OVERHEATING Prolonged driving with overheated fluids can
cause damage to your vehicle. If temperature gauges register
abnormally high, if there is a marked decrease in power or if
you hear unusual engine noises, immediately take the
following steps:
• Pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Once stopped, shift
into Park (automatic transmissions) or Neutral (manual
transmissions) and apply the parking brakes. Leave the
engine running
• Turn off air conditioning and other accessories to reduce
load on the engine. Roll down the windows and turn the heater
on to maximum and the fan to its highest setting. The heater
core provides a second cooling surface that can help reduce
engine temperatures
• If you suspect that the overheating is the result of climbing a
long, steep grade, run the engine at fast idle (around 1500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge registers a normal reading
07 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU START TRAILERING (CONTINUED)
• With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, the parking brake engaged,
and being mindful of traffic, exit your vehicle and look for
steam or leaking coolant underneath the engine.
If you see either of these, shut off the engine and allow the
engine to cool. To avoid being burned, do not attempt to
remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled
PARKING ON GRADES Parking on steep grades with a trailer
is not recommended; if you must, follow this procedure:
• Apply the brakes and shift into Neutral
• Have someone place trailer wheel blocks on the
downgrade side
• Release the brakes until the blocks absorb the load
• Apply the parking brake and shift into Park
LEAVING YOUR PARKING SPOT ON GRADES
• Hold the brake pedal down and start the engine
• Shift into gear and release the parking brake
• Release brake and drive uphill slightly until free
from the blocks
• Apply brakes and have someone retrieve the blocks
