Driving your vehicle6-54
Driving In Flooded Areas
Avoid driving through flooded areas
unless you are sure the water is no
higher than the bottom of the wheel hub.
Drive through any water slowly. Allow
adequate stopping distance because
brake performance may be reduced.
After driving through water, dry the
brakes by gently applying them several
times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
Highway Driving
Tires
Adjust the tire inflation, as specified.
Under-inflation may overheat or damage
the tires.
Do not install worn-out or damaged tires,
which may reduce traction or fail the
braking operation.
Information
Never over-inflate your tires above the
maximum inflation pressure, as specified
on your tires.
Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil
Driving at higher speeds on the highway
consumes more fuel and is less efficient
than driving at a slower, more moderate
speed. Maintain a moderate speed in
order to conserve fuel when driving on
the highway.
Be sure to check both the engine coolant
level and the engine oil before driving.
Drive belt
A loose or damaged drive belt may
overheat the engine.
Reducing the Risk of a Rollover
Your multi-purpose passenger vehicle is
defined as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
SUV’s have higher ground clearance
and a narrower track to make them
capable of performing in a wide variety
of off-road applications. The specific
design characteristics give them a higher
center of gravity than ordinary vehicles
making them more likely to roll over if
you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. Due to this
risk, driver and passengers are strongly
recommended to buckle their seat belts.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt.
There are steps that a driver can make
to reduce the risk of a rollover. If at all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers, do not load your vehicle
with heavy cargo on the roof, and never
modify your vehicle in any way.
WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:
[ Take corners at slower speeds than
you would with a passenger vehicle.
[ Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers.
[ Do not modify your vehicle in any
way that you would raise the center
of gravity.
[ Keep tires properly inflated.
[ Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
WARNING
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. Make sure
all passengers are wearing their seat
belts.
09
9-43
DOT Markings
A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department
of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. 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.
Ply
A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
