Driving your vehicle
6-52
Certification label
OBH059070
The certification label is located on the
driver's door sill at the center pillar and
shows the maximum allowable weight of
the fully loaded vehicle. This is called the
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The
GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel and cargo.
This label also tells you the maximum
weight that can be supported by the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR).
The total weight of the vehicle, including
all occupants, accessories, cargo, and
trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads on your front
and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Be sure
to spread out your load equally on both
sides of the centerline.
WARNING
Overloading • Never exceed the GVWR for your
vehicle, the GAWR for either the front
or rear axle and vehicle capacity
weight. Exceeding these ratings
can affect your vehicle's handling
and braking ability, and cause an
accident.
• Do not overload your vehicle.
Overloading your vehicle can cause
heat buildup in your vehicle's tires
and possible tire failure, increased
stopping distances and poor vehicle
handling-all of which may result in a
crash.
NOTICE
Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not overload your
vehicle.
WARNING
If you carry items inside your vehicle
(e.g., suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else), they are moving as fast
as the vehicle. If you have to stop or
turn quickly, or if there is a crash, the
items will keep going and can cause
an injury if they strike the driver or a
passenger. • Put items in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
• Do not stack items, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle above the tops of
the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
• When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it.
Maintenance
9-28
Curb weight
This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT markings
The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an
alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand and date of
production.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GAWR FRT
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
Front Axle.
GAWR RR
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
Rear axle.
Intended outboard sidewall
The side of an asymmetrical tire,
that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT) tire
A tire designated by its manufacturer
as primarily intended for use on
lightweight trucks or multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load ratings
The maximum load that a tire is rated
to carry for a given inflation pressure.
Load index
An assigned number ranging from 1
to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum air pressure to which
a cold tire may be inflated. The
maximum air pressure is molded
onto the sidewall.
Maximum load rating
The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight; accessory
weight; vehicle capacity weight; and
production options weight.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by 150
pounds (68 kg).
Occupant distribution
Designated seating positions.
Outward facing sidewall
An asymmetrical tire has a particular
side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The outward
facing sidewall bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same moldings
on the inner facing sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) tire
A tire used on passenger cars
and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
