Caution – Oldsmobile 1999 Silhouette User Manual

Page 264

Advertising
background image

yellow

blue

4-36

Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the
bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn
with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes

--

and they must be

adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.

Because you have anti

-

lock brakes, do not try to tap into

your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both brake
systems won’t work well, or at all.

Driving with a Trailer

CAUTION:

If you have a rear

-

most window open and you

pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide
(CO) could come into your vehicle. You can’t see
or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. (See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.) To
maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
D Have your exhaust system inspected for

leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.

D Keep the rear

-

most windows closed.

D If exhaust does come into your vehicle

through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
RECIRC because it only recirculates the
air inside your vehicle. (See “Comfort
Controls” in the Index.)

Advertising