Nissan 2010 Altima Automobile User Manual


 
2. Whenthe trailerswaystops, gentlyapply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
Avoidholding thebrake pedal downtoo long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speedlimits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
Check your hitch, trailerwiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
methodis sometimesusedwhen towingavehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
DO NOT tow any continuously variable
transmission vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat towing). Do-
ing so WILL DAMAGE internal transmis-
sion parts due to lack of transmission
lubrication.
For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case ofemergency”section of
this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continuously
variable transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dolly MUST be placed under the towed vehicle’s
drive wheels. Always follow the dolly manufac-
turer’s recommendations when using their prod-
uct.
Technical and consumer information 9-23