2011 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 250

9-42 Driving and Operating . Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips Pulling a Trailer Here are some important points: . There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure the rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you will be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1600 km (1,000 miles) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, transmission or other parts could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Then, 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 helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 90 km/h (55 mph), to save wear on the vehicle's parts. Do not tow a trailer when the outside temperature is above 38°C (100°F). Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself. Before starting, 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. This checks the electrical connection at the same time. During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. . . . Three important considerations have to do with weight: ... the weight of the trailer, the weight of the trailer tongue and the total weight on the vehicle's tires.