2015 Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - Page 292

Driving and Operating 9-69 { 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. When towing a trailer: . 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. Passing More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer. The combination will not accelerate as quickly and is longer so it is necessary to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the lane. Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window open. Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel. Also adjust the climate control system to a setting that brings in only outside air. See "Climate Control Systems" in the Index. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. To move the trailer to the left, move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. . . Making Turns 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 heavy braking and sudden turns. For more information about Carbon Monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9-23. { Caution Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. (Continued)