Vehicle loading
Your vehicle is designed for specific weight capacities. The weight capacities of your vehicle are indicated by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Permissible maximum Axle Weight (PAW, front and rear). The GVWR and PAW (front and_ rear) are listed in "SPECIFICATIONS" section.
GVWR -Maximum permissible overall weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all the occupants, accessories and cargo plus the trailer nose weight if towing a trailer). PAW (front and rear) -Maximum permissible weight on an individual axle.
Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and actual loads at the front and rear axles can only be determined by weighing the vehicle. Compare these weights to the GVWR and PAW (front and rear). If the g_ross vehicle weight or the load on either axle exceeds these ratings, you must remove enough weight to bring the load down to the rated capacity.
A_ WARNING
Never overload your vehicle. The gross vehicle weight (sum of the weights of the vehicle, all the occupants, accessories, cargo p~us trailer nose weight if towing a trailer) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). In addition, never distribute a load so that the weight on either the front or rear axle exceeds the Permissible maximum Axle Weight (PAW).
A_ WARNING
Always distribute cargo evenly. To avoid personal injury or damage to
your vehicle, always_ se~ure carg'? to prevent it from sh1ftmg 1f 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 seat backs.
BEFORE DRIVING
Trailer towing
Observe any country-specific regulations when towing a trailer and using a tow bar.
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Your vehicle is primarily designed for transporting passengers and luggage. Towing a trailer can adversely affect vehicle handling, durability and fuel economy. Nevertheless, if suitably equipped, your vehicle can be used to tow a trailer which does not exceed the towing capacity specified below:
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BEFORE DRIVING
Maximum towing capacity (gross trailer weight; trailer with integrated drawbar, and cargo)
Braked trailer: 1300 kg (2866 lbs) Unbraked trailer: 350 kg (772 lbs)
To load your vehicle and trailer properly, you must know how to measure gross trailer weight and trailer nose weight.
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(1) Gross trailer weight Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer with integrated drawbar plus all the cargo in it. You can measure gross trailer weight by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
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(2) Permissible nose weight Nose weight is the downward force applied on the towing hitch ball by the trailer coupler, with the trailer fully loaded and the coupler at its normal towing height. This weight can also be measured using a bathroom scale.
The maximum towing capacity listed above(1300kg) is only applicable up to 1 000m above sea level. In high altitude regions above 1 000m, combined weight of the maximum towing capacity (gross trailer weight) and permissible gross vehicle weight (GVWR) must be reduced by 10% for every extra 1 000m.
A WARNING
For vehicles equipped with the dual sensor brake support, if your vehicle is used to tow a trailer, press the dual sensor brake support OFF switch to turn off the dual sensor brake support. If not, accidents related to the system being turned on may occur.
A CAUTION
When towing by your vehicle equipped with automatic transmission on a long steep uphill, try to take some rest on the way at a safe place to prevent overheat or damage of the engine or transmission.
NOTICE
Trailer towing puts additional stress on the engine, transmission and brakes of your vehicle. Never tow a trailer during the first 1000 km (600 miles) of vehicle operation.
Tow bars
Only use a tow bar that is designed to attach to the chassis of your vehicle, and a hitch that is designed to bolt to this tow bar. We recommend that you use a genuine SUZUKI tow bar kit (available as an option), or equivalent.
A WARNING
Never use a tow bar which attaches to the axle or the bumper of your vehicle.
Safety chains
Always attach safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Cross safety chains under the nose of the trailer so that the nose will not drop to the road if the trailer becomes separated from the tow bar. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack to permit full turning. Never allow safety chains to drag on the road.
A WARNING
Never attach safety chains to the bumper of your vehicle. Secure connections so that they cannot come loose.
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Trailer lights
Check that your trailer is equipped with lights which meet local requirements. Always check for the proper operation of all trailer lights before you start to tow.
A WARNING
Never connect trailer lights directly into your vehicle's electrical system, or electrical system damage may occur.
