2011 Chevrolet Cruze Owner's Manual - Page 241

Driving and Operating The following information has important trailering tips and rules for your safety and that of your passengers. Read this section carefully before pulling a trailer. . 9-45 Pulling a Trailer Here are some important points: . There are many laws, including speed limit restrictions that apply to trailering. Check for legal requirements with state or provincial police. Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1 600 km (1,000 miles) the new vehicle is driven. The engine or other parts could be damaged. During the first 800 km (500 miles) 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. Vehicles with automatic transmissions can tow in D (Drive) but M (Manual Mode) is recommended. See Manual Mode on page 9‑27 for more information. Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often. For vehicles with a manual transmission, it is better not to use the highest gear. Use the cruise control when towing. 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. 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. . . . 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. . 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.