It is very important to know how much weight your vehicle can carry. This weight is called the Maximum Load weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry; the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification label.
Caution: Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example - 5 Door Hatchback
Label Example - Wagon
A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information label shows the seating capacity and the maximum load your vehicle can properly carry. This label also contains your vehicle's original equipment tire size and the recommended tire inflation pressure. For more information on tires and inflation see Tires and Inflation - Tire Pressure . The Tire and Loading Information label is attached inside the glove box of the five door hatchback model. The Tire and Loading Information label for the wagon is attached to the vehicle's center pillar, below the driver's door latch.
There is also important loading information on the Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle; see "Certification Label" later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
- Locate the "Maximum Load" amount printed on the Tire and Loading Information label.
- Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
- Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from the maximum load amount, shown in pounds and kilograms.
- The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the "maximum load" 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 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
- 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.
Example 1
Item | Description | Total |
|---|---|---|
A | Vehicle Maximum Load for Example 1 = | 1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
B | Subtract Occupant Weight @ 150 lbs (68 kg) × 2 = | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
C | Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = | 700 lbs (317 kg) |
Example 2
Item | Description | Total |
|---|---|---|
A | Vehicle Maximum Load for Example 2 = | 1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
B | Subtract Occupant Weight @ 150 lbs (68 kg) × 5 = | 750 lbs (340 kg) |
C | Available Cargo Weight = | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
Example 3
Item | Description | Total |
|---|---|---|
A | Vehicle Maximum Load for Example 3 = | 1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
B | Subtract Occupant Weight @ 200 lbs (91 kg) × 5 = | 1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
C | Available Cargo Weight = | 0 lbs (0 kg) |
Refer to your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information label for specific information about your vehicle's maximum load weight and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never exceed your vehicle's maximum load weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Certification label is attached to the center pillar, near the driver's door latch. This label tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out. See "Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit" earlier in this section.
Caution: Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of the vehicle.
Notice: Overloading your vehicle may cause damage. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else -- they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
Caution: Things you put inside the
vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
• Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a trunk,
put them as far forward as you can. Try to spread the weight evenly.
• Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside
the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in the vehicle.
• When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure
it whenever you can.
• Do not leave a seat folded down unless you need to.
