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DRIVING
DRIVING
Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
vehicle warranties.
The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg). See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Label Example
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the correct load limit:
1.
Locate
the statement “The combined weight of occupants 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 passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.
The r
esulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 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 y
our vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
•
Mak
e sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•
R
emove any frost, snow, or ice.
•
Mak
e sure the hood is securely closed.
•
Heat
from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover flammable materials after you
or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
•
Mak
e sure the tires are in good condition.
•
Mak
e sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DRIVING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around
the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE
Interior Checks•
Stor
e or secure all items on board properly.
•
Do not pile items higher
than the seat height.
•
Do not place an
ything in the front seat footwells. Secure the floor mats.
•
If
you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•
Secur
ely close and lock all doors and the trunk.
•
A
djust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•
Mak
e sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under
the seats.
•
Ev
eryone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
In addition:
•
During
the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration
or full throttle operation so as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
•
A
void hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
