Suzuki VITARA Series, Owner'S Manual

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6-4
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
54P00-01E
WARNING
Your vehicle should be handled in a
different way when towing a trailer.
For the safety of yourself and others,
observe the following precautions:
• Practice turning, stopping, and
reversing before you begin towing
a trailer in traffic. Do not tow a
trailer in traffic until you are confi-
dent that you can handle the vehi-
cle 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 or smooth roads.
Failure to slow down when road
conditions are bad can result in
loss of control.
• Always have someone guide you
when reversing.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
• Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at
least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle
ahead. Allow a greater stopping
distance if roads are wet or slip-
pery.
• 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 cor-
nering. Deceleration or accelera-
tion 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.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
• Be careful when overtaking other
vehicles. Allow enough room for
your trailer before changing lanes,
and use turn signal lights properly
in advance.
• Slow down and shift into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt downshifting while you are
descending a hill.
• Do not step on the brake pedal
strongly. This could cause the
brakes to over-heat resulting in
reduced braking efficiency. Use
engine braking as much as possi-
ble.
• 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 indi-
cates overheating, pull off the road
and stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Refer to “Engine trouble: Overheat-
ing” in “EMERGENCY SERVICE”
section.