Two labels on your driver’s door sill show how much weight your vehicle was designed to carry: the Tyre and Loading Information Label and the Certification Label.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight ratings, from the vehicle's specifications and the Certification Label:
Base Kerb Weight
This is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Vehicle Kerb Weight
This is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
Cargo Weight
This figure includes all weight added to the Base Kerb Weight, including cargo and optional equipment.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)
This is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear) - including vehicle kerb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the Certification Label. The total load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
This is the Base Kerb Weight plus actual Cargo Weight plus passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment, passengers and cargo). The GVWR is shown on the Certification Label located on the driver’s door sill.
Overloading
WARNING
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your vehicle are on the Certification Label attached to the driver's (or front passenger’s) door. Exceeding these ratings can cause an accident or vehicle damage. You can calculate the weight of your load by weighing the items (and people) before putting them in the vehicle. Be careful not to overload your vehicle.
Your vehicle will need service more often when you regularly pull a trailer. Important items to pay particular attention to include engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, axle lubricant and cooling system fluid.
Checking the washer fluid level Check the fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir and add fluid if necessary. Plain water may be used if washer fluid is not available. However, use washer solvent with antifreeze characteristics in cold climates to prevent freezing.
If the tyre is worn evenly, a tread wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread. This shows there is less than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tyre. Replace the tyre when this happens. Do not wait for the band to appear across the entire tread before replacing the tyre.