Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are in ated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You will nd these numbers on
the Tire-Loading Information label at the rear edge
of the driver’s door or seeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 288. Then be sure you do not go over the
GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of
the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on your vehicle is not
intended for hitches. Do not attach rental
hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach
to the bumper.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If
you do, then be sure to seal the holes later
when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal
them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle. SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 140. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your
vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will
not drop to the road if it becomes separated from
the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains and do
not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just
enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And,
never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes?
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the
trailer brakes so you will be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly. And because
you may have anti-lock brakes, do not try to
tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do,
both systems will not work well, or at all.
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Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, cha ng,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear. Inspect electric power
steering cables for proper hook-up, binding,
cracks, cha ng, etc. Inspect hydraulic power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, cha ng, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with
genuine GM parts as needed. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or
cracking. Replace blades that appear worn or
damaged or that streak or miss areas of the
windshield.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly. Look for
any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also
look for any opened or broken airbag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. The
airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges
and latches, hood hinges and latches, and trunk lid
hinges and latches. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check system for interference or binding
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that
have high effort or excessive wear. Do not
lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables.
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