trailers, cars, or
follow the advice in this section.
other types of vehicles or apparatus may
Load-pulling components such as the
differ. Ask an authorized HYUNDAI deal-
engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and
er for further details before towing.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify
tires are forced to work harder against
what the vehicle trailering capacity is for
the load of the added weight. The engine
your vehicle, you should read the infor-
WARNING - Towing a trail-
is required to operate at relatively higher
mation in
“Weight of the trailer” that
er
speeds and under greater loads. This
appears later in this section.
If you don't use the correct equip-
additional burden generates extra heat.
ment and drive improperly, you can
The trailer also adds considerably to
lose control when you pull a trailer.
Remember that trailering is different than
wind resistance, increasing the pulling
For example, if the trailer is too
just driving your vehicle by itself.
requirements.
heavy, the brakes may not work
Trailering means changes in handling,
well - or even at all. You and your
durability, and fuel economy. Successful,
passengers could be seriously or
safe trailering requires correct equip-
fatally injured. Pull a trailer only if
ment, and it has to be used properly.
you have followed all the steps in
this section.
WARNING - Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total
trailer weight, gross combination
weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
5 40
Driving your vehicle
E140100AUN
E140200AUN
E140300AUN-EU
Hitches
Safety chains
Trailer brakes
It's important to have the correct hitch
You should always attach chains
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
between your vehicle and your trailer.
system, make sure it conforms to federal
going by, and rough roads are a few rea-
Cross the safety chains under the tongue
and/or local regulations and that it is
sons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here
of the trailer so that the tongue will not
properly installed and operating correctly.
are some rules to follow:
drop to the road if it becomes separated
If your trailer weighs more than the max-
•
Will you have to make any holes in the
from the hitch.
imum trailer weight without trailer brakes
body of your vehicle when you install a
Instructions about safety chains may be
loaded, then it needs its own brakes and
trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
they must be adequate. Be sure to read
seal the holes later when you remove
the trailer manufacturer. Follow the man-
and follow the instructions for the trailer
the hitch.
ufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust
If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
safety chains. Always leave just enough
and maintain them properly.
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can
slack so you can turn with your trailer.
• Don’t tap into your vehicle's brake sys-
get into your vehicle, as well as dirt and
And, never allow safety chains to drag on
tem.
water.
the ground.
•
The bumpers on your vehicle are not
WARNING - Trailer brakes
intended for hitches. Do not attach
Do not use a trailer with its own
rental hitches or other bumper-type
brakes unless you are absolutely
hitches to them. Use only a frame-
certain that you have properly set
mounted hitch that does not attach to
up the brake system. This is not a
the bumper.
task for amateurs. Use an experi-
enced, competent trailer shop for
this work.
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