Certain INFINITI vehicles are able to tow, but there are limits to what you should tow and how. Before you attempt to tow anything, your primary concern should be safety, because not paying attention to this could lead to disaster. This means you should own buy or rent the highest-quality equipment available. Everything should be installed by a trained professional.
Before using your INFINITI for towing, you need to inspect all of the equipment. All of the bolts need to be completely tightened. Any problems, including the presence of corrosion, should be dealt with immediately.
No matter what, you should never exceed the established towing capacity for your INFINITI. You need to know how much weight you can safely tow, which is listed in the owner’s manual. If you’re not sure, you can call us or stop by and we’d be glad to assist. Always take into account the weight of the trailer, as well as the items that you’re towing, otherwise you could be in for a big surprise.
There are many different types of hitches. You need to be aware that a weight rating is attached to each one, which will dictate the kind you go with. Absolutely never use a clamp-on hitch, because they’re simply not safe. They can come loose at any time, damaging your vehicle and even causing a serious accident, so just don’t even consider using them.
When you tow anything, you need to use the appropriate safety chains or cables to attach your vehicle to the trailer. This is in place just in case the hitch breaks or comes loose, which could happen. The cables or chains would keep the trailer from flying free and careening out of control, so it’s important they’re securely in place. Cross them under the tongue, because then they can act like a safety net if the tongue comes loose, keeping it from falling all the way to the road.
Having properly functioning lights on your trailer is a good idea, and in many areas it’s also the law. Because the wiring system for a trailer and your INFINITI are different, you’ll need a converter that’s been professionally installed. Before towing anything, always check that the brake lights and turn signals are working properly on the trailer.
If your INFINITI is brand new, you need to allow for a break-in period before towing anything. INFINITI recommends that the vehicle has been driven for at least 500 miles first.
Towing in general places a bigger load on your INFINITI, making it even more important to stay up on maintenance. Before towing a trailer, check all of the fluid levels to ensure nothing goes wrong. If you tow trailers frequently, checking the fluids at least once a week is ideal. Always keep your eye on the gauges when climbing hills or accelerating, especially the engine temperature, since the extra weight can trigger overheating. You should also change out fluids more frequently when you tow trailers on a regular basis.
Another consideration is the tires. In your owner’s manual is a cold tire pressure for towing, which you should follow to accommodate the extra load. When you’re done towing, let the extra air out of the tires.
When actually towing a trailer, always stay extremely aware of everything going on around you. Give yourself extra time and distance to stop, because the additional weight will affect things. Be especially cautious with changing lanes, always checking the blind spots and using signals in advance. Drive slower than normal and stay out of the fast lane on the highway. Take turns at a much slower rate as well. Doing these things will help you save some serious headaches later.
Have questions about towing with your INFINITI? Contact us at INFINITI of Cool Springs. We’d be happy to help.
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