
7-33INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The U.S. National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration has developed a
grading system for evaluating the per-
formance of passenger car tires. The
following information will help you
understand the grading system, which
applies to vehicles sold in the U.S.
Consult your SUZUKI dealer or tire
retailer for help in choosing the correct
replacement tires for your vehicle.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Tempera-
ture A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform
To Federal Safety Requirements in
Addition To These GradesTreadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative per-
formance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however
and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those
grades represent the tire’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high tempera-
ture can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corre-
sponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning or peak
traction characteristics.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation or excessive loading,
either separately or in combina-
tion, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

7-34
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Tire Rotation
54G114
To avoid uneven wear of your tires and
to prolong their life, rotate the tires as
illustrated. Tires should be rotated as
recommended in the periodic mainte-
nance schedule. After rotation, adjust
front and rear tire pressures to the
specification listed on your vehicle’s
Tire and Loading Information Label.Compact Spare Tire (if equipped)
54G115
(1) Wear indicator
(2) Indicator location mark
Your vehicle comes equipped with the
compact spare tire. The compact
spare is designed to save space in
your storage area, and its lighter
weight makes it easier to install if a flat
tire occurs. It is only intended for tem-
porary emergency use, until the con-
ventional tire can be repaired or
replaced. The inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire should be checked
at least monthly. Use a quality pocket-
type inflation pressure gauge and set
at 420 kPa (60 psi). At the same time,
check that the tire is stored securely. If
it is not, tighten it.
WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident.
When you change a wheel,
remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches
to the vehicle. In an emergency,
you can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush later,
if you need to, to get all the rust
or dirt off.

7-35INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Note that two or more compact spare
tires should not be used on one vehi-
cle simultaneously.Snow Tires
Your vehicle is equipped with all-sea-
son tires which are designed for use in
summer and most winter conditions.
For improved traction in severe winter
conditions, SUZUKI recommends
mounting radial snow tires on all four
wheels. Snow tires must be the same
size as the standard tires. Also be sure
to use the tires of the same type and
brand on all four wheels of your vehi-
cle.
WARNING
The compact spare tire and wheel
are intended for temporary emer-
gency use only. Continuous use
of this spare can result in tire fail-
ure and loss of control. Always
observe these precautions when
using this spare:
• Your vehicle will handle differ- ently with this temporary spare.
Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) speed.
Replace this spare with a stan- dard tire and wheel as soon as
possible.
Use of this spare will reduce ground clearance.
Recommended air pressure for
this spare is 420 kPa (60 psi).
Do not use tire chains on the compact spare. If you must use
tire chains, rearrange the
wheels so standard tires and
wheels are fitted to the front
axle. (Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
The compact spare tire has a much shorter tread life than the
conventional tires on your vehi-
cle. Replace the tire as soon as
the tread wear indicator
appears.
When replacing the compact
tire, use a replace ment tire with
the exact same size and con-
struction.
CAUTION
For intelligent All Wheel Drive (i-
AWD) models, driving with an
underinflated compact spare tire
or over 80 km/h (50 mph) while
using a compact spare tire can
result in damage to the drive
train.

