Before you start, check the trailer hitch  and platform 
(and  attachments), safety chains, electrical  connector, 
lamps, tires  and mirror adjustment. 
If the trailer  has 
electric brakes,  start your  vehicle and trailer  moving  and 
then  apply  the trailer brake controller  by  hand  to  be sure 
the  brakes are  working. This lets you check  your 
electrical connection  at  the  same time. 
During your trip, check occasionally  to  be sure that the 
load is secure,  and  that the lamps  and  any  trailer brakes 
are still working. 
Following  Distance 
Stay at  least twice  as  far behind  the vehicle  ahead  as  you 
would  when  driving your vehicle  without  a trailer.  This 
can help  you avoid situations that require  heavy  braking 
and  sudden turns. 
Passing 
You’ll  need  more passing  distance  up  ahead  when 
you’re,  towing a  trailer.  And,  because you’re a  good deal 
longer,  you’ll need  to  go much  farther  beyond  the 
passed  vehicle before  you can return  to  your lane. 
Backing Up 
Hold the bottom  of the  steering  wheel  with  one hand. 
Then,  to move  the trailer  to the  left,  just  move  that  hand 
to  the left.  To move  the trailer  to  the right, move  your 
hand  to the  right.  Always  back 
up slowly  and, if 
possible, have someone guide you. 
Making  Turns 
NOTICE: 
Making  very  sharp  turns  while  trailering  could 
cause  the  trailer  to come,  in  contact  with  the 
vehicle.  Your vehicle  could  be  damaged.  Avoid 
making  very  sharp  turns  while  trailering. 
When  you’re  turning  with  a trailer,  make  wider  turns 
than  normal.  Do  this 
‘so your trailer  won’tstrike  soft 
shoulders, curbs,  road signs, trees or other objects. 
Avoid  jerky or sudden  maneuvers.  Signal well 
in  advance. 
4-33  
Part ,. C : Periodic,  Maintenance 
Inspections 
Listed  below are inspections  and services  which  should 
be  performed  at  least  twice  a  year  (for  instance,  each 
spring  and  fall).  You should  let your  GM  retailer’s 
service  department  or other  qualified  service  center  do 
these  jobs.  Make  sure any  necessary  repairs 
are 
completed  at  once. 
‘Proper  procedures  to  perform  these  services  may  )be 
found  in a  Oldsmobile  Service  Manual.  See  “Service 
and  Owner  Publications’’  in  the  Index. 
Steering,  Suspension  and  Front-Wheel-Drive 
~ Axle  Boot  and  Seal Inspection 
Inspect  the  front  and  rear  suspension  and  steering 
system  for  damaged,  loose or missing  parts,  signs  of 
wear  or lack  of  lubrication.  Inspect  the  power  steering 
lines  and hoses  for  proper  hook-up,  binding,  leaks, 
cracks,  chafing,  etc. Clean  and  then  inspect  the  drive 
axle  boot  seals  for damage,  tears  or  leakage.  Replace 
seals  if  necessary. 
Exhaust  System  Inspection 
Inspect  the  complete  exhaust  system.  Inspect  the  body 
.near  the  exhaust  system.  Look  for broken,  damaged,  missing  or  out-of-position  parts 
as well  as open  seams, 
holes,  loose  connections  or other  conditions  which  could 
cause  a  heat  build-up  in  the  floor  pan  or  could  let 
exhaust  fumes  into  the  vehicle. 
See “Engine  Exhaust”  in 
the  Index. 
Radiator  and  Heater  Hose  Inspection 
Inspect  the  hoses  and  have  hem replaced  if they  are 
cracked,  swollen  or deteriorated.  Inspect 
all pipes, 
fittings  and  clamps;  replace  as  needed. 
Throttle  Linkage  Inspection 
Inspect  the  throttle  linkage  for interference  or binding, 
and  for damage  or  missing  parts.  Replace  parts  as 
needed.  Replace  any  cables  that  have  high  effort  or 
excessive  wear. 
Do not  lubricate  accelerator  and  cruise 
control  cables. 
Brake  System  Inspection 
Inspect  the  corfiplete  system.  Inspect  brake  lines  and 
hoses  for’  proper  hook-up,  binding,  leaks,  cracks,  chafing,  etc. Inspect  disc  brake  pads  for  wear  and  rotors 
for  surface  condition.  Inspect  other  brake  parts, 
including  calipers,  parking  brake,  etc.  Check  parking 
brake  adjustment.  You may  need  to  have  your  brakes 
inspected  more  often  if your  driving  habits  or conditions 
result  .in  frequent  braking.