DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the
depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited
and if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water
may also enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•
Base Curb Weight:
Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•
Payload:
Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):
Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
•
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):
Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):
Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•
GCW (Gross Combined Weight):
The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):
Maximum permissible
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
Driving
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