7-38
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s plac-
ard.
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 passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity. For example, if
the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs
and there will be five 150 lb passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs (1400 – 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs).
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 calcu-
lated 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 lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.Vehicle Loading Example
As an example, suppose that the Tire
and Loading Information label on your
vehicle indicates that your vehicle’s
total load capacity is 950 lbs. If you
were to drive your vehicle with one
passenger, and the total combined
weight of you and your passenger was
350 lbs, then the cargo and luggage
capacity of your vehicle would be 600
lbs (950 – 350 = 600 lbs).
If you later added 2 more passengers,
having a combined weight of 325 lbs,
the cargo and luggage capacity of
your vehicle would be reduced from
600 lbs to 275 lbs (600 – 325 = 275
lbs). As you can see, as the number
and combined weight of vehicle occu-
pants increase, the vehicle’s cargo
and luggage capacity decreases.
Suppose again, that you were to take
a trip in your vehicle with the same
three passengers described above,
and you decided to tow a trailer having
a trailer tongue weight of 75 lbs. The
cargo and luggage capacity would be
reduced again, to 200 lbs (275 – 75 =
200 lbs).
WARNING
Never overload your vehicle. Over-
loading your vehicle can cause
damage to your tires and lead to
poor steering and braking which
can result in an accident. The
gross vehicle weight (sum of the
weights of the loaded vehicle,
driver and passengers) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) listed on
the Safety Certification Label. In
addition, never distribute a load so
that the weight on either the front
or rear axle exceeds the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed
on the Safety Certification Label.
WARNING
Always distribute cargo evenly.
To avoid personal injury or
damage to your vehicle, always
secure cargo to prevent it from
shifting if the vehicle moves
suddenly.
Place heavier objects on the
floor and as far forward in the
cargo area as possible. Never
pile cargo higher than the top of
the seatbacks.

7-39INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Determining Compatibility of Tire
and Vehicle Load Limits
The tires on your vehicle, when they
are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure, have a load-carry-
ing capacity that is greater than the
load that will be on the tires when the
vehicle is at its GVWR or GAWR limit.
Never use replacement tires that have
a load-carrying capacity less than the
original tires on your vehicle. Tire load-
carrying capacity information is
molded into the tire sidewall typically
shown as “Max. Load”. Use of replace-
ment tires with a lower load-carrying
capacity than the original tires, or fail-
ure to keep the tires inflated to recom-
mended tire pressure, may reduce the
GVWR or GAWR limit of your vehicle.
NOTE:
Use of replacement tires with a higher
load-carrying capacity than the origi-
nal tires, or using a tire inflation pres-
sure higher than the recommended
tire inflation pressure, will not increase
the GVWR or GAWR limit of your vehi-
cle.
Battery
60A269
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery that
requires infrequent maintenance. You will
never have to add water. You should, how-
ever, periodically check the battery, battery
terminals and battery hold-down bracket
for corrosion. Remove corrosion using a
stiff brush and ammonia mixed with water,
or baking soda mixed with water. After
removing corrosion, rinse with clean water.
The test indicator on the top of the battery
provides information on the condition of
the battery.
If your vehicle is not going to be driven for
a month or longer, disconnect the cable
from the negative terminal of the battery to
help prevent discharge.
WARNING
Batteries produce flammable hydro-
gen gas. Keep flames and sparks
away from the battery or an explosion
may occur. Never smoke when work-
ing near the battery.
WARNING
When checking or servicing the bat-
tery, disconnect the negative cable.
Be careful not to cause a short circuit
by allowing metal objects to contact
the battery posts and the vehicle at
the same time.EXAMPLE
WARNING
To avoid harm to yourself or damage
to your vehicle or battery, follow the
jump starting instructions in the
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section of
this manual if it is necessary to jump
start your vehicle.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.

