Driving a loaded vehicle
ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
For good handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
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Securely stow all luggage ⇒ Stowing luggage.
Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.
Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
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If applicable, observe information about driving with a trailer ⇒ Trailer towing.
If applicable, observe information about driving with a roof rack ⇒ Roof rack.
WARNING
Heavy loads can change the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances.
Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can shift suddenly, causing loss of
control and serious injury.
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Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
ꢀ Always remember when transporting heavy objects that they change the vehicle's center
of gravity and also the way it handles.
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Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
Secure heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
Secure luggage in the luggage compartment using suitable straps and the tie downs
⇒ Tie-downs. Also see ⇒ Luggage compartment.
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Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps.
Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the
safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the
vehicle to skid and handle differently.
ꢀ Always adapt speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the
vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
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Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Weights and axle weights
ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
The actual gross weight of any vehicle depends on the engine, basic equipment, any factory-installed
optional equipment for the given model, and any accessories that have been installed. The Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross front and Rear Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) for a
given vehicle are printed on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver door
jamb ⇒ Important vehicle labels.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating includes the weight of the vehicle itself with all of its factory-
installed equipment, plus a full tank of gasoline, the engine oil and coolant, all vehicle occupants
(150 lbs/68 kg per seating position) and cargo.
The Gross Axle Weight Ratings specify the maximum allowable load for each axle.
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