Driving while you tow, Servicing after towing, Trailer towing tips – Lincoln 2011 MKX User Manual

Page 208: Tires, wheels and loading

Advertising
background image

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles

(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Use a lower gear to eliminate excessive shifting and assist in

transmission cooling. For additional information, refer to Automatic
transmission operation
in the Driving chapter.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate

stops and brake gradually.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to Special operating conditions in the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide chapter.

Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do

not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

208

2011 MKX (mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA
(fus)

Advertising