1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owner's Manual - Page 208

Driving with a Trailer A -CAUTION: If you have a rear-most window open and you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO) could come into yourvehicle. You can't see or smell CO.It can cause unconsciousness or death. (See "Engine Exhaust" in theIndex.) To maximize your safety when towinga trailer: Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, and make necessary repairs before starting on your trip. 0 Keep the rear-most windows closed. 0 I exhaust does come into your vehicle f through a window in therear or another opening, drive with your front, main heating or cooling system on and with the fan on any speed. This will bring fresh, outside air into yourvehicle. Do not use RECIRC because it only recirculates the air inside your vehicle. (See "Comfort Controls" in the Index.) I Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longerand not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start, checkthe trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionally to be surethat the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.