MARUTI SUZUKI Automobile, User Manual

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113
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. For your safety
and the safety of others, you should
observe the following precautions:
• Practice turning, stopping, and
reversing before you begin towing
in traffic. Do not tow in traffic until
you are confident that you can han-
dle the vehicle and trailer safely.
• Never exceed towing speed limits
or 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is
lower.
• Never drive at a speed that causes
shaking or swaying of the trailer. If
you notice even the slightest sign
of shaking or swaying, slow down.
• When roads are wet, slippery or
rough, drive at a slower speed than
you would on dry, smooth roads.
Failure to slow down when road
conditions are bad can result in
loss of control.
• Always have someone guide you
when reversing.
• Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each 16
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km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at
least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle
ahead. Follow at a greater distance
if roads are wet or slippery.
• If the trailer has over-run brakes,
apply the brakes gradually to avoid
snatching caused by the trailer
wheels locking.
• Slow down before corners and
maintain a steady speed while
cornering. Deceleration or accele-
ration while cornering can result
in loss of control. Remember that
a larger than normal turning radius
is needed because the trailer
wheels will be closer than vehicle
wheels to the inside of the turn.
• Avoid sudden acceleration and
stopping of the vehicle. Do not
make quick maneuvers unless they
are necessary.
• Slow down in cross winds and be
prepared for gusts of wind from
large passing vehicles.
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• Be careful when overtaking other
vehicles. Be sure to allow enough
room for your trailer before you
change lanes, and signal well in
advance.
• Slow down and change into a lower
gear before you reach long or
steep downhill grades. It is hazar-
dous to attempt changing down
while you are descending a hill.
• Avoid “riding” the brakes. This
could cause the brakes to overheat
resulting in reduced braking
efficiency. Use engine braking as
much as possible.
• Because of the added trailer
weight, your engine may overheat
on hot days when going up long
or steep hills. Pay attention to your
engine temperature gauge. If it
indicates overheating, pull off the
road and stop in a safe place. Refer
to “If the Engine Overheats” in
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section.
VEHICLE LOADING TOWING
7-4