1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owner's Manual - Page 257

Towing a Trailer /\ CA, TKL 4: If you don't use the correct equipmentand 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. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Ask your Oldsmobile retailer for advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle can tow a trailer. 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 section. 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 asthe engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engine is required to operate atrelatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What's more, the trailer adds considerably wind resistance, increasing to 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 Oldsmobile retailer forimportant information abouttowing a trailer with your vehicle.