2000 Acura Integra suspension

Towin
g a Traile r

Additional Trailer equipment

Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don't,
you should install special mirrors if you cannot clearly see behind you, orif the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental
agency if any other items are recommended or required for your
towing situation. Pre-To
w Checklis t
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the
following:
The vehicle has been properlyserviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition. All weights and loads are within
limits (see page 147).
The hitch, safety chain, and any other attachments are sucure. All items on and in the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive. The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly. Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page 192 ),and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the trailer maker.

Drivin g

Tire
s
Snow Tires
If you mount snow tires on your
Acura, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range
as the original tires. Mount snowtires on all four wheels to balance
your car's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your car's original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommen-
dations.
Tire Chains
Mount traction devices (link-type or
cable-type) only when required by
driving conditions or local laws.
Make sure they are the correct size
for your tires. Install them only on
the front tires.
Because your Acura has limited tire clearance, mount only SAE class "S"
cable-type traction devices.
Link-type "chains" should not be
used. No matter how tight they seem
to be installed, they can come into contact with the body and
suspension, causing serious damage. When installing traction devices,
follow the manufacturer'sinstructions and mount them as
tightly as you can. Drive slowly with
them installed. If you hear them coming in contact with the body or
chassis, stop and investigate. Make
sure the traction devices are
installed tightly, and that they are
not contacting the brakes or
suspension.

Remove them as soon as you start
driving on cleared roads.

Traction devices that are the wrong

size or improperly installed can

damage your car's brake lines,

suspension, body, and wheels. Stop

driving if they are hitting any part of
the car.

Maintenance

NOTIC
E

Light
s
VERTICA L ANGL E GAUG E
5. Check the vertical angle gauge. The bubble should be centeredunderneath the longest scribe
mark on the gauge. 6. If either indicator is not aligned
with its "0" mark as described, anadjustment can be made using a
Phillips-head screwdriver to
realign it with the "0" mark. Please
refer to the illustrations. 7. If you cannot get an indicator to
align, have your Acura dealerinspect the car for body damage or
suspension problems.

Maintenance

HORIZONTA
L
ADJUSTMEN T
VERTICA
L

ADJUSTMEN T

Emergenc
y Towin g

If your car needs to be towed, call a
professional towing service or, if you
belong to one, an organization that provides roadside assistance. Never
tow your car behind another vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.

There are three popular methods of
towing a vehicle:

Flat-bed Equipment — The operator

loads your car on the back of a truck.

Thi s is th e bes t wa y to transpor t

you r Acura .

Wheel-Lift Equipment — The tow

truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. Thi s is

a n acceptabl e wa y to to w you r

Acura .
Sling-type Equipment — The tow

truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and the cables lift that end of the vehicle
off the ground. Your car's sus-
pension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is
attempted.
If your Acura cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed by
wheel-lift equipment with the front
wheels off the ground. If, due to damage, your car must be towed
with the front wheels on the ground, do the following.

5-speed Manual Transmission
Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.

Automatic Transmission:
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
Shift to D4, then to N.
Turn off the engine.Improper towing preparation will

damage the transmission. Follow the

above procedure exactly. If you cannot

shift the transmission or start the

engine (automatic transmission), your

car must be transported with the front

wheels off the ground.
With the front wheels on the
ground, it is best to tow the car no
farther than 50 miles (80 km), and
keep the speed below 35 mph (55

km/h).

CONTINUED
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

NOTIC
E