Driving and operating 143
Towing precautions
• When heavily loading the vehicle
or when towing, inate tyres to
the maximum recommended
pressure. See Tyre placard on
page 173.
• Ensure that a load distribution
hitch is correctly distributing the
tow ball load. See Towing and
loading equipment on page 142.
• Tighten the tow ball retaining nut
to 140 Nm (Newton metres) and
check the torque frequently.
• Vehicles handle differently when
towing. Take a couple of short
distance trips with the trailer
before taking a long trip.
• Have the vehicle and trailer
correctly maintained and
serviced, with particular attention
given to the brakes, tyres,
suspension, wheel bearings,
towing coupling and lighting.
• Use an extended-arm mirror
on both sides of the vehicle if
necessary.
• Headlamps may need re-aiming
after the loaded trailer has been
hitched, particularly if a load
distribution hitch is not used.
• Use a lower gear and the brakes,
when descending steep hills.
• Do not use axle-mounted
hitches.
• Ensure that the tow bar does not
obscure the rear number plate.
Remove the tow bar tongue
when not required for towing.
• If a tow bar is removed, have any
mounting holes in the underbody
sealed to prevent entry of
exhaust fumes, dust and water.
• The Park Assist (PA) will not
automatically deactivate when a
trailer lighting plug is connected
to the vehicle. To deactivate, see
Deactivating on page 133.
Trailer brakes
• Trailer brakes are mandatory on
trailers weighing 750 kg and over
when loaded.
• Consult the appropriate
regulatory body in your State
or Territory for the legal
requirements of trailer brakes.
Running-in when towing
It is recommended that a new
vehicle be driven for at least
1,500 km before towing.
If towing is necessary before this,
do not exceed 80 km/h. This also
applies if the vehicle is tted with
a new or reconditioned engine,
transmission or rear axle.
Off road loading and towing
(All Wheel Drive vehicles)
To reduce the risk of damage to the
vehicle (and trailer) and to improve
safety when operating off-road,
reduce the vehicle speed and
minimise the load being carried
or towed.
BOOK_MY13_CAPTIVA 5.indb 143 1/03/2013 10:44:51 AM
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