2016 JEEP COMPASS load capacity

WARNING!(Continued)
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have a collision.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)
Due to limited clearance, tire chains or traction devices
are not recommended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
414 STARTING AND OPERATING

VEHICLE LOADING
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or B-Pillar.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label attached to
the driver’s door B-Pillar.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
• Month and year of manufacture
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Type of Vehicle
• Month, Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH) The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 433

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (springs, tires, wheels,
etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as
long as you do not exceed the GVWR.The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier suspension compo-
nents do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight. Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all
loose items securely before driving. Improper weight
distribution can have an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles, and the way the brakes
operate.
434 STARTING AND OPERATING

The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight
of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have a collision.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. The recommended tongue weight
is 10% to 15% of the vehicle’s GTW for a conventional
hitch. You must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
436 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements — Tires
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting And Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting And Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting And Operating” for the proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a
higher load carrying capacity will not increase the
vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 443

WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.
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.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
444 STARTING AND OPERATING

Oil Change Indicator...................... .252
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................252
Oil, Engine ...................... .497, 538, 539
Capacity ............................ .538
Change Interval ....................... .498
Checking ............................ .497
Disposal ............................. .500
Filter ............................ .500, 539
Filter Disposal ........................ .500
Identification Logo ..................... .498
Materials Added To ..................... .499
Pressure Warning Light ...................228
Recommendation ....................498, 538
Synthetic ............................ .499
Viscosity ............................ .499
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .500
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .500
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .228
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................493 Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink)
.............181
Operating Precautions ..................... .493
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............5
Overheating, Engine ...................... .453
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........5,560
Paint Care ............................. .522
Panic Alarm ..............................24
Parking Brake ........................... .373
Passing Light ........................... .167
Personal Settings ......................... .255
Pets ....................................96
Phone, Cellular ...........................112
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect) ................112
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ..........398
Power Door Locks ............................31
Mirrors ..............................110
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........194
10
INDEX 577

Tires ........................101, 402, 408, 561
Aging (Life Of Tires) .....................412
Air Pressure .......................... .402
Chains .............................. .414
Changing ............................ .456
Compact Spare ........................ .409
General Information ..................402, 408
High Speed .......................... .405
Inflation Pressures ...................... .403
Jacking .............................. .456
Life Of Tires .......................... .412
Load Capacity ..................... .397, 399
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............416
Pressure Warning Light ...................235
Quality Grading ....................... .561
Radial .............................. .405
Replacement .......................... .413
Rotation ............................. .415
Safety ........................... .391, 402Sizes
............................... .392
Snow Tires ........................... .407
Spare Tire ..................... .408, 410, 457
Spinning .............................411
Trailer Towing ........................ .443
Tread Wear Indicators ....................411
Tire Safety Information .....................391
Tire Service Kit .......467, 468, 469, 471, 472, 475, 477
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................440
Towing ............................... .435
24-Hour Towing Assistance ................126
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .484
Guide .............................. .439
Recreational .......................... .448
Weight .............................. .439
Towing Assistance ........................ .126
T

owing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ...........448
Traction Control ......................... .383
Trailer Towing .......................... .435
582 INDEX