Preparing to move
Despite the fact that any passenger car is intended mainly for the transport of people and hand luggage, with the use of appropriate technical equipment it is possible to tow a trailer.
In no case should the trailer be overloaded beyond the permissible value.
Note. The maximum allowable weights of the trailer given in the Specifications are valid only for areas located at an altitude of not more than 1000 m above sea level. Due to the fact that the efficiency of engine output gradually decreases with increasing terrain height due to rarefied air, the value of the maximum permissible trailer workshop should be reduced by 10% for each subsequent 1000 m of ascent, starting from the first.
Also, the maximum permissible vertical load on the ball head of the tow hitch should not be exceeded - make sure that the load is distributed correctly in the trailer, placing the heaviest objects, if possible, above the axle of the axle. Make sure the load is secured.
Do not forget to correct the tire pressure of the car being prepared for towing a trailer, raising it to a value corresponding to the maximum loads. Also check the tire inflation pressure of the trailer.
Having finished loading the trailer, check the adequacy of the inclination of the optical axis of the headlights, if necessary, make the appropriate adjustment.
During hitching and unhitching, the parking brake of the vehicle must be fully engaged.
Driving Tips
In order to maintain maximum control over the handling of a vehicle towing a trailer, try to distribute the total weight of the load on the trailer and vehicle as evenly as possible. Avoid towing a heavy trailer with an empty vehicle. If this situation cannot be avoided, do not exceed the safe driving speed.
Due to the fact that the directional stability of the automatic coupler decreases with increasing speed, avoid driving unreasonably fast, especially when driving in adverse road or weather conditions. Try to drive at a speed not exceeding 80 km / h, even if this is not stipulated by the traffic rules adopted in the area.
Start braking early! If the trailer is equipped with an overrun braking system, it is better to brake in two stages and very smoothly, which will help to avoid jerks associated with the trailer's wheels locking.
When driving downhill, shift into a low gear early to take full advantage of engine braking.
The need to make a steep climb in hot weather forces you to shift into a lower gear and increase the engine speed as much as possible. While driving in this mode, carefully monitor the readings of the coolant temperature gauge. If the pointer needle enters the red range of the meter scale, the car should be stopped and the engine allowed to cool for several minutes at idle. Remember that the speed of the fan of the cooling system does not depend on the speed of the crankshaft, so excessive downshifting with increasing engine speed will only lead to a rapid overheating of the latter.
If you frequently use the vehicle to tow a trailer, try to perform routine vehicle maintenance procedures more often than specified in the Schedule (see chapter Current service).