1994 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 145

Your Driving and the Road I Driving witha Trailer 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. Making Turns When you're turning witha trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this your so railer won't strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid ierky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in 3dvance. 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. Andalways keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly so .responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector, lights, 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. Passing You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lights will also flash, telling other drivers you're about to turn, change lanes or stop. When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will flash for are turns even if the bulbs on the trailer burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. During your trip, check occasionally to be To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up sure that the load is secure, and that the slowly and, if possible, have someone lights and any trailer brakesare still guide you. working. ...144