2005 Nissan 350Z Owner's Manual - Page 263

FLAT TOWING opening the windows, switching the fan control to high and setting the temperature control to the HOT position. ¼ Trailer towing consumes more fuel than normal circumstances. ¼ Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km). ¼ Have a vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recommended maintenance schedule. ¼ When making a turn, your trailer wheels will be closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make a larger than normal turning radius during the turn. ¼ Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly causing vehicle sway. When being passed by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible changes in crosswinds that could affect vehicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead, and immediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle speed. This combination will help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase speed. ¼ Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing while towing a trailer requires considerably more distance than normal passing. Remember the length of the trailer must also pass the other vehicle before you can safely change lanes. ¼ To maintain engine braking efficiency and electrical charging performance, do not use 6th gear (manual transmission) or 5th position (automatic transmission). ¼ Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced braking efficiency. ¼ Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while towing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually. ¼ Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer. ¼ Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break. ¼ When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P (Park) position. When towing a trailer, change transmission oil more frequently. For additional information, see the "8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself" section. Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground is sometimes called flat towing. This method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor home. CAUTION ¼ Failure to follow these guidelines can result in severe transmission damage. ¼ Whenever flat towing your vehicle, always tow forward, never backward. ¼ DO NOT tow any automatic transmission vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (flat towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal transmission parts due to lack of transmission lubrication. ¼ For emergency towing procedures, refer to "Towing recommended by NISSAN" in the "6. In case of emergency" section of this manual. 9-20 Technical and consumer information