1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 201

Towing a Trailer F -don't usethe correct equipment and drive If you properly, you can lose control when you a pull trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the l l brakes may not work well or even at a.You and your passengers could be seriously injured. You may also damage your vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be coveredby your warranty. Pull atrailer only if you have followed the all steps in this section. your dealerfor advice Ask and information about towing trailer with a your vehicle. A CAUTION: -- Your vehicle can towa trailer if it isequipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. identify what the To vehicle trailering capacity for your vehicle, you is should read the information "Weight of the Trailer" in that appears later this section. But trailering is in different than just driving your vehicle itself. by Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful,safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That's the reason this part. In it are many for time-tested, important traileringtips and safety rules. Many of these are importantfor your safety and that of your passengers. So please readthis section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such the engine, as transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies tires are and forced to work harder against the drag the added of weight. The engine is required to operate relatively at higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What's more, trailer adds considerably to wind the resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. 4-32 . .