The power of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to haul masses is a big specification for potential consumers. This metric quantifies the utmost weight a car can safely tow, encompassing the mixed weight of the trailer and its contents. Understanding this determine is essential for these planning to make use of the car for duties comparable to transporting leisure gear or smaller trailers.
Towing functionality is a key issue influencing car choice, particularly for people with particular hauling wants. The capability impacts utility and broadens the car’s vary of purposes. Traditionally, this functionality has been a major consideration for drivers requiring versatility from their car, permitting for each passenger transport and cargo administration.
The next sections will delve into the specifics surrounding the hauling capabilities of the required car, together with components influencing this worth, comparisons to earlier mannequin years, and concerns for maximizing efficiency whereas towing.
1. Most weight score
The utmost weight score essentially defines the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s functionality. This score represents the higher restrict of a trailer’s gross weight that the car is engineered to tow safely. Exceeding this score poses important dangers, together with compromised braking efficiency, lowered car stability, and potential injury to the powertrain and chassis. For example, making an attempt to tow a trailer weighing 6,000 kilos when the utmost weight score is 3,500 kilos overloads the car’s elements, doubtlessly resulting in brake failure or suspension injury.
This metric is just not merely a theoretical determine; it is a sensible guideline important for protected operation. It dictates the kind and dimension of trailers that may be coupled to the car. Contemplate a state of affairs the place a person intends to tow a small boat. The mixed weight of the boat, trailer, and any related gear have to be lower than or equal to the utmost allowable weight. Failure to stick to this restrict can negate guarantee protection if injury happens as a direct results of overloading. Moreover, authorized ramifications could come up if an accident happens whereas towing past the required restrict.
Due to this fact, the utmost weight score isn’t just a specification however a essential security parameter. Understanding and adhering to this restrict is paramount for accountable car operation. Ignoring it may well result in important security hazards and dear repairs, highlighting the significance of consulting the proprietor’s handbook and verifying trailer weights earlier than commencing any towing exercise. Correct hitch setup and weight distribution are additionally essential components in safely attaining the marketed score.
2. Hybrid powertrain limitations
The hybrid powertrain of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduces particular concerns that affect its hauling potential. The interplay between the electrical motors, gasoline engine, and battery system dictates the general energy supply and thermal administration, immediately impacting the quantity of weight the car can tow safely and successfully.
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Electrical Motor Torque Help
Whereas electrical motors present speedy torque, aiding the gasoline engine throughout preliminary acceleration and doubtlessly bettering the notion of towing energy, the sustained output is proscribed. The electrical motors’ contribution diminishes at greater speeds or beneath extended heavy load, inserting elevated demand on the gasoline engine, which can function at a much less environment friendly vary when towing. For instance, making an attempt to keep up freeway speeds whereas towing a heavy load can quickly deplete the battery and rely closely on the gasoline engine, doubtlessly affecting the car’s long-term efficiency and gas economic system.
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Thermal Administration System
The hybrid system’s thermal administration system is designed to keep up optimum working temperatures for the battery pack and electrical motors. Towing heavy masses generates further warmth, doubtlessly exceeding the cooling system’s capability, particularly in scorching climate circumstances. Overheating can result in lowered energy output, system shutdown, or part injury. Consequently, it’s essential to watch car temperatures and regulate towing practices, comparable to decreasing pace or taking frequent breaks, to forestall overheating and preserve system integrity.
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Battery Capability and Drain
The battery capability influences the hybrid system’s potential to complement the gasoline engine throughout towing. Frequent acceleration and hill climbing whereas towing can shortly drain the battery, decreasing the electrical motor’s help and growing reliance on the gasoline engine. This could result in diminished gas economic system and doubtlessly have an effect on the lifespan of the battery pack on account of elevated biking. Understanding the battery’s limitations and adjusting towing practices accordingly is crucial for maximizing effectivity and preserving the battery’s well being.
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Regenerative Braking Effectivity
Regenerative braking, a key characteristic of hybrid programs, captures kinetic power throughout deceleration to recharge the battery. Nonetheless, when towing a heavy load, the effectiveness of regenerative braking is lowered, because the system could not be capable to seize all of the power generated throughout braking. This necessitates larger reliance on the standard friction brakes, doubtlessly resulting in elevated brake put on and lowered general effectivity. Due to this fact, anticipating stops and utilizing engine braking will help mitigate this impact and lengthen brake life.
