i i have a 1996 pontiac sunfire se and i wanted to no how much i can tow and if i should buy a transmission cooler or just change the transmission oil after how many miles of towing. i would probably be towing 2 dirtbikes or an atv most of the time but i would also use it to get stuff from menards i think the max weight on the trailer would be 700lbs is that to much and also how should i drive it when i am carring heavy loads should i start out in drive or start out in first and shift into second then into drive and when i am towing i am on a road thats 55 minimum most people do 65 is that to much i dont want to screw up my car but its the only thing i can afford 10 points to the most helpful answer
Do you have a transmission cooler now? I don't think you will have a problem with just 2 dirtbikes. But I would not tow 2 atvs. If you don't have a transmission cooler now, I would install one before you tow. They are very inexpensive and easy to install. Just start towing like you would when normally driving.
you dont need a cooler when towing dont tow over fourty and do not make a jack rabit start that weing is nothing not even a ton. but watch out the mirrors for trouble also ok.
It's better to be safe than sorry. I personally would use a transmission fluid temperature gauge and watch what the temperature does, then watch it with a trailer. If there is a jump in temperature, a cooler would go on. If you burn the transmission fluid, wave bye bye to your transmission. I would certainly check the fluid before and after hauling the trailer. Smell it to see if it smells burnt, and replace if needed. Remember that your only replacing about a half of the fluid when you change it so you might as well change it anyways. A word of caution is that if the transmission fluid has never been changed, don't start now that it's older. Strangely enough, not changing the fluid wears the transmission out faster, but allows the clutches to hold together okay. Flushing it or changing the oil will take away the friction and the transmission will fail. Slower starts and driver slower are good ideas with a trailer. Given that your load isn't that much, it shouldn't be a problem depending on your engine and transmission.
