2000 Acura RL trailer

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, or if 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 properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within limits (see pages 194 and 195 ).
The hitch, safety chain, and any other attachments are secure. 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 242 ),and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Drivin g

Towin
g a Traile r

Drivin g Safel y Wit h a Traile r
The added weight, length, and height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance, so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.
Towing Speeds and Gears
Driving slower than normal in all driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
Use the D4 position when towing a
trailer on level roads. D3 is the
proper shift lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain. (See "Driving on Hills" in the next
column for additional gear
information.) Making Turns and Braking
Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.

Driving on Hills

When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn the airconditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, shift to
D3.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake. Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator, as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, andremember it will take longer to slowdown and stop when towing a trailer.

CONTINUED

Drivin g

Towin
g a Traile r

Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting

Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a

large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking

corrections.

Backing Up
Always drive slowly and have someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the bottom of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the left to get the trailer to move to the left,and turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.
Parking

Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and firmly setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer's
tires.

Drivin g

U.S. Owner s

Follow the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule if you

drive your car MAINLY under

one or more of the following

conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip. Driving in extremely hot
[over 90° F (32° C) ] conditions. Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions. Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.

Canadia n Owner s
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 205.
* 1 : Refer to page 241 for replacement information under special driving conditions.
* 2 : Refer to page 240 for replacement information under special driving conditions.

Maintenanc e

Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions, or normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the Normal
Schedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A , B , C , D as required for each distance/time.

Sever e Conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot (over 90°F/32°C) conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

Maintenance

CONTINUED

page 244

Inde
x

Steering Wheel
Adjustments................................. 71

Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 80
Position Memory....................... 100

Stereo Sound System.................... 134

Storing Your Car............................ 259
Sun Visor......................................... 113

Sunglasses Holder......................... 110

Supplemental Restraint
System............................. 9
,
43, 4
6

Service Precautions..................... 48

Servicing....................................... 48

SRS Indicator.......................... 45, 55

System Components.................... 43

Tensioners, Seat Belts................ 41
Synthetic Oil................................... 216
Tachometer...................................... 58
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 254
Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 269
Tape Player ........................... 139, 154
Technical Descriptions
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 301
Driving in Foreign Countries... 304 Emissions Control Systems...... 305
Oxygenated Fuels...................... 303
Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 307
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System..................................... 300
Temperature Gauge........................ 60
Tensioners, Seat Belts .................... 41
Tether Anchorage Points............... 39
Theft Deterrent System................ 163
Theft Protection............................. 162
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 307
Time, Setting the........................... 108
Timing Belt..................................... 241
Tire Chains..................................... 247
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 271
Tires................................................ 241 Air Pressure............................... 242Balancing.................................... 244
Checking Wear.......................... 243
Compact Spare........................... 270
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 301
Inflation....................................... 241
Inspection................................... 243
Maintenance............................... 244
Replacing.................................... 245
Rotating....................................... 244

Snow............................................ 247

Specifications............................. 299

Tools, Tire Changing.................... 271

Torn Seat Belts................................ 42

Towing

A Trailer...................................... 194
By Emergency Wrecker........... 292

Transmission
Checkin g
Fluid Level,

Automatic............................... 226

Fluid Selection............................ 226

Identification Number............... 297

Shifting the Automatic.............. 180

Treadwear...................................... 301

Trip Meter........................................ 59

Trunk................................................. 86

Opening the.................................. 86

Open Monitor Light.................... 57

Turn Signals..................................... 66

CONTINUED