1996 Buick Skylark Owner's Manual - Page 185

Towing a Trailer If you don't usethe correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the traileris too heavy,the brakes may not work well or even at all. You and your passengerscould be seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Askyour Buick dealer for advice and information about towing a trailer with yourvehicle. -- Do not tow a trailerif your vehicle equipped with is a 2.4L (Code T) engine. Your vehicle can towa trailer if it is equipped with a 3.1L (Code MJ engine and proper trailer towing equipment. To iden't;rfy what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct be equipment, and it has to used properly. That's the reason this part. In it are many for time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. for of Many of these are important your safety and that your passengers.So please readthis section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such the engine, transaxle, as wheel assembliesand'tiresare forced to work harder of is against the drag the added weight. The engine required to operate relatively higher speeds and under at greater loads, generating extra heat. What's more, the to trailer adds considerably wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs notcovered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this part, andsee your Buick dealer for important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. 4-32