Owner's Manual

Black plate (42,1)
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
9-42 Driving and Operating
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Pulling a Trailer
Here are some important points:
.
There are many different
laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with
trailering. Make sure the rig
will be legal, not only where
you live but also where you
will be driving. A good source
for this information can be state
or provincial police.
.
Do not tow a trailer at all during
the first 1600 km (1,000 miles)
the new vehicle is driven.
The engine, transmission
or other parts could be
damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.
.
Then, during the first 800 km
(500 miles) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
.
Obey speed limit restrictions
when towing a trailer. Do not
drive faster than the maximum
posted speed for trailers, or no
more than 90 km/h (55 mph), to
save wear on the vehicle's parts.
.
Do not tow a trailer when the
outside temperature is above
38°C (100°F).
Three important considerations
have to do with weight:
.
the weight of the trailer,
.
the weight of the trailer tongue
.
and the total weight on the
vehicle's tires.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Get to know
the rig before setting out for the
open road. Get acquainted with
the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that
the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as
the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the
trailer has electric brakes, start the
vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.