1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual

lg a TrailerA CAUTION:If you don’t use the correct equipment and driveproperly, you can lose control when you pull atrailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, thebrakes may not work well -- or even at all. Youand your passengers could be seriously injured.Pull a trailer only if you have followed all thesteps in thisection. Ask your Buick dealer foradvice and information about towing a trailerwith your vehicle.NOTICE:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage yourvehicle and result in costly repairs not covered byyour warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, followthe advice in this part, and see your Buick dealerfor important information about towing a trailerwith your vehicle.Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with a2.2L (VIN Code 4) engine.Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the3.1L V6 (VTN Code M) engine and proper trailer towingequipment. To identify what the vehicle traileringcapacity is for your vehicle, you should read theinformation in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears laterin this section. But trailering is different than justdriving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changesin handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful,safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to beused properly.That’s the reason for this part. In it are manytime-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.Many of these are important for your safety and that ofyour passengers. So please read this section carefullybefore you pull a trailer.Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle,wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harderagainst the drag of the added weight. The engine isrequired to operate at relatively higher speeds and undergreater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, thetrailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasingthe pulling requirements.