Warning! Avoid towing a trailer for the first 2,000 km (1,220 mi) to allow the new vehicle components to break in. Failure to do so could result in serious damage to the engine or transmission.
Towing hooks
Choose the correct towing hitch combination, making sure that its location matches the mounting location on the trailer or towed vehicle. Use a towing hitch that distributes the load evenly across the chassis.
Warning! Do not connect the trailer's brake system to the vehicle's brake system.
Warning! When towing a trailer on a steep incline (greater than 12%), pay special attention to the engine coolant temperature gauge to prevent the engine from overheating. If the engine coolant temperature gauge needle enters the "H" (Hot) zone of the scale, stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until it cools down. You can then continue driving.
Maximum trailer weight and maximum towing hitch load
The hitch load can be increased or decreased by redistributing the load in the trailer. This can be verified by checking the gross weight of the loaded trailer and checking the hitch load.
Warning! Do not load the trailer so that the rear half is loaded more than the front. 60% of the trailer's load weight should be on the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% on the rear half.
Warning! The gross weight of the trailer must not exceed the values specified in the table.
Warning! The front or rear axle load must not exceed the maximum axle load stated on the vehicle identification plate. It is possible that the trailer towed does not exceed the gross vehicle weight but exceeds the maximum axle load. Incorrect loading of the trailer and/or too much luggage in the trunk of the vehicle may cause the rear axle to be overloaded. Redistribute the load and recheck the axle loads.
Warning! The maximum permissible static vertical load on the coupling device is 50 kg.
Maximum load | |||
Maximum trailer weight | Maximum permissible load on the coupling device | ||
| With brakes | 1.3L. | 900 | 50 |
1.5l. | 1100 | ||
| No brakes | 453 | 50 | |
Warning! Improper loading of your vehicle and trailer can seriously affect the operation of the steering and braking systems, which can lead to an accident in which you can be seriously injured.
Tips for driving with a trailer
1. Before starting towing, check the connections of the hitch, safety chains, and the operation of the trailer lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
2. Always try to move at a moderate speed.
3. Towing a trailer requires more fuel.
4. For effective engine braking and charging system operation, do not engage fifth gear (manual transmission) or overdrive (automatic transmission).
5. Always secure luggage in the trailer so that it cannot be thrown onto the road while driving.
6. Always secure luggage in the trailer so that it cannot be thrown onto the road while driving.
7. The vehicle/trailer combination is more susceptible to crosswinds and shock waves.
If you are being overtaken by a large vehicle, keep the steering wheel straight and maintain a constant speed. If the shock wave from the passing vehicle is too strong, reduce your speed.
8. When parking your vehicle and trailer, especially on a slope, take the usual precautions. Turn the front wheels toward the curb, apply the parking brake, and move the gearshift lever to 1st or reverse (manual transmission) or move the selector to the "P" ("Park") position (automatic transmission). Furthermore, place chocks under each trailer wheel.
9. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer and engage the trailer brake controller manually to make sure the brakes work. This will also help check the wiring connections.
10. During your trip, periodically check that your luggage is securely fastened and that the trailer lights and brake lights are working.
11. Avoid sudden starts, sharp acceleration and sharp braking.
12. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt lane changes.
13. Avoid holding the brake pedal for too long or pressing it too often. This can cause the brakes to overheat and become less effective.
14. Before descending a slope, shift into a lower gear to take full advantage of engine braking. When ascending a long hill, shift into a lower gear and reduce your driving speed to avoid overloading the engine and/or overheating the engine.
15. If you stop while going uphill, do not hold the car in place by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause the automatic transmission to overheat. Use the brake pedal or the parking brake.
Warning! If the engine overheats while towing (coolant temperature gauge in the red zone of the scale), you can eliminate the malfunction as follows:
- 1. Turn off the air conditioner.
- 2. Reduce the speed of the car.
- 3. When climbing, engage a lower gear.
- 4. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, move the selector to the "P" ("Park") or "N" ("Neutral") position and let the engine run at increased idle speed.