FORD 2002 Focus v.3 - Manual (Page 212)

Driving
212
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long
distances, your vehicle will require
more frequent service intervals.
Refer to your scheduled
maintenance guide for more
information.
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.
• Allow more distance for stopping
with a trailer attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should
be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
• After you have traveled 80 km
(50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch electrical connections and
trailer wheel lug nuts.
• When stopped in traffic for long
periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids
engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
• 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.