tow bar BUICK LACROSSE 2005 Owner's Manual

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Tire-Loading Information label. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-29. Be sure not to go over the GVW
limit for the vehicle, or the GAWR, including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If a weight distribution hitch
is used, make sure not to go over the rear axle limit
before applying the weight distribution spring bars.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is needed. Here
are some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
If holes need to be made in the body of the vehicle to
install a trailer hitch, then be sure to seal the holes
later when the hitch is removed. If the holes are not
sealed, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-30. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
Chains should always be attached between the vehicle
and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so the rig can be turned.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try to
tap into the vehicle’s brake system. If that is done,
both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, get to know the rig.
Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in
mind that the vehicle is now a good deal longer and not
nearly as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
4-38

Power (cont.)
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-4
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-44
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-22
Six-Way Seats.............................................. 1-4
Steering Fluid.............................................5-33
Windows....................................................2-16
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-30
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-36
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-14
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-24
Radios..........................................................3-79
Care of Your CD Player..............................3-119
Care of Your CDs......................................3-119
Radio with CD............................3-79, 3-84, 3-92
Radio with Six-Disc CD..............................3-105
Setting the Time..........................................3-79
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-117
Understanding Reception............................3-119
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps...................3-18
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-25Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-32
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with OnStar
®..............................................2-33
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-32
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-32
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-5
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-34
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-44
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-71
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-69
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-50
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-65
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-65
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-22
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-28
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-31
10