Suzuki Swift Quiz
Operating the vehicle

Towing a trailer

In this manual: Operating the vehicle
Inspection and Maintenance — 35Before driving — 21Operating the vehicle — 10Body Care — 5Other Equipment and Accessories — 16General information — 1Driving tips — 4Emergency situations — 5Instrument panel — 29Steering column controls — 11Specifications — 1Supplement — 1
9steps
~54min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 9

This vehicle is designed to carry passengers and a normal amount of luggage, not to tow trailers. SUZUKI does not recommend using it to tow a trailer. Towing a trailer adversely affects handling,

durability and fuel consumption.

In some countries regulations only permit towing trailers with a weight not exceeding a specified maximum; vehicles sold in these countries may be used to tow a light trailer, provided that its mass does not exceed the value permitted by regulations.

If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, you should always observe the requirements and recommendations of this section.

If you intend to tow a trailer, it is important to select a trailer and towing hitch that match each other. A good specialist can help you here.

NOTICE Towing a trailer places additional load on the engine, the drivetrain and the brakes of the vehicle. Never tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km of operation. NOTICE On vehicles with an automatic transmission, do not use the "D" range when towing, unless the trailer is light and the road is flat. During normal driving use "2" or "L" if the load is heavy or the terrain is hilly. Towing in the "D" range may overheat the transmission fluid (without warning signs), which may cause transmission damage.

Tow Hooks

Use only towing hitches that have been designed for this vehicle and trailer couplings that match the towing hitch.

WARNING Never use a towing hitch mounted on the vehicle bumper.

Safety chains

Always install safety chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the chains under the trailer drawbar so that it does not drop to the road if the trailer detaches from the hitch. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when installing the chains. Always leave enough slack to allow turning. Never let the chain drag along the road.

WARNING Never attach chains to the vehicle bumper. Secure the connections so that they cannot come loose.

Trailer lighting

Make sure the trailer has lighting that complies with local regulations. Before starting to tow, always check that the trailer lights work correctly.

WARNING Never connect the trailer lighting directly to the vehicle's electrical system, as this may damage that system.

Brakes

WARNING If trailer brakes are used, always follow all the recommendations provided by the manufacturer. Never connect the trailer to the vehicle's brake system, or draw power directly from its wiring.

Tyres

WARNING When towing a trailer it is very important that both the towing vehicle and the trailer have the correct tire pressures. The vehicle tires should be inflated to the pressure given on the "Tire pressure" label. If the table gives tire pressures for a loaded condition ("LADEN"), use that value. The trailer tires must be inflated according to the specification given by the trailer manufacturer.

Exterior mirrors

Make sure the mirrors meet local requirements for mirrors on vehicles towing trailers. If they do not, install suitable mirrors before starting to tow.

Loading the vehicle/trailer

To load the vehicle and trailer correctly, you need to know how to measure the total trailer weight and the tongue weight.

The total trailer weight is the weight of the trailer together with the entire load. The total trailer weight can be measured by placing the trailer on a drive-on scale.

The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the towing hitch by the trailer coupling when the trailer is fully loaded and the coupling is at normal height. A bathroom scale can be used to measure this weight.

The weight of the loaded trailer (total trailer weight) must never exceed the "Maximum trailer weight".

The load in the trailer should be distributed so that the tongue weight is about 10% of the loaded trailer weight, but not more than 50 kg. Before towing, measure the total trailer weight and the tongue weight to make sure the load is distributed correctly.

WARNING An incorrect trailer weight distribution may impair vehicle handling and cause the trailer to "sway" from side to side. Always remember that the tongue weight should be about 10% of the loaded trailer weight, but not more than 50 kg. Also make sure the load is properly secured. Failure to observe these requirements may lead to an accident. WARNING Never overload the trailer or the vehicle. The loaded trailer weight must never exceed the "Towing capacity", and the total vehicle weight (the sum of the weights of the vehicle, passengers, cargo carried in the vehicle, towing equipment and tongue weight) must not exceed the "Gross vehicle weight" given in the "Specifications" section.

Additional Warnings for Towing a Trailer

WARNING When towing a trailer, always connect its lighting and attach the safety chain. NOTICE Because towing a trailer places additional load on the vehicle, more frequent maintenance will be required than for normal operation. Follow the maintenance schedule recommended for severe operating conditions. WARNING When towing a trailer the vehicle behaves differently. For your own safety and the safety of others, observe the following precautions:
  • Before towing on public roads, practice turning, braking and reversing. Do not attempt to tow on public roads until you are sure you can handle the combination safely.
  • Never exceed the legal speed limit or 80 km/h, whichever is lower. Never drive at speeds at which the trailer sways longitudinally or laterally. If you notice even slight swaying, reduce your speed.
  • When the road is wet, slippery or uneven, drive more slowly than on a dry, smooth surface. Excessive speed in poor road conditions may cause loss of vehicle control.
  • When reversing, assistance from outside the vehicle is required.
  • Leave enough space to brake safely. When towing a trailer, braking distance increases. For every 16 km/h of speed, keep a gap of at least one vehicle-and-trailer combination length from the vehicle ahead. Increase this distance when the road is slippery.
  • If the trailer has surge brakes, apply the vehicle brake gradually to avoid jerking caused by the trailer brakes locking.
  • Slow down before a corner and maintain a steady speed through it. Accelerating or decelerating while turning may cause loss of vehicle control. Remember to take a wider turn than normal, as the trailer wheels will cut inside the path of the vehicle wheels (trailer off-tracking).
  • Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Perform quick manoeuvres only when necessary.
  • Reduce speed in crosswinds, and be prepared for the blast of air when passing large vehicles.
  • Be careful when overtaking. Leave enough room for the trailer when changing lanes, and signal your intentions well in advance.
  • Reduce speed and downshift before starting a descent on long or steep grades. Attempting to change gears while descending is dangerous.
  • Avoid "riding the brakes". This may cause them to overheat and lose effectiveness. Use engine braking as much as possible.
  • Due to the additional load of the trailer, the engine may overheat on hot days when climbing long or steep grades. Watch the engine temperature gauge. If it indicates overheating, pull over and stop in a safe place. See "Engine Overheating" in the "Emergency Situations" section.
WARNING When parking a vehicle with a trailer attached, always follow the procedure below.
  1. Firmly apply the vehicle brake.
  2. Ask an assistant to place wheel chocks under the vehicle and trailer wheels while you hold the vehicle on the brake.
  3. Slowly release the brake, allowing the chocks to take the load.
  4. Fully apply the parking brake.
  5. Shift the manual transmission into first or reverse gear and switch off the engine. Shift the automatic transmission into "Park" and switch off the engine.

When starting from a standstill:

  1. Depress the clutch pedal (if fitted) and start the engine.
  2. Engage a gear, release the parking brake, and slowly drive away from the chocks.
  3. Stop, and depress and hold the brake pedal.
  4. Ask an assistant to remove the wheel chocks.

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