First immobilizers, now bumpers. Perhaps oddly, the Canadian government has been proposing new standards that would make our roads safer, while making it easier for Canadians to import vehicles from other countries.
In a recent proposed amendment to the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, Ottawa plans to adopt similar standards to the USA and Europe regarding bumper safety during impacts at a given speed. The change would likely result in a set of globally-regulated test requirements, and leave Canadians wishing to import a vehicle with more choice.
Certain models weren't allowed into Canada in the recent past because of bumper regulations- namely the Pontiac GTO and generations 1 through 9 of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
"This proposed amendment would offer more choice to Canadians who wish to import vehicles," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "At the same time, it would help to maintain the safety of Canadian roads."
The proposed change comes in line with the Canada-U.S. Security and Prosperity Partnership, which is intended to reduce regulatory differences and facilitate international trade while maintaining high levels of safety.
Provincial and territorial governments would maintain jurisdiction for road use and after-market additions to motor vehicles, and the final version of the Federal amendment will be made next month.
Every summer, thousands of Canadians hit the highways towing a camper or some power-toys behind their trucks and SUV's. On any given long weekend, you probably notice huge flocks of trailers and toys headed down the highway bound for lakes, campsites and other weekend escapes with family and friends.
Trailering is ideal for families who occasionally require added space to transport a few days worth of camping gear, food and firewood without having to use a larger and thirstier vehicle year round. Most new cars can tow at least a small trailer, while some full sized trucks can haul 10,000 pounds or more.If you're thinking of investing in a new trailer, truck or both, there are some key things to know. Your dealership can help you find an adequate new or used vehicle for your towing needs, as well as helping keep said vehicle in top shape throughout the season. A trailer shop can also help with assessing your needs before recommending a trailer and hitch combination.
The first and most important part of towing is determining the capacity of your vehicle. A range of factors contribute to the weight your car or truck can pull- and you can check with your owner's manual, sales rep or our specifications page for more information.
The total capacity of your machine is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). You may find your vehicles GVWR printed onto a sticker in one of the door jams. It indicates how much weight the vehicle can handle safely- including a loaded trailer and passengers.
You'll need a hitch to attach a trailer to your vehicle. There are several varieties available, placed into classes indicating the weight they're able to support. Hitches have a specified maximum GTW, or Gross Tow Weight assigned to them. This is the total weight of the fully loaded trailer that will be attached to them. Tongue Weight capacity is also important, representing the total amount of weight that can rest on the tongue of the trailer where it meets the hitch.
Part of making sure the tongue weight is not exceeded has to do with how you pack your trailer. As a guideline, about 60 percent of the weight should be in the front of the trailer and about 40 percent in the rear.
Be sure to strap or tie down loose items securely so that they don't move around and upset the balance of your load. Don't ever exceed posted capacities- in fact, a safe bet is to stay under them just to be sure. After all, safety is important when driving with your family and their possessions.
Remember that loaded vehicles require considerably longer distances to stop and accelerate. It's very important to be aware of the added need for space when passing and stopping while towing a load.
A vehicle with a manual mode transmission or overdrive-cancel function can ensure power is available when climbing hills at highway speeds, reducing the tendency of the vehicle to lose velocity. Downshift ahead of hills to keep your speed steady. With added weight comes added strain on vehicle components.
Carmakers may offer improved hardware to handle these stresses- including upgraded batteries, oil coolers, heavy duty axle and chassis components, and electronic aids like GM's dedicated "Tow/Haul Mode". The latter helps to reduce gear hunting and delivers smoother and more confident acceleration when pulling.
If your vehicle is a few years old or you haven't towed with it before, you might want to consider adding some such additional hardware yourself. Transmission oil coolers, for instance, can be added to any truck to reduce heat-related wear and tear on transmission components. Don't underestimate the extreme stress that towing a load puts on your gearbox, and remember that as the fluid gets hotter, its protective qualities begin to dissipate.
On that note, a transmission flush is a good idea to ensure maximum performance and protection. Many a mechanic say that a bit of preventative maintenance now may save thousands down the line.
The only part of it that ever touches the road or allows any safety systems to work properly is its tires. Make sure all are properly inflated based on the recommendations in the owners manual, and if they're worn out or questionable, replace them without delay.
A healthy set of tires and well equipped, well maintained towing rig with the right trailer is key to safe and confident adventures all summer long.
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