General information
1. Although towing a trailer will have a negative effect on handling, performance, braking, durability and economy, your vehicle may be used as a towing vehicle provided that the trailer's gross vehicle weight ratings are not exceeded.
Permissible trailer weight:
- equipped with a brake system - 1.7 t
- not equipped with a braking system - 0.75 t
Permissible axle load on the coupling device - 75 kg
2. The permissible trailer weight is also indicated in the trailer documentation by the manufacturer.
Attention:
- A trailer is an additional load on the engine, transmission and suspension of the car. Therefore, do not tow a trailer during the first 2000 km of running ("running-in") on a new car.
- Never drive up a steep slope with the automatic transmission selector lever in the "D" position, as this may cause damage to the transmission.
- The permissible towing load is tested at sea level. If you are going to the mountains, please note that the engine power and permissible towing load will be slightly reduced.
- Different trailer hitches have different towing capacity ratings set by the manufacturer. Even if the vehicle is physically capable of towing more weight, the driver must determine the maximum towing capacity for the specific hitch and never exceed it.
- Trailer tires must be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer based on the total weight of the trailer.
- Before driving, check the distribution of the load in the trailer, with the drawbar bearing approximately 10% of the load.
Recommendations for towing a trailer
1. Because the braking distance of a car with a trailer is increased, the distance to the car in front should be increased by at least one car with a trailer for every 10 km/h of speed. Avoid sudden braking, as this may cause skidding, which will cause the trailer to sway and cause loss of control. This is especially true when the road surface is wet or slippery.
Caution: Observe the maximum speed limits established by the road traffic regulations when towing a trailer. Reduce speed and use engine braking (shift to a lower gear early) before descending a steep or long hill. When selecting gears, follow the recommendations in the section "Driving a car with an automatic transmission" (models with automatic transmission) or "Driving a car with a manual transmission" (models with manual transmission).
2. Avoid sharp steering movements and sharp turns. The trailer may hit your vehicle when turning sharply. Slowly reduce speed before turning to avoid unnecessary or sharp braking.
3. Reversing with a trailer is difficult and requires practical skill. To move the trailer to the left, you must turn the steering wheel to the right, and to move the trailer to the right, you must turn the steering wheel to the left. (This procedure is the exact opposite of what is done when reversing without a trailer.) It is also recommended to turn the steering wheel a small angle at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged rotation. Have someone prompt you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.
4. Be careful when overtaking other cars. Overtaking requires a significant distance. After overtaking a car, do not forget about the length of the trailer and make sure you have enough space before changing lanes.
5. Due to the additional load from the trailer, the vehicle's engine may overheat on hot days (over 30°C) when climbing a long or steep hill with a trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place and follow the procedures described in the "Engine Overheating" subsection of this chapter.
6. Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of the car and trailer after parking. Securely apply the parking brake. Set the automatic transmission selector lever to the "P" position.
7. Avoid parking a car with a trailer on a slope, but if this is unavoidable, then first do the following:
- a) Press the brake pedal and hold it in this position.
- b) Ask someone to place wheel chocks under the wheels of the trailer and the car.
- c) Once the chocks are placed under the wheels, slowly release the brake pedal until the vehicle and trailer are secured on the chocks,
- d) Apply the parking brake securely.
- e) Set the automatic transmission selector lever to position "P" and turn off the engine.
6. To start moving after parking on a slope, perform the following operations:
- a) Start the engine (brake pedal pressed).
- b) Engage a gear or drive mode on the automatic transmission (brake pedal pressed).
- c) Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Slowly drive forward or backward away from the wheel chocks.
- d) Ask someone to remove the stops.