Brakes
A WARNING
If the trailer is equipped with the brakes, follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer. Never connect to the brake system of your vehicle and never take an electrical supply directly from the wiring har
ness.
BEFORE DRIVING
Tyres
A WARNING
When towing a trailer, it is very important for your vehicle and trailer to have properly inflated tyres. Your vehicle's tyres should be inflated to the pressures listed on your vehicle's tyre information label. The tyres should be inflated to the laden pressures. Inflate trailer tyres according to the specifications provided by the trailer manufacturer.
Mirrors
Check if your vehicle's mirrors meet local requirements for mirrors used on towing vehicles. If they do not, you must install the required mirrors before you tow.
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BEFORE DRIVING
Vehicle/trailer loading
The weight of your loaded trailer (gross trailer weight) should never exceed the towing capacity.
Distribute cargo in your trailer so that the nose weight is about 10% of gross trailer weight, but does not exceed "Maximum vertical load" of 75 kg (165 lbs), and does not fall below 25 kg (55 lbs) or 4%, whichever is heavier, on trailer hitch point. You should measure gross trailer weight and nose weight before towing to check that your load is properly distributed.
A WARNING
Improper weight distribution of your trailer may result in poor vehicle handling and swaying of the trailer. Always check that the trailer nose weight is about 10% of gross trailer weight, but does not exceed 11Maximum vertical load" of75 kg (165 lbs), and does not fall below 25 kg (55 lbs) or 4%, whichever is heavier, on trailer hitch point. Also check that the cargo is properly secured. Failure to observe this requirement may result in an accident.
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A WARNING
Never overload cargo on your trailer and your vehicle. Gross trailer weight must never exceed towing capacity. Gross vehicle weight (sum of the weights of the vehicle, all the occupants, accessories including tow bars and a trailer hitch, cargo and trailer nose weight) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed in "SPECIFICATIONS" section, except as described in NOTE below. • It is dangerous and may be illegal to transport people in a trailer.
NOTE: Only in the case of towing a trailer, GVW can be exceeded by not more than 40 kg (88 lbs), if road traffic legislation allows it.
Connect trailer lights and hook safety chains every time you tow.
NOTICE
Because towing a trailer puts additional stress on your vehicle, more frequent maintenance will be required than under normal driving conditions. Follow the schedule in "Maintenance recommended under severe driving conditions". The additional load will affect fuel consumption, durability and performance of the vehicle as well.
A WARNING
Your vehicle should be handled in a different way when towing a trailer. For the safety of yourself and others, observe the following precautions: Practice turning, stopping, and reversing before you begin towing a trailer in traffic. Do not tow a trailer in traffic until you are confident that you can handle the vehicle and trailer safely. Never exceed local towing speed limits or 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is lower. Never drive at a speed that causes shaking or swaying of the trailer. If you notice even the slightest sign of shaking or swaying, slow down. • When roads are wet, slippery or rough, drive at a slower speed than you would on dry or smooth roads. Failure to slow down when road conditions are bad can result in loss of control. Always have someone guide you when reversing. (Continued)
A WARNING
(Continued) Always admit greater stopping distance. Stopping distance is increased when you tow a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the vehicle ahead. Allow a greater stopping distance if roads are wet or slippery. If the trailer has over-run brakes, apply the brakes gradually to avoid snatching caused by the trailer wheels locking. Slow down before corners and maintain a steady speed while cornering. Deceleration or acceleration while cornering can result in loss of control. Remember that a larger than normal turning radius is needed because the trailer wheels will go inside than vehicle's wheels. Avoid sudden acceleration and stopping of the vehicle. Do not make quick maneuvers unless they are necessary. Slow down in cross winds and be prepared for gusts of wind from large passing vehicles. (Continued)
BEFORE DRIVING
A WARNING
(Continued) Be careful when overtaking other vehicles. Allow enough room for your trailer before changing lanes, and use turn signal lights properly in advance. Slow down and shift into a lower gear for better engine braking before you reach long or steep downhill grades. It is hazardous to attempt downshifting while you are descending a hill. Do not step on the brake pedal excessively. This could cause the brakes to over-heat resulting in reduced braking efficiency. Use engine braking as much as possible. Because of the added trailer weight, your engine may overheat on hot days when going up long or steep hills. Pay attention to your engine coolant temperature. If it indicates overheating, pull off the road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. Refer to "Engine trouble: Overheating" in "EMERGENCY SERVICE" section.