In conclusion, the hybrid powertrain introduces distinct concerns relating to its rated tow functionality. Whereas the electrical motors supply preliminary torque benefits, components comparable to thermal administration, battery capability, and regenerative braking effectivity finally affect the system’s sustained efficiency. Due to this fact, understanding these limitations and adapting driving habits accordingly is essential to make sure protected and environment friendly utilization when towing with the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
3. Security characteristic integration
Security characteristic integration is critically intertwined with the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s hauling potential, impacting each driver confidence and general security. The car’s superior security programs work together with its mechanical elements to mitigate dangers related to towing. With out these built-in options, the inherent challenges of towing, comparable to elevated stopping distances, lowered maneuverability, and heightened susceptibility to sway, can be considerably amplified. For instance, trailer sway management makes use of sensors to detect instability and robotically applies particular person brakes to counteract the impact, stopping a possible lack of management. Blind spot monitoring programs, calibrated to account for the prolonged size of the car with a trailer hooked up, present enhanced consciousness of surrounding visitors, decreasing the chance of collisions throughout lane adjustments.
The effectiveness of those programs is paramount, significantly in adversarial circumstances. Contemplate a state of affairs the place a driver is towing a small camper throughout a rainstorm. The mixture of lowered traction and elevated trailer weight elevates the chance of hydroplaning or trailer sway. Correctly built-in security options, comparable to car stability management and anti-lock braking programs, present corrective measures to keep up stability and management. Equally, options like dynamic radar cruise management robotically regulate pace to keep up a protected following distance, decreasing the cognitive load on the motive force and minimizing the chance of rear-end collisions, particularly on lengthy journeys. The absence or malfunction of those programs throughout towing would compromise the car’s potential to react successfully to sudden occasions, growing the probability of accidents.
In conclusion, the combination of security options is just not merely an elective addition however a vital part of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s hauling design. These programs improve stability, visibility, and braking efficiency, immediately contributing to a safer towing expertise. Understanding the performance and limitations of those programs is essential for drivers to maximise their effectiveness and guarantee accountable car operation. As know-how evolves, additional integration of superior driver-assistance programs (ADAS) is anticipated to additional improve the security and ease of hauling operations, solidifying its significance within the context of the car’s towing capabilities.
4. Correct hitch choice
Correct hitch choice is a basic prerequisite for safely and successfully using the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s hauling potential. The hitch serves because the essential connection level between the car and the trailer, transferring towing forces and guaranteeing safe coupling. Deciding on an insufficient or improperly put in hitch can compromise the car’s stability, braking efficiency, and general security, whatever the car’s inherent towing functionality.
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Hitch Class Ranking
Hitch lessons are outlined by their most weight and tongue weight capacities. Deciding on a hitch with a score decrease than the meant trailer’s gross weight exposes the system to overload, doubtlessly resulting in structural failure. The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid sometimes requires a Class III hitch to strategy its most weight score. Utilizing a Class II hitch, designed for lighter masses, can be unsuitable and unsafe. Conversely, a Class IV hitch, whereas exceeding the car’s necessities, would possibly introduce pointless weight and potential fitment points.
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Hitch Receiver Measurement and Compatibility
The hitch receiver dimension should match the corresponding ball mount or towing equipment. A mismatch can compromise the integrity of the connection and result in instability throughout towing. The commonest receiver dimension for automobiles within the Highlander Hybrid’s class is 2 inches. Making an attempt to adapt a smaller receiver dimension to accommodate bigger equipment, or vice versa, can introduce extreme stress on the hitch elements and enhance the chance of failure.
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Weight Distribution Concerns
For heavier masses, a weight distribution hitch is commonly beneficial to evenly distribute the trailer’s weight throughout the car’s axles. This technique makes use of spring bars to switch weight from the rear axle to the entrance axle, bettering dealing with and decreasing rear-end sag. With no weight distribution system, the rear of the Highlander Hybrid could expertise extreme downward power, resulting in compromised steering and braking management. Correctly configured weight distribution is essential for sustaining stability, particularly when towing close to the car’s most weight score.
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Skilled Set up and Inspection
Whatever the hitch’s class or compatibility, skilled set up and common inspection are important for guaranteeing its long-term reliability. Improper set up can result in free connections, corrosion, and eventual failure. A licensed technician can confirm correct bolt torque, wiring connections, and general system integrity. Periodic inspections can establish potential points, comparable to cracks or rust, earlier than they escalate into essential security issues.
