![]() If you attempt to accelerate too fast while towing, it can overheat your transmission. When towing with an automatic, pay attention to acceleration and avoid cruise control. Manual Versus Automatic Transmissions. Manual transmissions often perform better than automatic transmissions.You may even run the risk of a tire blowout. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires create friction and force your vehicle to work harder than necessary to get moving. Tires should be properly inflated whenever you go on a long road trip, especially before towing a trailer. These problems may include a broken suspension, overheated transmission and failing brake systems. If you overload your vehicle with a trailer that exceeds the recommended weight, it can lead to a whole host of issues. ![]() Not Paying Attention to Ratings. A vehicle has a maximum tow rating.Here are some common towing mistakes to avoid: Common Towing Mistakes That Damage the Transmission and Your Vehicleĭoes towing always damage a car? Not if done correctly. You can find your vehicle’s curb weight online or from a dealership. This rating includes the maximum weight of your loaded truck and the weight of its attached trailer. Find the GCVWR on a plate attached to the sidewall of the driver’s side door. You can find the vehicle’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual or calculate it yourself by subtracting the truck’s curb weight from the GCVWR, or Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. Towing capacity is far greater than payload because the trailer’s axles carry much of the weight. On the other hand, towing capacity refers to how much weight you can safely pull behind your vehicle in a trailer. Payload refers to the maximum weight you can carry inside your car or truck, including passengers. Towing capacity differs from the payload. How to Check the Rated Towing Capacity of Your Vehicle Invest in sway bars to prevent your trailer from swaying back and forth while driving down the highway in strong side winds.įinally, schedule a maintenance tune-up with a professional technician to ensure the fluids and components are in good enough shape for the long haul. Ensure your hitch is compatible with your trailer. It contains vital information like your vehicle’s payload and towing capacity so you can stay within recommended limits. Moreover, accelerate and brake slowly to minimize the stress on your engine and brakes. A vehicle hauling a big load needs more time and distance to stop, so give yourself enough reaction time. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. If you’re uncomfortable with the situation, it’s best not to try. Be aware of your driving skills and your vehicle’s ability to handle heavy loads. Here are a few tips on how to protect your transmission while towing: When done correctly, towing a trailer or boat shouldn’t damage your vehicle. In short, you’ll need more frequent professional brake servicing than you would if you towed within your vehicle’s limits. Moreover, you’ll quickly wear away your brake pads and rotors. That’s incredibly dangerous for you and other motorists. ![]() ![]() If you’re towing a heavier trailer than your brakes’ towing capacity, you may be unable to stop. In addition to the transmission, the brakes must also be up to the task. It’s best to take your vehicle in for auto repair in Vancouver and have all fluid levels checked to ensure they’re clean and adequate for towing. An unbalanced trailer that sways from side to side will put extra stress on the vehicle’s engine and components, shortening their lifespans. Trailer sway can also cause serious damage to your vehicle. If your fluid levels are low or the fluid hasn’t been changed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, your vehicle’s engine and transmission become heated, creating a pressure cooker effect. If towing a trailer or boat, your vehicle will work harder due to the excess weight. ![]() You may even suffer exhaustion and collapse from insufficient fluid levels. Your body will be dehydrated and won’t function optimally. Imagine running a marathon in the height of summer without enough hydration. Will Towing a Trailer or Boat Damage My Car? If you maintain your vehicle and avoid common errors, you can prevent costly damage to your transmission. Not all towing has to be detrimental, however. While you may not think much of it, towing, even for short distances, can do significant damage to your vehicle’s transmission. Now that the weather is warm and kids are out of school, more Canadians are strapping up their boats and trailers and hitting the open road. ![]()
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