Vehicle Loading; Certification Label - Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual

problem continues, the message will appear the
next time the vehicle is started. Refer to "On-
board Diagnostic System" in "Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel" for further information.

VEHICLE LOADING

Certification Label

As required by National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration regulations, your vehicle has a
certification label affixed to the driver's side door
or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manu-
facture, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front and
rear, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A
Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is included on
this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears
on the bottom of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle including driver, passengers, ve-
hicle, options and cargo. The label also specifies
maximum capacities of front and rear axle sys-
tems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not ex-
ceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the
allowable load weight a truck can carry, includ-
ing the weight of the driver, all passengers,
options and cargo.
140
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on
the front and rear axles. The load must be
distributed in the cargo area so that the GAWR
of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components
in the system with the lowest load carrying capacity
(axle, springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or
suspension components sometimes specified by
purchasers for increased durability does not neces-
sarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire
size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full
GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the
total weight of the vehicle with all fluids, includ-
ing vehicle fuel, at full capacity conditions, and
with no occupants or cargo loaded into the
vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values
are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or
cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the
front and rear of your vehicle at the ground can
best be determined by weighing it when it is
loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a
commercial scale to insure that the GVWR has not
been exceeded. The weight on the front and rear
of the vehicle should then be determined sepa-
rately to be sure that the load is properly distrib-
uted over the front and rear axle. Weighing the
vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the
front or rear axles has been exceeded but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight
must be shifted from front to rear or rear to front as
appropriate until the specified weight limitations
are met. Store the heavier items down low and be
sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow all
loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an ad-
verse effect on the way your vehicle steers and
handles and the way the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could cause you to lose con-
trol. Also overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.