In conclusion, correct hitch choice is just not merely a matter of comfort however a essential security consideration immediately impacting the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s potential to soundly obtain its marketed hauling potential. Matching the hitch class to the meant load, guaranteeing receiver compatibility, using weight distribution programs when obligatory, and prioritizing skilled set up and inspection are all very important steps in maximizing security and efficiency. Failure to deal with these components can negate the advantages of the car’s inherent towing capabilities and create important security hazards.
5. Braking system efficiency
Braking system efficiency is a essential issue dictating the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s capability. The power to decelerate and cease safely when towing is paramount. The car’s braking system should successfully handle the elevated mass and inertia related to hauling a trailer.
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Stopping Distance
Towing considerably will increase stopping distance. The braking system should generate enough power to beat the trailer’s momentum. For example, emergency braking with a completely loaded trailer could require considerably extra distance in comparison with regular driving circumstances. The mixing of options comparable to enhanced brake help goals to mitigate this enhance. Testing protocols usually embody measuring stopping distances beneath varied load circumstances to make sure compliance with security requirements. If the stopping distance is compromised, the rated towing functionality could also be lowered to stick to security laws.
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Brake Fade
Brake fade happens when the brake elements overheat, decreasing their effectiveness. Towing, significantly downhill, locations sustained calls for on the braking system, growing the chance of fade. Overheated brake pads lose friction, diminishing the power to decelerate. The Highlander Hybrid’s braking system incorporates design components to dissipate warmth, comparable to bigger rotors and improved cooling. Nonetheless, driving strategies, comparable to using decrease gears for engine braking, are additionally essential in stopping brake fade when towing downhill. Inadequate brake efficiency on account of fade immediately impacts the car’s protected towing capability.
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Trailer Brake Integration
For heavier masses, a trailer brake controller is crucial for synchronizing the car’s brakes with the trailer’s brakes. With no trailer brake controller, the car’s braking system alone bears the total burden of decelerating each the car and the trailer, doubtlessly resulting in instability and elevated stopping distances. Many fashionable automobiles, together with the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, supply built-in trailer brake controllers or pre-wiring for aftermarket set up. Correct calibration of the trailer brake controller is essential for optimum efficiency. Failure to correctly combine trailer brakes compromises security and will exceed the car’s meant operational limits.
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Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a essential security part, stopping wheel lockup throughout exhausting braking. When towing, ABS performs a significant function in sustaining steering management and stability, significantly on slippery surfaces. The ABS system’s effectiveness is influenced by components comparable to tire situation and highway floor. The elevated weight and altered dynamics of towing can problem the ABS system’s potential to keep up optimum management. The ABS calibration is designed to account for these altered dynamics. Malfunctions or limitations within the ABS system immediately impression the car’s protected towing capability, doubtlessly necessitating a decrease score.
In abstract, braking system efficiency is inextricably linked to the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s acknowledged towing capability. Elements comparable to stopping distance, brake fade resistance, trailer brake integration, and ABS performance are all essential in guaranteeing protected and managed hauling. Deficiencies in any of those areas would necessitate a discount within the car’s allowable towing weight to keep up acceptable security margins. Common upkeep and adherence to beneficial towing practices are important for preserving braking system efficiency and maximizing the protected use of the Highlander Hybrid’s hauling skills.
6. Payload concerns
Payload considerably impacts the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s hauling potential. Payload refers back to the most allowable weight the car can carry, together with passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of a trailer. Exceeding this restrict compromises security and efficiency, immediately influencing towing functionality.
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Definition and Calculation
Payload capability is calculated by subtracting the car’s curb weight (the load of the car with customary gear and fluids) from its Gross Automobile Weight Ranking (GVWR). The GVWR represents the utmost permissible weight of the car when absolutely loaded. Understanding this calculation is essential, as exceeding the payload capability can result in suspension injury, lowered braking effectivity, and compromised dealing with.
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Tongue Weight Affect
The tongue weight, the downward power exerted by the trailer hitch on the car’s hitch receiver, is a essential part of payload. A considerable tongue weight reduces the accessible payload for passengers and cargo. For instance, if the Highlander Hybrid has a payload of 1,500 kilos and the trailer’s tongue weight is 400 kilos, the remaining payload capability is lowered to 1,100 kilos for passengers and cargo. Failing to account for tongue weight may end up in exceeding the car’s GVWR, resulting in potential security hazards.
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Passenger and Cargo Weight
The mixed weight of passengers and cargo have to be factored into the payload calculation. Every occupant and merchandise of cargo contributes to the general load. For example, 5 grownup passengers weighing a mean of 150 kilos every contribute 750 kilos to the payload. Including 200 kilos of baggage additional reduces the accessible payload. Overlooking these weights may end up in exceeding the car’s payload capability, even when the tongue weight is inside acceptable limits.
