Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) The GAWR is the maximum permissible
load on the front and rear axles. The
load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is
not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the
components in the system with the
lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles
or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased
durability does not necessarily increase
the vehicle's 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. 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.
Loading The actual total weight and the weight
of the front and rear of your vehicle at
the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready
for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be
weighed on a commercial scale to
insure that the GVWR has not been
exceeded. The weight on the front and
rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that
the load is properly distributed over the
front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle
may show that the GAWR of either the
front or rear axles has been exceeded
but the total load is within the specified
GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as
appropriate until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the
weight is distributed equally. Stow all
loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have
an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
Caution!Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
177
Tire Terminology And Definitions Term Definition
B-Pillar The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the front
door.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting
for a minimum of three hours. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds
per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire inflation
pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s loading
capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold tire inflation
pressures.
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure Note: The proper cold tire inflation
pressure is listed on the driver’s side
B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver's
side door. 0806092796US
Example Tire Placard Location
(Door) 0806092795US
Example Tire Placard Location
(B-Pillar)
242
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire And Loading Information
Placard
This placard tells you important
information about the:
1. Number of people that can be
carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the
front, rear, and spare tires. Loading The vehicle maximum load on the tire
must not exceed the load carrying
capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying
capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire
and Loading Information placard in
“Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And
Operating” section of this manual.
Note: Under a maximum loaded
vehicle condition, gross axle weight
ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs,
vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer
to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting
And Operating” section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading
conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight
(if applicable) should never exceed the
weight referenced here. Steps For Determining 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 resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)GUID-054900418-high.tif
Tire And Loading Information
Placard
243
(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. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals
635 kg and there will be five 68 kg
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 295 kg (635-340 (5x68) =
295 kg) as shown in step 4.
Note:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. The following table
shows examples on how to calculate
total load, cargo/luggage, and towing
capacities of your vehicle with varying
seating configurations and number and
size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load
carry capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
244
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Warning!Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use
tires of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them. GUID-054900419-high.tif
245
Check tire pressures more often if
subject to a wide range of outdoor
temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately
1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a
garage, especially in the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F
(20°C) and the outside temperature =
32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation
pressure should be increased by 3 psi
(21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for
every 12°F (7°C) for this outside
temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to
6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation.
DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too
low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed
Operation The manufacturer advocates driving at
safe speeds and within posted speed
limits. Where speed limits or conditions
are such that the vehicle can be driven
at high speeds, maintaining correct tire
inflation pressure is very important.
Increased tire pressure and reduced
vehicle loading may be required for
high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to
your authorized tire dealer or original
equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
Warning!High speed driving with your vehicle under
maximum load is dangerous. The added
strain on your tires could cause them to
fail. You could have a serious collision. Do
not drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum
capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires Warning!Combining radial ply tires with other types
of tires on your vehicle will cause your
vehicle to handle poorly. The instability
could cause a collision. Always use radial
ply tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may
be repaired if it meets the following
criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when
flat.
The damage is only on the tread
section of your tire (sidewall damage is
not repairable). The puncture is no greater than a ¼
of an inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire
repairs and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat
tires that have experienced a loss of
pressure should be replaced
immediately with another Run Flat tire
of identical size and service description
(Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped Run Flat tires allow you the capability to
drive 50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph
(80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation
pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is
referred to as the Run Flat mode. A Run
Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa).
Once a Run Flat tire reaches the run flat
mode it has limited driving capabilities
and needs to be replaced immediately.
A Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle
loaded at full capacity or to tow a trailer
while a tire is in the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section
for more information.
Tire Spinning When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously
without stopping.
247
It is recommended you contact your
authorized tire dealer or original
equipment dealer with any questions
you may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.
Warning!Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating,
or speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension 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 readings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped All Season tires provide traction for all
seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and
Winter). Traction levels may vary
between different all season tires. All
season tires can be identified by the
M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on
the tire sidewall. Use all season tires
only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires
— If Equipped Summer tires provide traction in both
wet and dry conditions, and are not
intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer
tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are
less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized
dealer. Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Warning!Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires Some areas of the country require the
use of snow tires during the Winter.
Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the
tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires,
select tires equivalent
in size and type to the
original equipment
tires. Use snow tires
onlyinsetsoffour;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed
ratings than what was originally
equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds
above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
249
Replacing exterior light bulbs .... .187
Replacing fuses ............ .194
Replacing interior light bulbs .... .194
Reporting Safety Defects ...... .282
Restraint, Head ..............34
Restraints, Child ............ .128
Safety Defects, Reporting ...... .282
Safety Information, Tire ........ .238
safety systems ............. .112
Saving fuel and protection of the
environment ............. .178
Scheduled servicing .......... .224
Seat Belt
Energy Management Feature . . .128
Lap/Shoulder Belts ..... .123,125
Pregnant Women ......... .124
Seat Belt Extender ........ .126
Seat Belt Pretensioner ...... .127
Seat Belt Reminder ........ .127
Seat Belt Reminder .......... .127
Seat Belts ................ .122
Child Restraint ........... .128
Extender .............. .126
Front Seat .......... .122,123
Pregnant Women ......... .124
Pretensioners ........... .127
Rear Seat .............. .123
Seats .....................33 Adjustment ...............33
Heated .................33
Seatback Release ..........33
Tilting ..................33
Seats and fabric parts (cleaning) . . .262
Security Alarm
Security Alarm .......... .24,25
Sentry Key
Key Programming ..........24
Service Assistance .......... .280
Service Contract ............ .281
Service Manuals ............ .283
Shift Lever Override
.......... .156
Shift
position indication ........ .154
Shoulder Belts .......... .123,125
Signals, Turn ................41
Snow chains .............. .252
Snow Tires ............... .249
Spare Tire .......... .203,250,251
Sport Mode ............... .158
Starting ............... .20,218
Engine Fails To Start ....... .218
Starting And Operating ...... .20,218
Starting Procedures ........ .20,218
Starting the engine .......... .149
Steering ................. .273
Column Lock .............35
Tilt Column ...............35 Wheel, Tilt ...............35
Storage ...................60
Storing the vehicle ........... .255
Sun Visor ..................61
Supplemental Restraint System -
AirBag ............. .131,135
Suspensions .............. .272
Symbols ....................3
Tilt Steering Column ...........35
Tire And Loading Information
Placard ................ .242
Tire chains ................ .180
Tire Markings .............. .238
Tire Rotation .............. .253
Tire Safety Information ........ .238
Tire Service Kit ............. .208
Tires.............. .246,250,254
Aging (Life Of Tires) ........ .248
Air Pressure ............ .246
Changing ........ .203,204,237
Compact Spare .......... .250
Flat Changing ........... .208
General Information .....
.246,250
High
Speed ............
.247
Inflation Pressures ........ .246
Jacking ......... .203,204,237
Life Of Tires ............ .248
Load Capacity ........ .242,243