Trailer Towing Maintenance

Your vehicle requires more frequent maintenance when you regularly tow a trailer. Pay special attention to engine oil, transmission fluid, axle lubricant, and cooling system fluid. Brake condition is another important item to check frequently. If you tow a trailer, it is a good idea to inspect these items before you start your trip. Do not forget to maintain your trailer and hitch. Follow the maintenance schedule for your trailer and inspect it periodically. It is preferable to perform an inspection at the start of each day of driving. Most importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts must be tightened.

NOTICE

To avoid damaging your vehicle:

• Due to the higher load when towing a trailer, overheating may occur on hot days or while driving uphill. If the coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the air conditioner and stop the vehicle in a safe place to cool the engine.
• Do not turn off the engine while the coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating. (Keep the engine running at idle to allow the engine to cool.)
• When towing, check the transmission fluid more frequently.
• If your vehicle is not equipped with air conditioning, install a condenser fan to improve engine performance when towing a trailer.