2008 BUICK LACROSSE weight

Item Description Total
AMaximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 1=1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg)×2=300 lbs (136 kg)
CAvailable Occupant
and Cargo Weight=700 lbs (317 kg)Item Description Total
AMaximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 2=1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg)×5=750 lbs (340 kg)
CAvailable Cargo
Weight=250 lbs (113 kg)
Example 1Example 2
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Item Description Total
AMaximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 3=1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 200 lbs
(91 kg)×5=1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
CAvailable Cargo
Weight=0 lbs (0 kg)
Refer to your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information
label for specic information about your vehicle’s
maximum vehicle capacity weight and seating
positions. The combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never exceed your
vehicle’s maximum vehicle capacity weight.
Certication Label
A vehicle specic Certication label is found on
the rear edge of the driver’s door.
The label shows the gross weight capacity of
your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
Example 3
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Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either
the front or rear axle.
If the vehicle is going to carry a heavy load,
spread it out. See “Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit” earlier in this section.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.If things like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else are put inside the vehicle, they will
go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will
keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle.
In a trunk, put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
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Dolly Towing
Your vehicle can be towed using a dolly. To tow your
vehicle using a dolly:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the gear shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the
ignition key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position.
5. Release the parking brake.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and
information about towing a trailer with your
vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it has the proper trailer
towing equipment. To identify the trailering capacity
of your vehicle, read the information in “Weight of the
Trailer” that appears later in this section. Trailering
is different than just driving the vehicle by itself.
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Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe
trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
That is the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before pulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, wheel assembly, and tires are forced to
work harder against the drag of the added weight.
The engine is required to operate at relatively higher
speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat.
What is more, the trailer adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
Here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you will be driving. A good source
for this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. Ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the rst 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) the vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that
the vehicle tows a trailer, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed
for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to
save wear on the vehicle’s parts.
There are three important considerations have to do
with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
The total weight on the vehicle’s tires
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Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg). But
even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much the vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. It can also depend on any
special equipment that is on the vehicle, and the amount
of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See “Weight
of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section for more
information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or
advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-6
for more information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo in it,
and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If
there are a lot of options, equipment, passengers or
cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight the
vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer
weight the vehicle can tow. And if you tow a trailer, you
must add the tongue load to the GVW because the
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-21for more information
about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
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When using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 10 percent to 15 percent of the
total loaded trailer weight (B).
After the trailer is loaded, weigh the trailer and the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. The
correct weight could be achieved simply by moving
some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Tire-Loading Information label. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-21. Be sure not to go over the GVW
limit for the vehicle, or the GAWR, including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If a weight distribution hitch
is used, make sure not to go over the rear axle limit
before applying the weight distribution spring bars.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is needed. Here
are some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
If holes need to be made in the body of the vehicle to
install a trailer hitch, then be sure to seal the holes
later when the hitch is removed. If the holes are not
sealed, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-37. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
Chains should always be attached between the vehicle
and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so the rig can be turned.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
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Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them
properly.
If your vehicle has antilock brakes, do not try to tap
into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both
brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Even if your vehicle does not have antilock
brakes, do not tap into your vehicle’s brake system
if the trailer’s brake system will use more than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of uid from your vehicle’s
master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems
will not work well. You could even lose your brakes.
Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake
system must not be used with your vehicle.
If everything checks out this far, then make the
brake uid tap at the upper rear master cylinder
port. But do not use copper tubing for this. If you do,
it will bend and break off. Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, get to know the rig.
Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in
mind that the vehicle is now a good deal longer and not
nearly as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires, and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check the
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
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