GMC Terrain 2025 - Page 216

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-18552429) - 2025
Driving and Operating 215
The trailer structure, the tires, and the brakes
m
u
st be all be rated to carry the intended
cargo. Inadequate trailer equipment can cause
the combination to operate in an unexpected
or unsafe manner. Before driving, inspect all
trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires,
and mirrors. See Towing Equipment 3219.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then manually apply
the trailer brake controller to check that
the trailer brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo and trailer
are secure and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are working.
Towing with aStability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to vehicle
movement caused by the trailer, which mainly
occurs during cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without
atrailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
Mo
re passing distance is needed when towing
atrailer. The combination of the vehicle and
trailer will not accelerate as quickly and is much
longer than the vehicle alone. It is necessary
to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane. Pass on level
roadways. Avoid passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left, move
that hand to the left. To move the trailer to
the right, move that hand to the right. Always
back up slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage to
your vehicle. Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so
trailer will not go over soft shoulders, over
curbs, or strike road signs, trees, or other
objects. Always signal turns well in advance. Do
not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to alower gear before
starting down along or steep downhill grade.
If the transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in reduced
braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often under heavy loads and/or
hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at alower temperature than
at lower altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid
this, let the engine run, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in P (Park) for
afew minutes before turning the engine off.
If the overheat warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating 3234.