Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Thecombined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (since 5 x 150 = 750,
and 1400 – 750 = 650 lb.)
212 STARTING AND OPERATING
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. Safety—
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Always drive with each tire properly inflated.
STARTING AND OPERATING 215
5
more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor tempera-
tures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.
Inflation pressures specified on the label are always
“Cold Inflation Pressure.” Cold inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has been idle
for at least 3 hours, or driven less than a mile after a 3
hour period. The cold inflation pressure of each tire
should be set according to the manufacturers recom-
mended pressure, and must not exceed the maximum
values molded into the tire sidewall.
Tire pressures may increase from 13 to 40 kPa (2 to 6 psi)
[0.138 to 0.414 bar] during operation. DO NOT reduce
this normal pressure buildup.High Speed Operation
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident.
Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to maximum capacity at
continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
STARTING AND OPERATING 217
5
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspen-
sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension com-
ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
•Never use a tire smaller than the minimum tire size
listed on your vehicle’s tire label. Using a smaller tire
could result in tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
•Overloading your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure. Use tires of the recommended
load capacity for your vehicle - never overload them.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings. Check with your dealer before replacing tires
with a different size.
Alignment and Balance
The suspension components of your vehicle should be
inspected and aligned when needed, to obtain maximum
tire tread life.
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•reduced tread life;
•uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
•vehicle pull to the right or to the left.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING
A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are mandatory
for motoring safety.
Follow the maintenance intervals in schedule “B” for
changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation.
230 STARTING AND OPERATING
Storage, Vehicle......................... 290
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 290
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 27
Tachometer............................ 143
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 145
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 37
Tilt Steering Column...................... 66
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 211
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 210
Tire Markings.......................... 207
Tire Safety Information.................... 207
Tires ................................. 215
Air Pressure.......................... 216
Alignment and Balance.................. 220
Chains.............................. 221
Changing............................ 238
General Information.................... 215
High Speed.......................... 217Inflation Pressures..................... 216
Jacking...........................238,240
Load Capacity...................... 211,212
Radial.............................. 218
Replacement......................... 219
Rotation............................. 221
Safety.............................. 207
Sizes............................... 208
Spare Tire........................... 239
Spinning............................ 218
Tread Wear Indicators................... 218
To Open Hood.......................... 60
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 190
Towing............................229,244
Disabled Vehicle....................... 244
Recreational.......................... 232
Trailering............................ 229
Trac-Lok Rear Axle...................... 194
Trailer Towing.......................... 229
344 INDEX