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Impact on Hauling Means
Exceeding the payload capability negatively impacts the car’s hauling potential. Overloading the car’s suspension and tires reduces stability and management, significantly when towing. It may additionally pressure the powertrain, doubtlessly resulting in overheating and lowered efficiency. The car’s most weight score assumes that the payload is inside its specified limits. Exceeding the payload reduces the utmost weight that may be towed safely, successfully diminishing the car’s meant hauling potential.
The interrelationship between payload and the acknowledged hauling potential is key. Sustaining payload throughout the car’s specified limits is essential for protected and efficient hauling. Overlooking payload concerns compromises security, reduces efficiency, and might negate the meant use of the car. Understanding and adhering to payload limits is, subsequently, a vital side of maximizing the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s weight score.
7. Towing package deal inclusions
The presence and content material of a particular towing package deal exert a direct affect on the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s weight score. A towing package deal is just not merely an adjunct; it’s a set of engineered elements designed to reinforce the car’s structural integrity, thermal administration, and management programs to soundly handle the stresses related to hauling. Its absence sometimes limits the car’s hauling potential to a considerably decrease worth than what’s achievable with the package deal. For example, with no factory-installed towing package deal, a Highlander Hybrid is likely to be restricted to a weight score far under the marketed most. The inclusion of a heavy-duty radiator, transmission cooler, or enhanced wiring harness throughout the package deal immediately addresses potential weaknesses that may in any other case restrict functionality.
The person elements included inside a Toyota towing package deal are particularly chosen to deal with essential efficiency parameters. For instance, a transmission cooler mitigates the chance of overheating, guaranteeing constant efficiency even beneath sustained heavy load circumstances. An upgraded wiring harness gives a dependable electrical connection for trailer lights and brakes, important for security and authorized compliance. Moreover, the combination of trailer sway management throughout the car’s digital stability system leverages sensors and actuators to counteract instability. This reduces the probability of shedding management, particularly in adversarial climate circumstances or throughout emergency maneuvers. The absence of those elements undermines the car’s capability to soundly handle heavy masses, proscribing its hauling efficiency.
The impression of towing package deal inclusions on the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s weight score is each substantial and readily demonstrable. Correct integration of those elements bolsters the car’s structural and mechanical capability, guaranteeing protected and efficient hauling. Understanding these connections is essential for potential house owners, permitting them to make knowledgeable selections and make the most of the car’s potential absolutely whereas prioritizing security and long-term reliability.
8. Affect on gas effectivity
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s gas effectivity is considerably affected when towing, representing a key consideration for house owners planning to make the most of its weight score. The hybrid powertrain, designed for optimum gas economic system in regular driving circumstances, experiences elevated pressure when hauling, resulting in a discernible discount in miles per gallon.
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Elevated Engine Load
Towing topics the Highlander Hybrid’s gasoline engine to a considerably greater load. The engine should work tougher to beat the mixed weight of the car and the trailer, leading to elevated gas consumption. For example, a journey that sometimes yields 35 MPG would possibly drop to twenty MPG or decrease when towing a trailer close to the car’s most weight score. The engine operates at a much less environment friendly level on its efficiency curve, resulting in a direct enhance in gas consumption.
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Electrical Motor Help Discount
Whereas the electrical motors present supplemental energy, their contribution diminishes when towing. The hybrid system prioritizes sustaining battery cost and stopping overheating. Underneath heavy load, the electrical motors could present much less help, inserting a larger burden on the gasoline engine. This impact additional contributes to lowered gas effectivity. Frequent acceleration and hill climbing whereas towing can shortly deplete the battery, resulting in near-exclusive reliance on the gasoline engine and exacerbating the lower in gas economic system.
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Aerodynamic Drag
Towing considerably will increase aerodynamic drag, significantly with bigger trailers. The extra floor space disrupts airflow, requiring extra energy to keep up pace. This elevated drag interprets immediately into elevated gas consumption. For instance, towing a boxy trailer creates considerably extra drag than towing a streamlined boat trailer, leading to a extra pronounced discount in gas effectivity. Minimizing drag via cautious trailer choice and correct loading will help mitigate this impact, however the impression stays substantial.
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Driving Circumstances and Habits
Driving circumstances and habits additional affect gas effectivity when towing. Hilly terrain, sturdy headwinds, and aggressive acceleration all enhance gas consumption. Sustaining a gradual pace and anticipating adjustments in terrain will help optimize gas economic system. Nonetheless, even beneath excellent circumstances, towing will inevitably scale back the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s gas effectivity. Drivers ought to regulate their expectations accordingly and plan for extra frequent refueling stops when towing.
