Driving With A Roof Rack Load; Driving With A Load - Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual

93_US_MY09.book Page 192 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
192 Starting and driving
Driving with a roof rack
load
WARNING
• A roof load will affect the car's center
of gravity and aerodynamics. Be
aware of this when cornering and driv-
ing in crosswinds.
• Adjust your speed to the prevailing
conditions.
• Due to higher aerodynamics drag, fuel
economy may suffer when driving with
a roof rack.
The maximum permissible roof load is
220 lbs. (100 kg). Note that the roof load
must be included in the car's maximum per-
missible payload and axle load.
Strong, sturdy roof carriers designed spe-
cially for your car are available from your
Saab dealer. Always secure roof loads
securely.

Driving with a load

The handling characteristics are affected by
how the car is loaded.
NOTICE
• Place the heaviest load as far forward
and as low as possible in the trunk.
• Secure the load to the lashing eyes
(see page 139).
• Heavy loads mean that the car's
center of gravity is further back. As a
result, the car will sway more during
evasive steering.
• Never exceed the permissible load of
the roof box, even if there is room for
more.
• Ensure that the tire pressure is correct
– slight overinflation is preferable to
underinflation.
• The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance
from the vehicle in front.
• Do not exceed the car's permissible
gross vehicle weight or axle load (see
page 284).
• Roof loads can negatively affect tele-
communication.
For further information on tires see
page 240.