Pontiac 2009 Vibe User Manual

Page 254

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Parking on Hills

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CAUTION

Parking the vehicle on a hill
with the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.

To park your rig on a hill:

1. Apply your regular brakes, but

do not shift into P (Park) for an
automatic transmission or into
gear for a manual transmission,
yet. When parking uphill, turn
your wheels away from the curb.
When parking downhill, turn your
wheels into the curb.

2. Have someone place chocks

under the trailer wheels.

3. When the chocks are in place,

release the regular brakes until
the chocks absorb the load.

4. Reapply the regular brakes.

Then apply your parking
brake and shift into P (Park)
for an automatic transmission
or R (Reverse) for a manual
transmission.

5. Release the regular brakes.

When You Are Ready to Leave
After Parking on a Hill

1. Apply your regular brakes and

hold the pedal down while you:

start your engine

shift the transmission
into gear

release the parking brake

2. Let up on the brake pedal.

3. Drive slowly until the trailer is

clear of the chocks.

4. Stop and have someone pick up

and store the chocks.

Maintenance When Trailer
Towing

Your vehicle will need service more
often when you are pulling a trailer.
See the Maintenance Schedule
for more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
fluid (do not overfill), engine oil, drive
belt, cooling system and brake
system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help
find them quickly. If you are trailering,
it is a good idea to review this
information before starting your trip.

Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing

The cooling system could
temporarily overheat during severe
operating conditions. See Engine
Overheating on page 9-22
.

9-82

Vehicle Service and Care

2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

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