Black plate (32,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011Trailering is different than just driving the vehicleby itself. Trailering means changes in handling,acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment,and it has to be used properly.The following information has many time-tested,important trailering tips and safety rules. Many ofthese are important for your safety and that of yourpassengers. So please read this section carefullybefore pulling a trailer.Load-pulling components such as the engine,transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires areforced to work harder against the drag of the addedweight. The engine is required to operate at relativelyhigher speeds and under greater loads, generatingextra heat. The trailer also adds considerably to windresistance, increasing the pulling requirements.Pulling A TrailerHere are some important points:. Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,axle or other parts could be damaged.. Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that atrailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)and do not make starts at full throttle. This helpsthe engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads.. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift thetransmission to a lower gear if the transmissionshifts too often under heavy loads and/or hillyconditions.. Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.Do not drive faster than the maximum postedspeed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph(90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle's parts.. If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system and it doesn't seem to be working properlywhile pulling a trailer, turn the system off. See SideBlind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 3‑44 for moreinformation.5-32
