1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owner's Manual - Page 265

Towing a Trailer If you don't use the correct equipment and drive you properly, you can lose control when pull a trailer. For example,if the traileris too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even a t all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. Pull a trailer onlyif you have followedall the steps in this section. Ask your retailer for advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is foryour vehicle, you should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears laterin this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safetrailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That's the reason for this section. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. your safety and that of Many of these are important for your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What's more, the trailer adds considerablyto wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. -- NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this part, and your retailer for see important information about towing trailer a with yourvehicle. 4-33