Buick Regal: General Towing Information

General Towing Information (Hatchback Models)

The vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.

General Towing Information (Station Wagon Models)

Only use towing equipment that has been designed for the vehicle.

Contact your dealer or trailering dealer for assistance with preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read the entire section before towing a trailer.

To tow a disabled vehicle, see Towing the Vehicle. To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle such as a motor home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing.

When towing with the 2.0L L4 engine, only use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher. Using gasoline with a lower octane rating while towing may damage the engine and may not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips

Warning: You can lose control when towing a trailer if the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is too heavy or the trailer brakes are inadequate for the load, the vehicle may not stop as expected. You and others could be seriously injured. The vehicle may also be damaged, and the repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Ask your dealer for advice and information about towing a trailer with the vehicle.

Driving with a Trailer

Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by 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 of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. Read this section carefully before pulling a trailer.

When towing a trailer:

• Become familiar with and follow all state and local laws that apply to trailer towing. These requirements vary from state to state.
• State laws may require the use of extended side view mirrors.

  Even if not required, you should install extended side view mirrors if your visibility is limited or restricted while towing.

• Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent damage to the engine, axle, or other parts.
• During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer towing, do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make starts at full throttle.
• Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).

  If the transmission downshifts too often, a lower gear may be selected using Manual Mode.

If equipped, the following driver assistance features should be turned off when towing a trailer:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Super Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Parking Assist
• Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
• Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)

If equipped, the following driver assistance features should be turned to alert or off when towing a trailer:

• Forward Automatic Braking System (FAB)
• Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
• Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)

If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA), the LCA detection zones that extend back from the side of the vehicle do not move further back when a trailer is towed. Use caution while changing lanes when towing a trailer.

If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), use caution while backing up when towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that extend out from the back of the vehicle do not move further back when a trailer is towed.

Warning: To prevent serious injury or death from carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a trailer: . Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window open.

• Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
• Adjust the climate control system to a setting that brings in only outside air.

  See "Climate Control Systems" in the Index.

Towing a trailer requires experience.

The combination of the vehicle and trailer is longer and not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Get used to the handling and braking of the combination by driving on a level road surface before driving on public roads.

The trailer structure, the tires, and the brakes must 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. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the combination moving and then manually apply the trailer brake controller to check 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.

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