Driving with a Trailer
WARNING
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. To maximize safety when towing a trailer:
- Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks and make necessary repairs before starting a trip.
- Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window open.
- Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
- Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about Carbon Monoxide, see Engine Exhaust .
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. The combination you are driving is longer and not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Get acquainted with the handling and braking of the rig before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires and mirrors. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the combination moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure and the lamps and any trailer brakes still work.
See also:
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors the operation
of the vehicle to ensure emissions
are at acceptable levels, to produce
a cleaner environment. ...
Auto Door Unlock
This feature allows you to select
whether or not the door(s) will
automatically unlock. It also allows
you to select which doors and when
they will automatically unlock.
See Automatic Door Lo ...
Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint
WARNING
A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not
properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the
instructions that came with that ...