Fact Sheet
Volvo Car Leasing
Towing advice
When you hook up your caravan or trailer to your Volvo, adventure is always on the
horizon. Yet of course, towing another ‘vehicle’ comes with extra responsibilities
towards safety – for yourself, your passengers and other road users
To help you to enjoy miles more adventure, all year round,
here are our top towing tips for your safety.
General safety
Towing a vehicle requires a change in the style of your
driving – because the extra weight and size of your
combined load mean you need to increase your stopping
distance to allow you to break safely. Towing will also
affect your acceleration. So the general rule is: allow
extra time for everything.
Also, take extra care on corners and at junctions to avoid
a) turning too narrowly and clipping the curb; b) turning
too widely and swinging out dangerously.
Towing weight
There are specific rules about towing, according to
vehicle size, driver’s age and other factors.
As of 19th January 2013, new drivers can tow small
trailers up to 750kg, and trailers over 750kg if the
combined weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer
doesn’t exceed 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes). To tow additional
weight it’s necessary to pass a further test and get B+E
entitlement on your licence.
If you have held your licence from prior to
1st January 1997 you can drive a combined vehicle
and trailer weight of up to 8,250kg (8.25 tonnes).
Fit extension mirrors
Due to your combined vehicle length, the standard
wing mirrors on your car will no longer be adequate. Fit
extension mirrors to make sure you have a clear view of
emerging vehicles (N.B. it is illegal to use these when
not towing).
Towing on motorways
Towed caravans and trailers are not permitted in the
right (outside) lane of a three-plus lane carriageway.
Plan for the unexpected
Check the weather forecast and travel news, and
make sure you have a full tank. Travel in daylight where
possible and avoid minor roads. Expect delays.
Be prepared
Always carry an emergency kit so you’re ready for any
eventuality – and all weather conditions. We recommend:
first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, warm and
waterproof clothes, torches with extra batteries, high
visibility jacket, shovel, scraper, de-icer, warning triangle,
tow rope, hand winch and tree straps, two mobile phones
on different networks with both car and mains chargers,
book map (in case of sat nav failure). Plus emergency
food and water.
Make a Rescue Plan
If you have held a driving licence
since 1st January 1997 you are permitted to drive
a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to
4,250kg (4.25 tonnes). Above this weight you will need
to pass a category B+E driving test.
Take out breakdown cover with a recovery service. And
before every trip inform someone of your travel plans,
together with a written copy of your route, destination,
car registration, phone numbers and your estimated time
of arrival.
In general, to reduce the risk of load toppling, ensure that
the weight of towed items is equally distributed. Find out
more at www.gov.uk/towing-with-car
If you get into trouble
Stay with your vehicle, if it is safe to do so, and
call for help.
Know the speed limits
The legal UK national speed limits for towing vehicles
are: 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways; and
50 mph on single carriageways.
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Fact Sheet
Winter safety
Book regular safety checks
Bring your car to Volvo for an annual winter safety check
covering your battery and tyre treads, windscreen wipers,
washers and anti-freeze levels. And each time you hook
up your caravan or trailer, make sure the lights on both
vehicles are working properly. Find out more about a
Volvo winter check at volvocars.co.uk
Gear up for snow
Clear windscreens, mirrors, windows, lights and roofs
before you set off. Drive in the highest gear possible,
slower than usual and increase your stopping distance.
Avoid harsh braking and steering. Use dipped headlights
in reduced visibility.
Beware of ice
Don’t trust your eyes because icy patches can be
invisible. Drive slowly and if you skid, take your foot off
the clutch and steer into the skid to correct it. if driving
on a track between icy ridges, be careful of hidden ruts;
the centre ridge may damage a vehicle’s underside.
Driving in hail
Use your headlights if visibility is poor and beware of ice
– both during and after the hail storm.
Driving in fog
Fog patches move around, so expect them to come
and go. Switch on fog lights, dip your headlights when
visibility falls below 100 metres and be wary of tailgating.
Use your brakes to slow, rather than gears, as your lights
signal to others that you are slowing.
If you get into trouble
Wear a high visibility jacket so that you can be seen by
other motorists. When parked, it may be better to chock
the wheels, rather than use the handbrake, to avoid
freezing the shoes to the drums.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
THE VOLVO CAR BUSINESS CENTRE
ON 0345 600 4027
[email protected]
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