Imagine running a marathon in the height of summer without enough hydration along the way—your body will be dehydrated and cannot function optimally. You may even suffer exhaustion and collapse from not having sufficient fluid levels in your body. It is the same with your vehicle. If towing a trailer or boat, your vehicle will be working harder due to the excess weight. While towing, fluids inside your vehicle’s engine and transmission become heated, which creates a pressure cooker-like effect. This can harden and seal up metal components.
A vehicle has a maximum tow rating. If you overload your vehicle with a trailer that is too heavy and exceeds the recommended weight, it can lead to a whole host of issues. These problems may include broken suspensions, overheated transmissions and failing brake systems.
Tires should be properly inflated anytime you go on a long road trip, and especially before towing a trailer. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires create friction and force your vehicle to work harder than necessary to get moving. You may even run the risk of a tire blowout.
Manual transmissions often perform better than automatic transmissions. When towing with an automatic, be sure to not use your cruise control and pay attention to acceleration. If you attempt to accelerate too fast, it can easily overheat your transmission while towing.