weight BUICK ROADMASTER 1993 Owners Manual

Just how much alcohol is too much if a person plans to
drive? Ideally,
no one should drink alcohol and then
drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”? It; can be
a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on
each person and situation, here is some general
information
on the problem.
The Blood Alcohol Content
(BAC) of someone who is
drinking depends upon four things:
._
0
0
0
How much alcohol is in the drink.
..
The drinker’s body weight.
The amount
of food that is consumed before and
during drinking.
The length of time it has taken,the drinker to
consume the alcohol.

It’s the arnount.of alcahd that counts. For example, if
the same person drank three double martinis,
(3 ounces
or
90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the persqn’s,
BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who
consumes fwd
just before or during drinking will. have a
slightlyi’lower
BA@ -, level’.
..
..
DRINKING THAT WILL
, .,11 RESULT IN, A BAC -OF .@5’/0
.. IN THE JiME. SHOWN. .. .. ., C‘ , . ’/ ,.
p; ,~ I, ..I.’ ., . x-j:.
,? . 3 HOURS ’, ’ , 1, : (.
(as in picture) 4 OF DRI-NKS
T 2 7111
2 HOURS
1 HOUR
in some other countries it’s lower than that. The BAC
will be over 0.16 percent after three to six drinks (in one
hour).
Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how
much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the
person drinks them.
But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to
drive is affected well below a
BAC of 0.10 percent..
Research
shows that the driving skills of many people
are impaired at
a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and
that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are
impaired at
BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics
show that the.chance
of being in an accident increases
sharply for drivers who have a
BAC of 0.05 percent or
above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three
beers
in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has
doubled his or her chance
of having an accident. At a
BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver
having an accident
is six times greater; at a level of.O.15
percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And,
the body takes about an hour
to rid itself of the alcohol
in one drink.
No amount of coffee or number of cold
showers will speed that up.
“I’ll be careful’’
isn’t the right,answer. What if there’s an
emergency, a need.
to take sudden action, as when a
child darts into the street? A person with a higher BAC
1 1
1:O IiO 1:O 1:O 16B 2:O 2:O 240 I
BODY WEIGHT’IN POUNDS

Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be? load from
your vehicle’s capacity weight because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
’
Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about
,.
It should never weigh more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg), your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
unless you have the optional
5,000 pound (2,250 kg)
trailer towing package. But even that can be too heavy.
,.
. . 8:
It -depends on how you plan to .use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude,,road grades, outside
. . .
temperatuie and how much your vehicle is us.ed to pull a
trailer ‘are .all important. And,
it can also depen‘d on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
.’
You can ask your dealer for our traiIering information or
advice, or
you can write us at Buick Motor Division,
Customer Assistance .Center;
902 E. Hamilton Avenue,
Flint,
M.148550.
,.
In Canada, write to General Motors ,of Canada Limited,
Customer Assistance Center, 1908 Colonel Sam. Drive,
Qshawa, Ontario
LlH 8P7.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) -of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total capacity
weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes ‘the
curb weight’ of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in
it, and the people who will .be riding in the vehicle. And
if you will
~QW a trailer, you must subtract the tongue
If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer weight
(B).
If you have a “weight-distributing” hitch, the trailer
tongue
(A) should weigh 12% of the total loaded trailer
weight
(B). - ’
After you’ve lo,aded.your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately,
to. see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able’ to get them tight
simply by moving some
items around in the trailer.

