Cadillac 2013 ATS Owner's Manual page 187

The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel, and cargo. Never exceed
the GVWR for the vehicle or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
And, if there is a heavy load, it
should be spread out. See
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit earlier in this
section.
WARNING
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).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
WARNING (Continued)
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
If you put things inside the
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.
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
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Driving and Operating
WARNING
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
far forward as possible.
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.
Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
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