13-4INDEX
57L20-03E
NNet/Rope Hooks ................................................................... 5-92OOdometer .............................................................................. 2-84
Oil Level Check .................................................................... 7-15
Oil Pressure Light ................................................................ 2-72
On-Board Vehicle Computers and Event Data
Recorders ............................................................................. 10-3
Open Door Warning Light ................................................... 2-75
Outside Rearview Mirrors ................................................... 2-22
Overhead Console ............................................................... 5-86PParking Brake Lever ................................................... 3-10, 7-27
Parking Sensors .................................................................. 3-23
Pedals ................................................................................... 3-11
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................... 7-3
Power Door Locking System ................................................ 2-4
Power Mirror Control ........................................................... 2-22
Power Window Controls ..................................................... 2-17
Power-Assisted Brakes ....................................................... 3-28RRadio Antenna ....................................................................... 5-9
Rain-sensing Wipers ......................................................... 2-108
Rain-sensing Wipers and Washer Lever ......................... 2-107
Rear Center Seat Belt .......................................................... 2-38
Rear Seats ............................................................................ 2-29
Refill with Oil and Check for Leaks .................................... 7-18
Refilling................................................................................. 7-16
Replace the Oil Filter ........................................................... 7-17
Replacing Tires and/or Wheels .......................................... 3-38
Reporting Safety Defects .................................................... 10-4 Roof Rack Anchors .............................................................. 5-92
SSafety Certification Label .................................................... 10-2
Seat Belt Extender ............................................................... 2-53
Seat Belt Inspection ............................................................. 2-43
Seat Belt Pretensioner System ........................................... 2-54
Seat Belt Reminder .............................................................. 2-40
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems ............................ 2-34
Seat Position Memory System ............................................ 2-26
Selection of Coolant ............................................................ 7-18
Selection of Power Supply Modes........................................ 3-4
Setting Mode......................................................................... 2-85
Shoulder Anchor Height Adjuster ...................................... 2-43
Side Air Bags and Side Curtain Air Bags .......................... 2-59
Side Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-3
Snow Tires ............................................................................ 7-35
Spark Plugs .......................................................................... 7-20
SPECIFICATIONS .......
.......................................................... 12-1
Specified Fluid...................................................................... 7-24
Specified Gear Oil ................................................................ 7-22
Specified Oil ......................................................................... 7-15
Speedometer ........................................................................ 2-78
Spot Light ............................................................................. 5-80
Stability Control System...................................................... 3-31
Starting the Engine ................................................................ 3-7
Steering Wheel ..................................................................... 7-27
Sun Visor .............................................................................. 5-77
Sunroof ................................................................................. 5-83
Supplemental Restraint System (a ir bags) ........................ 2-55TTachometer ........................................................................... 2-78

13-5
INDEX57L20-03E
Temperature Gauge ............................................................. 2-79
Theft Deterrent Alarm System ............................................ 2-14
Thermometer ........................................................................ 2-84
Tilt/Telescoping/Steering Lock Lever .............................. 2-110
Tire Chains ............................................................................. 4-5
Tire Changing Tool ................................................................ 8-1
Tire Inflation Pressure ......................................................... 7-30
Tire Inspection ..................................................................... 7-31
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......................... 3-34
Tire Rotation......................................................................... 7-34
Tire Sidewall Labeling ......................................................... 7-28
Tire Size ................................................................................ 7-29
Tires ...................................................................................... 7-28
Towing a Disabled Vehicle.................................................... 8-7
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing) ......................... 6-2
Traction Control System ..................................................... 3-31
Trailer Towing ........................................................................ 6-2
Transaxle Warning Light ..................................................... 2-76
Trip meter ............................................................................. 2-84
Trunk Lid ................................................................................ 2-5
Trunk Lid Lock Switch .......................................................... 2-6
Trunk Light ........................................................................... 5-79
Turn Signal Control Lever................................................. 2-105
Turn Signal Indicators ......................................................... 2-75
Turn Signal Operation ....................................................... 2-106UUniform Tire Quality Grading ............................................. 7-33
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Socket .................................... 5-81
Using the 2WD/i-AWD (intel ligent All Wheel Drive)
Switch ................................................................................... 3-19
Using the Transaxle............................................................. 3-13
VVehicle Cleaning .................................................................... 9-3
Vehicle Identification Number............................................. 10-1
Vehicle Loading............................................................. 6-1 , 7-37WWarning and Indicator Lights ............................................. 2-69
Warning and Indicator Messages ....................................... 2-86
Warranties............................................................................. 10-2
Washing .................................................................................. 9-5
Waxing .................................................................................... 9-6
Windows ............................................................................... 2-17
Windshield Washer ............................................................ 2-109
Windshield Washer Fluid .................................................... 7-56
Windshield Wipers ............................................................. 2-107
Wiper Blades ........................................................................ 7-54