Towing a trailer – Acura 2004 TSX - Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 230

Advertising
background image

Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your car, and it can
hit or run over something the car
misses. Allow more time and
distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.

When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.

When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
down and stop when towing a trailer.

If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the car in place by
pressing on the accelerator, as this
can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.

If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently within 3rd, 4th, and 5th
gears while going up a hill, shift to
D .

Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large car, keep a constant speed and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.

Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the

of the steering

wheel; then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left,
and turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.

Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including firmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.

3

bottom

Towing a Trailer

Driving

Making Turns and Braking

Driving on Hills

Handling Crosswinds and Buf f eting

Backing Up

Parking

227

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Advertising