Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2015-10-22, Page 13THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015. PAGE 13. Aaron Borrmann • Service Manager Shuttle Service, loaner vehicle pickup/delivery available 86924 Brussels Line, Bluevale • Computerized 4 wheel alignment • Air conditioning service & repair • Maintenance & Repairs - Auto - RV - Heavy Truck • General machine shop services • Sandblasting & paint services 519-335-3857 aaron@borrmannsgarage.com Get your winter tires now. Towing safely requires skill and knowledge MS – Active adults and busy families understand that one perk to owning a pickup truck or an SUV is the ability to tow items behind the vehicle. Many of these trucks already come equipped with trailer hitches that make it possible to tow boats, RVs, snowmobiles and more. But safe and successful towing requires knowledge of the basics of hitching a trailer and some special rules of the road. The following are a few safety tips for drivers unaccustomed to towing: • Know your vehicle’s tow weight capacity. The owner’s manual will list the maximum weight a vehicle can tow safely, but this is just a simplified estimation of data. To tow successfully, it’s important to know your vehicle’s gross combined weight rating, or GCWR. This includes the vehicle itself, its passengers and cargo, as well as the trailer and the trailer’s cargo. More passengers on board reduces the amount of weight you can pull. Another weight factor is the tongue weight, or how much of the trailer’s weight rests on the hitch, which should be around 10 per cent of the trailer’s weight. This helps reduce trailer sway and can improve steering. • Practice proper weight distribution. Distribute the weight of the item being towed to make towing smoother and safer. The cargo’s centre of gravity should be low, and most of the weight should be toward the front. Weight on either side also should be even. These steps will help prevent the trailer from fishtailing or flipping over. • Use the right hitch equipment. Adjust the hitch so that the trailer being towed is relatively level to your vehicle when attached. Connect lights to your trailer through the hitch system so that brake lights and other indicators work properly. Make sure the hitch ball is the right size for your trailer, otherwise the trailer might disconnect during towing. Use a pin and safety chains to keep the trailer secure. • Check if extra brakes are required. Many states require a separate braking system on towed vehicles with a loaded weight in excess of 1,000 pounds. Newer trucks may have a built-in controller for brakes or you may need to have a system installed. Experts from Popular Mechanics advise using a trailer brake output system that matches the trailer brake output to the tow vehicle’s deceleration. • Slow down and drive more cautiously. A vehicle towing a trailer will not manoeuver the same way as a vehicle without a trailer attached. Give yourself a greater cushion of space between other vehicles. It may take longer for you to brake because of the added weight. Get used to using side-view mirrors because the trailer may block your rearview. Larger, extended sideview mirrors may help you feel more comfortable and safe. Make wide turns so that the trailer will clear curbs and not tip over. • Avoid backing up. Unless you’re experienced with driving large rigs, you may find reversing with a trailer very challenging. Limit situations that require backing up. Park in pull- through parking spots when possible. If you need to back up, move slowly and with your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, turning it in the direction you want the trailer to go. • Practice, practice, practice. Get acclimated with towing in a parking lot or on empty streets before taking your trailer out on the open road. Towing troubles Simply knowing how much a vehicle can tow isn’t enough for drivers to safely hit the road with recreational vehicles, storage or animals in tow. Factoring in the weight of passengers, the ability of the vehicle to haul under different scenarios and driving habits can require planning and a different style of driving than not towing. Having the right equipment, including the right kind of hitch equipment and brakes, is also important. Be knowledgeable and prepared before towing anything with a vehicle. (MS Photo) We accept Rust Control Protect Your Vehicle With Krown Specially formulated for rust protection and environmentally-friendly Bring in this Coupon or mention seeing our ad and Save!!! Free Basic Cleaning: • dash clean • quick vacuum • fast wax when you bring in this coupon ✂ ✂ ✂✂ Huron Transmission • Free Estimates • Front Wheel Drives • 4x4 Service • Domestic and Imports • Clutch and Differential Repairs • Specializing in Automatic and Computer Controlled Transmissions • 2 Year Warranty on Rebuilt Transmissions 35587 Huron Road, RR #6, Goderich 519-524-2501 or 1-866-426-9502 McClinchey South End Auto Wayne McClinchey 82991 London Road, South of Blyth 519-523-4424 Get your car or truck ready for the cold weather ~ book your Fall & Winter tune-up • General Repairs & Maintenance • Brakes • Tune-Ups • Repairs to all makes and models of cars & trucks CUSTOM EXHAUST SYSTEMS & GENERAL REPAIRS • Auto, light truck & agricultural maintenance & repairs • Custom bent exhaust systems made with precision & pride • Aluminized & stainless tubing • Bending up to 3" • Expanding up to 4" • Diesel 4" & 5" systems Bob Jamieson ~ Class A Mechanic 519-482-pipe (7473) 41477 Winthrop Rd. Londesboro, ON Carter Cloakey Licensed Technician Owner & Operator 84561 Clegg Line, Brussels, ON 519-440-2252