• Home
  • Denver Auto Repair Services
    • Full Service Oil Change
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Fuel System Cleaning
    • Radiator Flush Service
    • Wiper Blades
    • Air Filter
    • Cabin Air Filter
    • Gearbox Service
    • Brake Repair
    • Clutches
    • CV Boots
    • Tune-Up
    • Steering & Suspension
    • Tires
  • Auto Diagnostic
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Shop Specials
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 303-691-2760

Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

  • Brake Service
  • Car Maintenance
    • Heating-Air Conditioning
    • Suspension
    • Transmission
    • Engine
    • Tires
  • Oil Change
  • Tips & Tricks

Safe Towing Guide

February 4, 2019 by admin

Let’s talk about safe towing for drivers.  Too often many drivers will just slap a trailer on the hitch and take off.  But there are safety considerations to protect your tow vehicle, comply with Colorado laws and limit your liability.

First of all, know your tow vehicle.  Your options will affect the tow rating, so you need to carefully read the towing section of your manufacturer’s owner’s manual to know how much your vehicle can tow.

Next, you need to know the weight limits of your trailer hitch.  It will have a maximum tongue limit and an overall limit.

Third, know your hitch type:  a weight-distributing hitch may be required by your manufacturer for certain trailer weights.

And fourth, know the towing laws for the areas in which you’ll be towing, as they may have stricter equipment requirements.

Your owner’s manual will also give you some help in determining how to calculate how much weight you can tow.  It’s more complicated than the maximum weight the marketing guys trumpet.  There are two codes drivers can find on the driver’s side door.  One is GVWR- or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  This is the maximum weight of the tow vehicle, including passengers and cargo.

The other is GCWR – or Gross Combined Weight Rating.  This is the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo and loaded trailer.

Every locality requires safety chains and they also have regulations for when trailer brakes are required in Colorado.  The tires on your vehicle and trailer should be in good condition and have the proper load rating.  Your suspension should be inspected to make sure it can handle the load.  Also your transmission may need additional fluid cooling, so check with your Express Car Care service adviser about adding a transmission cooler and/or performing maintenance.

Carefully follow your vehicle’s towing guidelines to maximize your safety, protect your vehicle from damage and protect yourself from liability.

A quick note on your trailer:  wheel bearings on trailers are often neglected by drivers.  They need to be serviced on schedule to avoid failure.  This is especially important for trailers that are driven through water.

If this safe towing guide has made you aware of any services you might need on your vehicle, come and see us at Express Car Care in Denver, we can help.

 

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Safe Towing Guide

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

Follow Us Today!

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

Recent Articles

A Checklist To Help Keep Your Pickup Truck Running Well

A Checklist To Help Keep Your Pickup Truck Running Well

In today’s society, most of us can’t imagine life without a vehicle. But for many of us, a vehicle is simply a way to get around. Sure, we buy something we like. We may choose a color we love, get a … [Read More...]

  • Thermostat
  • Why Your Pickup Truck Should Have Good Brakes
  • Helping Your Truck Run Well As It Ages
  • Are There Traction Control Problems With Your Car?
  • Simple Answers: Exhaust Service

Search Our Site

Brakes Service

Why Your Pickup Truck Should Have Good Brakes

It May Be Time To Replace Your Master Cylinder

Anti-Lock Brakes or Power Brakes – What’s The Difference?

Oil Change

Do You Really Need To Change Motor Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Car’s Motor Oil

Simple Answers: Check Engine Light

Suspension

Why Is My Vehicle Vibrating As I Speed Up and Slow Down

Suspension System Service

Is Your Car Experiencing One Of These Common Suspension Problems?

Transmision Service

Why You Change Your Transmission Fluid

All-Wheel, Front-Wheel, Rear-Wheel – What’s The Difference?

Help, I Think My Transmission May Be In Trouble

Engine Service

What Is Fuel Injection and Why Should You Care?

EVAP System Leak, Now What?

Timing Chain or Timing Belt – How Your Car Works

Auto Tips & Tricks

Easy Ways To Repair Your Car Without The Stress

A Few “Key” Facts

Why Your Car May Fail The Emissions Test

"Denvers Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube" - Copyright © 2021 - 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 303-691-2760