2014 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE Owners Manual

Driving safety
4-7
4

Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak or from
engine overheating, add Mitsubishi Motors Genuine
Super Long Life Coolant Premium or equivalent.
Please read this section in conjunction with the “Engine
coolant” on page 7-11.
Braking
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All parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs or brake
drums, and prevent normal braking after driving in heavy rain
or through large puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this
occurs, dry the brakes out by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to surrounding vehicles and to the condition of
the road surface. From time to time, lightly depress the brake
pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by
downshifting while driving on steep downhill roads in order to
prevent the brakes from overheating.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
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4-8 Driving safety
4Parking
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Parking on a hillWhen parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the
curb on an uphill.
If necessary, apply chocks to the wheels.For vehicles equipped with manual transaxlePlace the gearshift lever into the “R” (Reverse) position when
parking on a downhill slope, into the 1st position when parking
on an uphill slope.For vehicles equipped with continuously variable trans-
mission (CVT)Be sure that the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
that the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake
before moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position.
This prevents loading the parking brake against the transaxle.
When this happens, it is difficult to move the selector lever out
of the “P” (PARK) position.Parking with the engine runningNever leave the engine running while you take a short nap or
rest. Also, never leave the engine running in a closed or poorly
ventilated place.
Where you parkYour front bumper can be damaged if you scrape it over curbs
or parking stop blocks. Be careful when traveling up or down
steep slopes where your bumper can scrape the road.Do not keep the steering wheel fully turned for a
long timeMore effort could be required to turn the steering wheel.
Refer to “Electric power steering system (EPS)” on page 3-75.When leaving the vehicleAlways carry the key and lock all doors and the liftgate when
leaving the vehicle unattended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well lit area.
WA R N I N G
!
Leaving the engine running risks injury or death
from accidentally moving the gearshift lever (man-
ual transaxle) or the selector lever (CVT) or from
the accumulation of toxic exhaust fumes in the pas-
senger compartment.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not park your vehicle in areas where combustible
materials such as dry grass or leaves can come in
contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire could occur.
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Driving safety
4-9
4 Loading information
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It is very important to know how much weight your vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, non-factory-
installed options, if any, being towed. The tire and loading
information placard located on the driver’s door sill of your
vehicle will show how much weight it may properly carry.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms
before loading your vehicle:

Vehicle maximum load on the tire: load on an individual
tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share
of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by
two.

Vehicle normal load on the tire: load on an individual tire
that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of
the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant
weight and dividing by two.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight: the sum of -
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight;
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight.
Curb weight: the weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant.

Accessory weight: the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory- installed equipment
(whether installed or not).

Vehicle capacity weight: the rated cargo and luggage load
plus 150 lbs (68 kg) * times the vehicle’s designated seat-
ing capacity.

Production options weight: the combined weight of those
installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs
(2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride level-
ers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Normal occupant weight: 150 lbs (68 kg) * times the num-
ber of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the number is
3)

Occupant distribution: Occupant distribution within the
passenger compartment (In your vehicle the distribution is
2 in front, 1 in second row seat)
WA R N I N G
!
Never overload your vehicle. Overloading can dam-
age your vehicle, adversely affect vehicle perfor-
mance, including handling and braking, cause tire
failure, and result in an accident.
*: 150 lbs (68 kg) is the weight of one person as defined by
U.S.A. and Canadian regulations.
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4-10 Driving safety
4
Tire and loading information placard
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The tire and loading information placard is located on the
inside sill of the driver’s door.
This placard shows the maximum number of occupants permit-
ted to ride in your vehicle as well as “the combined weight of
occupants and cargo” (A), which is called the vehicle capacity
weight. This placard also tells you the size and recommended
inflation pressure for the original equipment tires on your vehi-
cle. For more information, refer to “Tires” on page 7-19.BK0162600US.book 10 ページ ２０１３年３月２２日　金曜日　午後２時４１分

Driving safety
4-11
4
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
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1.
Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” 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 kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lbs. passengers 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 calculated in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Con-
sult this manual to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
NOTE

The above steps for determining correct load limit
were written in accordance with U.S.A. regulations.
Your vehicle cannot tow a trailer, so step 6 is irrele-
vant.
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4-12 Driving safety
4
NOTE
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total cargo/load capacity of your vehicle with varying seating config-
urations and number and size of occupants. This table is for illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating
and load capacity of your vehicle.

For the following example the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).

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, see the “Specifications” section of this manual.
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Driving safety
4-13
4 Cargo loads
N00629700435
Cargo load precautions
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To determine the cargo load capacity for your vehicle, subtract
the weight of all vehicle occupants from the vehicle capacity
weight. For additional information, if needed, refer to “Steps
for Determining Correct Load Limit” on page 4-11.
DO NOT USE the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross
Axle Weight Rating numbers listed on the safety certification
label (A) located on the inside sill of the driver’s door as the
guide for passengers and/or cargo weight.
WA R N I N G
!
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, the
combined weights of the driver, passengers and
cargo and must never exceed the vehicle capacity
weight.
Exceeding the vehicle capacity weight will adversely
affect vehicle performance, including handling and
braking, and may cause an accident.
Do not load cargo or luggage higher than the top of
the seatback. Be sure that your cargo or luggage
cannot move when your vehicle is in motion.
Having either the rear view blocked, or your cargo
being thrown inside the cabin if you suddenly have
to brake can cause a serious accident or injury or
death.
Put cargo or luggage in the cargo area of your vehi-
cle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
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4-14 Driving safety
4Trailer towing
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WA R N I N G
!
Do not use this vehicle for trailer towing. It may not
be possible to maintain control or adequate braking.
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