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BEFORE DRIVING
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A WARNING
When parking your vehicle and connected trailer, always use the following procedure: 1) Apply the vehicle's brakes firmly. 2) Have another person place wheel chocks under the wheels of the vehicle and the trailer while you are holding the brakes. 3) Slowly release the brakes until the · wheel chocks absorb the load.
4) Fully engage the parking brake. 5) Manual transmission -turn off the engine, then shift into reverse or first gear. Automatic transmission -shift into "P" (Park) and turn off the engine. (Continued)
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A WARNING
(Continued) When starting out after parking: 1) Depress the clutch and start the engine. 2) Have another person remove the chocks. 3) Shift into gear, release the parking brake, and slowly pull away from the chocks. 4) Stop, apply the brakes firmly and hold them.
Trailer hitch (tow bar) installation points Each arrow shows fixing points for Suzuki's genuine tow bar kit. For details, follow the instruction provided with the tow bar kit.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Daily inspection checklist
Before driving
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1) Check that windows, mirrors, lights and reflectors are clean and unobstructed. 2) Visually check the tyres for the follow-ing points: -the depth of the tread groove -abnormal wear, cracks and damage -loose wheel nuts -existence of foreign material such as nails, stones, etc.
Refer to "Tyres" in "INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section for details. 3) Look for fluid and oil leakage.
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NOTE: It is normal for water to drip from the air conditioning system while and after use.
4) Check that the hood is fully closed and latched. 5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights, brake lights and horn for proper operation. 6) Adjust the seat and head restraint. 7) Check the brake pedal and the parking brake lever. 8) Adjust the mirrors. 9) Check that you and all passengers have properly fastened by the seat belts. 1 0)Check that all warning lights come on as the ignition switch is turned to "ON" position. 11 )Check all gauges. 12)Check that the brake system warning light turns off when the parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel tank, perform the following under-hood checks:
1) Engine oil level 2) Coolant level 3) Brake fluid level 4) Battery fluid (acid) level 5) Windshield washer fluid level
6) Hood latch operation Pull the hood release handle inside the vehicle. Check that you cannot open . the hood further without releasing the secondary latch. Close the hood securely after checking for proper latch operation. See the item "All latches, hinges and locks" of "Chassis, body and others" in "Maintenance schedule" in "INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section for lubrication schedule.
A WARNING
Check that the hood is fully closed and latched before driving. If it is not, it can fly up unexpectedly during driving, obstructing your view and resulting in an accident.
Once a month, or each time you fill your fuel tank, check the tyre pressure using a tyre pressure gauge. Also check the tyre pressure of the spare tyre.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal for the engine to consume some engine oil during normal vehicle operation.
The amount of engine oil consumption depends on viscosity and quality of the oil and your driving conditions. More oil is consumed during high-speed driving and when there is frequent acceleration and deceleration. Under high loads, your engine also will consume more oil. A new engine also consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls have not yet become conditioned. New engines reach the normal level of oil consumption only after approximately 5000 km (3000 miles) driving.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km (1 Qt. per 600 miles)
When judging the amount of oil consumption, note that the oil may become diluted and it is difficult to judge the accurate oil level. As an example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles) or more of driving. This is because the oil gradually becomes diluted with fuel or moisture,
making it appear that the oil level has not changed. You should also be aware that the diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is subsequently driven at high speeds, such as on an expressway, making it appear that oil is excessively consumed after high-speed driving.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Ignition switch
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A WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not operate controls by reaching through the steering wheel.
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