In abstract, towing with the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid invariably impacts gas effectivity. The elevated engine load, lowered electrical motor help, heightened aerodynamic drag, and driving circumstances collectively contribute to a big discount in miles per gallon. Drivers should perceive these components and regulate their driving habits accordingly to reduce the impression on gas consumption whereas prioritizing security and accountable car operation.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the hauling capabilities of the required car.
Query 1: What’s the most weight score for the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The utmost weight score varies relying on particular trim ranges and gear packages. Confer with the car’s proprietor’s handbook or a licensed Toyota vendor for exact figures.
Query 2: Does the hybrid powertrain have an effect on the car’s hauling potential?
Sure, the hybrid powertrain’s traits, together with electrical motor help and thermal administration, affect the utmost weight that may be towed safely. Cautious consideration of those components is essential.
Query 3: Is a particular towing package deal required to realize the utmost weight score?
A towing package deal is commonly obligatory to succeed in the car’s marketed hauling potential. This package deal sometimes contains important elements comparable to a heavy-duty radiator, transmission cooler, and wiring harness.
Query 4: How does payload impression the car’s hauling capability?
Payload, encompassing passengers, cargo, and tongue weight, immediately reduces the accessible weight for towing. Exceeding the payload restrict compromises security and dealing with.
Query 5: Does towing have an effect on the car’s gas effectivity?
Towing inevitably reduces gas effectivity on account of elevated engine load and aerodynamic drag. Drivers ought to anticipate a big lower in miles per gallon when hauling.
Query 6: Are there particular security options built-in to reinforce towing security?
Trendy automobiles combine security programs like trailer sway management and enhanced braking programs to enhance stability and management when towing. Guarantee these options are functioning appropriately earlier than hauling.
Understanding the solutions to those often requested questions is crucial for accountable and knowledgeable car operation.
The following part will summarize key concerns relating to the load score of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Ideas Concerning the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Towing Capability
Efficient and protected utilization of the car’s hauling potential necessitates adherence to particular pointers. These practices decrease dangers and maximize efficiency.
Tip 1: Seek the advice of the Proprietor’s Guide: The proprietor’s handbook gives exact specs, together with the utmost weight score, tongue weight limits, and beneficial towing procedures. Adherence to those pointers is crucial for protected operation.
Tip 2: Confirm Trailer Weight: Precisely decide the trailer’s precise weight, together with all cargo, fluids, and equipment. Exceeding the utmost weight score poses important security dangers. Make the most of a licensed scale for correct measurement.
Tip 3: Make use of a Correctly Rated Hitch: Choose a hitch with a category score equal to or exceeding the trailer’s gross weight. Make sure the hitch is professionally put in and frequently inspected for put on or injury.
Tip 4: Distribute Weight Evenly: Load the trailer with roughly 60% of the load within the entrance half and 40% within the rear. Correct weight distribution minimizes sway and enhances stability.
Tip 5: Regulate Tire Strain: Enhance tire stress to the degrees beneficial for towing, as indicated on the tire placard or within the proprietor’s handbook. Correct tire stress improves dealing with and reduces the chance of tire failure.
Tip 6: Make the most of Tow/Haul Mode: Have interaction the car’s tow/haul mode, if geared up. This mode optimizes the transmission’s shift factors for elevated energy and engine braking.
Tip 7: Frequently Examine Gear: Earlier than every towing journey, totally examine the hitch, security chains, wiring connections, lights, and brakes. Handle any points promptly to forestall accidents.
Persistently making use of the following pointers fosters safer and extra environment friendly hauling operations. Neglecting these concerns can compromise car efficiency and enhance the chance of accidents.
The concluding part will present a concise abstract of the important thing facets of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s capabilities.
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Towing Capability
This exploration has elucidated essential facets of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid hauling potential. Understanding the utmost weight score, hybrid powertrain limitations, the significance of security characteristic integration, correct hitch choice, braking system efficiency, and payload concerns are very important for protected and efficient operation. The presence of a towing package deal and the impression on gas effectivity additional form accountable utilization.
Potential house owners should prioritize these concerns to make sure adherence to security requirements and optimum car efficiency. Thorough understanding and diligent utility of those rules are paramount to maximizing the utility of the car with out compromising security or long-term reliability. Accountable possession calls for knowledgeable decision-making in regards to the car’s limitations and accountable utilization of its towing capabilities.
