Subaru Towing Capacity

Drivers in Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel and Turnersville know that every Subaru model offers its driver and passengers a long list of the highest quality features. Whether you're looking for a smooth, luxurious ride or an off-roading sports vehicle, Subaru will surpass your expectations. Part of what makes Subaru models such a popular choice for car buyers is the towing capacity provided by these powerful vehicles. Subaru's great towing capacities allow you to transport your large belongings with ease.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll be elated with your ability to safely tow your boat, ATV, or trailer behind a Subaru. If you're not inclined to outdoor adventures, Subaru towing capacities will allow you to tow another car or storage trailer for everyday moving needs. Learn to estimate your car's towing capacity, the ways in which towing can affect your driving and the legal limitations in play. 

How to Approximate Your Towing Capacity

If you're unsure of your vehicle's towing capacity, you can make an accurate estimation without needing to research exact specifications. Most maximum towing capacities are about equal to the weight of the vehicle when it's empty. Sometimes the max capacity can range up to 1.5 times the unloaded weight of the vehicle. 

With this approximation strategy, you can safely assume that you can tow something the same weight as your car, but if the object exceeds 1.5 to 2 times the weight of your vehicle, you may want to reconsider your towing options. 

Towing Something Changes the Way Your Car Drives

If you're towing an object the same weight as your car, you're effectively doubling the weight the engine must power into motion. You will not accelerate as quickly and your car will need more gas intake to achieve the same speeds as a car without something in-tow. The engine must also work harder when climbing hills. 

Having weight behind your vehicle will create more momentum, which increases the braking distance it takes for the car to achieve a full stop. You should adjust your driving accordingly, avoiding following too closely to other vehicles. Also, when making sharp turns while towing something, your car is more prone to leave its lane or skid with the added momentum. Slow your car's speed before making drastic turns. 

Know the Legal Limitations of Maximum Towing Capacity

Before you succumb to temptation to exceed your car's maximum towing capacity, you should be aware that state laws exist limiting the amount of weight you can tow. Though the laws are different in each state, all agree that the maximum weight you can tow cannot exceed the lowest of the following parameters:       

• The manufacturer-defined max towing capacity
          
• If you're using a trailer, the max carrying capacity of the trailer
          
• If you're using a tow bar and coupling, the max capacity of the equipment
          
• Your tires' max carrying capacity 

If you decide to ignore your state's regulations on towing, you may be subject to various penalties including fines and loss of your insurance coverage, meaning if you get into an accident while towing something beyond the maximum capacity, you could be paying for the damages out-of-pocket. 

Lastly, towing weight over the capacity is simply unsafe for you, your passengers, and the other drivers on the road. Exercise responsibility when towing and obey your state's towing laws and the maximum capacities bulleted above. 

Prestige Subaru of Asheville is the North Carolina Dealership You Can Rely On

When looking for a car with great towing capacity, you can be sure to find a Subaru that will match your hauling needs. If you are in Turnersville, Cherry Hill or Mount Laurel, contact Prestige Subaru today to come check out all the top-class features offered by Subaru models.