1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 213

Towing a Trailer (Models with 2.4L Engine and 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle) I If you don't usethe correctequipment 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 passengers could be seriously injured. You may alsodamage your vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be covered your warranty. by Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Askyour dealer for advice and information about towing atrailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it isequipped with a 2.4L engine and 4 speed automatic transaxle and the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in 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 equipment, and it has to be used properly. -- That's the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of 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 considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with a 2.2L (Code 4) engine. You also cannot tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with a manual or a three-speed automatic transaxle, or is a convertible model. 4-33