Ahh, summertime. You’ve been dreaming about it all year. You’ve purchased a bigger vehicle, have the boat on a trailer or jet skis ready to go. Now all you need to do is hook everything together and take off for summertime fun.
But what about your vehicle? Is it ready for towing, especially here in Colorado where you might be towing it into the mountains? Or should you take your vehicle in for maintenance to ensure it’s ready for the road trip ahead?
It’s great to think ahead. Because towing can be strenuous, especially if your vehicle isn’t up for the job.
How Towing Impacts Your Vehicle
What does towing do to your vehicle? Let’s look at your body as comparison. What happens after spending a morning in the garden? After pushing and pulling all sorts of equipment, how did you feel? Your back aches. Your fingers are numb. You can feel it in every muscle in your body.
In similar fashion, towing forces your car to use components in ways they don’t normally operate. It can increase wear and tear, especially the more you tow. Of course, there are a lot of influences – how old is your car, how big is the engine, what about the tire capacity, and more.
Just a few of the components that can be affected by towing include:
Transmission
Towing can have a significant impact on the transmission, which has to work much harder to handle the extra load. This can cause the transmission to overheat, wear out faster, and, in severe cases, fail completely.
Brakes
Brakes also take a hit when towing. The additional weight means your brakes have to work harder to stop the vehicle, which can lead to faster wear of brake pads and rotors, increased brake temperatures, and even brake fade, where the brakes lose effectiveness.
Suspension
The suspension system bears the extra load too. Components like shocks, struts, and springs experience increased stress, which can result in premature wear and a rougher ride.
Tires
Don’t forget about the tires. The extra weight increases the load on your tires, leading to faster wear and a higher risk of blowouts. This also negatively impacts fuel efficiency.
Engine
All of this extra pulling means your engine also has to work much harder when towing. This can lead to increased wear, higher operating temperatures, and potentially reduced engine life.
Cooling system
The cooling system has to handle more heat generated by the engine and transmission during towing. This added strain can cause the engine to overheat if the cooling system is not in top condition.
Drivetrain
Imagine the stress the drivetrain endures as you pull your favorite toys into the hills. This can include the driveshaft, axles, and differential. These parts experience higher levels of stress, leading to increased wear and potential failure.
Frame
The vehicle’s frame and hitch components carry the weight and force of the towed load. Over time, this can cause frame stress and potential deformation.
Fuel economy
Lastly, towing increases aerodynamic drag and vehicle weight, which leads to higher fuel consumption and reduced fuel economy. To mitigate the impacts of towing, regular maintenance, proper equipment, careful driving, and balanced load distribution are essential.
Understanding Towing Capacity
You have a truck or an SUV. You also have a boat or a camper. You can’t just hook one to the other without understanding towing capacity. Have you ever heard phrases like “payload capacity” or ‘towing capacity?”
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow, including the trailer and its cargo. This capacity varies between vehicles and is determined by the manufacturer based on factors like the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension system.
How do you find your vehicle’s towing capacity?
- Check the Owner’s Manual: Manufacturer specifications are listed here.
- Look for a Label: Some vehicles have a label inside the driver’s door with the towing capacity.
- Online Resources: Visit the manufacturer’s website or reliable automotive sites for information.
Ready To Tow – Maintenance Items To Ensure You’re Always Ready
The thing about living in Colorado is there are always opportunities to take off and enjoy nature. Summer, winter, spring, or fall, tow all of your toys just a handful of miles from home, and enjoy all Colorado has to offer.
To do so, keep your vehicle in good operating condition, to be ready for whenever you decide to hit the road.
Start with your engine and transmission. Ensure you follow the recommended oil change intervals, especially before towing. Consider using high-quality or synthetic oil for better protection under stress. Check the transmission fluid regularly and replace it as needed. Clean, fresh fluid helps the transmission run cooler and more efficiently, which is crucial when towing.
Because the cooling system is critical, inspect the radiator for leaks and ensure the coolant level is adequate. Flush and replace the coolant according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent overheating. Check all hoses and belts for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace them if they show any signs of damage to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Can you imagine navigating the open road without working brakes? Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear and replace them if necessary. Towing puts extra strain on the brakes, so they need to be in top condition. Check the brake fluid level and quality. Replace it if it’s dark or has debris, as fresh brake fluid ensures optimal braking performance.
Just as important is your suspension system. Inspect the shocks and struts for leaks or damage. Replace them if they’re worn out to maintain a smooth ride and proper handling. Check the condition of the springs. Heavy loads can wear them out faster, so replace any that are sagging or broken.
Your tires will wear out faster too. Ensure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Inspect tire tread for even wear and sufficient depth. Replace any tires that are worn out or damaged.
More gadgets mean more stress on your electrical system. Check the battery’s condition and ensure it’s fully charged. Towing can put extra demand on the electrical system, so a healthy battery is essential. Inspect all wiring and electrical connections, especially those related to trailer lights and brakes, to ensure they are secure and in good working order.
We also recommend keeping an eye on your drivetrain. Check the differential fluid level and quality. Replace it according to the manufacturer’s schedule to ensure smooth operation. Inspect the drive shaft and axles for wear and lubrication. Replace any worn or damaged components.
Before heading out, check your vehicle’s overall condition. Take a walk around for visual inspections to catch any potential issues early. Consider getting a professional mechanic to perform a thorough inspection and maintenance check before any major towing trip.
It’s the best way to ensure you’re safe and your vehicle is ready to tow.
Can we help you get ready for your next vacation?