2012 Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual - Page 332

9-58 Driving and Operating Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires experience. Get familiar with handling and braking with the added trailer weight. The vehicle is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself. Check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. During the trip, check regularly to be sure that the load is secure, and the lamps and trailer brakes are working properly. Pulling a Trailer Here are some important points: . Towing with a Stability Control System When towing, the sound of the stability control system might be heard. The system is reacting to the vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs during cornering. This is normal when towing heavier trailers. There are many laws, including speed limit restrictions that apply to trailering. Check for legal requirements. Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1 600 km (1,000 mi) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle, or other parts could be damaged. During the first 800 km (500 mi) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make starts at full throttle. This reduces wear on the vehicle. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often. Obey speed limit restrictions. Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 90 km/h (55 mph), to reduce wear on the vehicle. . Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. . . Passing More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer. Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the lane. .