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit for
cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Certification
label at the rear edge
of the driver’s doqr (or see “Tire
Loading” in the Index). Then be sure you don’t go over
the
GVW limit for your vehicle.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads are
a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
0
0
If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
2,000 pounds (900 kg), be sure to
use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch
and sway control of the proper size. This equipment
is very important for proper vehicle loading and
good handling when you’re driving.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install
a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt
and water can, too.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for
hitches.
Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the
bumper.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to
the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety
chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock
brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake
system.
If you do, both brake systems won’t work well,
or at all.
198

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to
know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking. with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now
a good deal longer and not nearly so
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform,
safety chains, electrical connector, lights, tires and
mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has electric biakes, start
your yehicle and trailer moving and then apply the
trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the- brakes are
working. This lets you check your electrical connection
at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to
be sure that the
load
is secure, and that the Lights.and any trailer brakes
are .still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help
you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turris.
.
Passing
You’ll need. more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal \
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
.
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer
to the left, just move that hand
to the left.
To mo.ve the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide
you.
Making Turns
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal.
Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have .a
different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green
arrows on your instrument panel will
flash whenever
you signal a
turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
199

Center High Mounted Stop Light
Replacement
Lift up the tailgate window. Unscrew the two screws. Bring down the bulb assembly. Pull a bulb out of.its
retainer and replace. Reverse the,steps to reassemble.
Loading Your Vehi.cIe
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires
on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number
of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry.
This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight
and includes the weight of
all occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
@I OCCUPAN'TS TIRE-LOADING
INF0,RMATlON
.
V:EHICLE CAP, WT.
FRT.. CTR. RR. TOTAL LBS. KG
1
MAX. LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE
CAPACITY
WEIGHT XXX COLD TIRE
TIRE SIZE
SPEED PRESSURE
.RTG PSI/KPa
FRT.
RR.
SPA.
IF TIRES ARE HOT, ADD 4PSI/28KPa
SEE OWNER'S 'MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL
INF0,RMATlON
ll]mp ,$$$#/:::
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label
found -on- the rear edge of the driver's door tells you the
Y
MFD BY GENER-At MOTORS CORP
DATE GVWR GAWR FRT GAWR
RR
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO 'ALL APPLI- CABLE US. FE,DE.RAL MOT0.R'
VEH'ICLE
SAFETY, BU.MPER,-AND THiEFT PREVENTI0.N
STANDARD,S IN EFFECT ON THE DATE
OF
MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
~i~,l\i$;~!~~!~
The other label is the Certification 'label, found on the'
rear edge of the driver's do,ar. It tells you the gross
weight capacity
of your vehicle, called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle' Weight Rating). The GVWX includes the.
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
269

Never exceed the GVWR for.your vehicle, or the"Gross If you put things inside your vehicle - like.suitcases, .,
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for ,either the front 'or rear. tools, packages, or anything else - they will go ,as fast '
I -. axle.. as 'the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
, And, if you do have a heavy load, you-should spread it
1 . out. Don't 'carry more than.2'03 pounds (92 kilograms)
. wagon in your trunk or rear area. '8
or if.there is a crash, they'll keep goirig. I.
.. .
in the sedan or 300 pounds (136 kilograms-) in the m - .1
: II
A CAUTION:
i I)
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWRs. I
If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could'cause you to lose control.
Also,
.overloadina can shorten the li of vow vehic
(!a CAUTIO1
Things.y Jt inside your vehicle can 'ikt
and injure people in a sudden stop or tuln lr i~
a crash.
the trunk or rear area of your
0 Put things
vehicle.
In a trunk, put.thern'as far forward as vou
can. Try to spread the weight evenly,
* Never stack heavier things, like suitcas,,
inside the vehicle
so that some sf them
are above the tops'of the seats.
When you carry somet,hing inside
thd
vehicle, secure it whenever. you can.
9 Don't lei-? a seat folded down unless yo1
need to.
I

,I
Station wagons can carry more weight than regular
passenger cars:- You’ll find ,the heading-“Maximum
Loadingat
GVWR” on the Tire-Loading- Information
labei.
YQU can load your station wagon up to the limit
shown there, but only if
you’ take the following steps: ;
1.
2.
3.
-4.
.. ..
I
IT you swerloaa your somon wagon, you CQI
damage parts of the vehicle and/or affect
vehicle handling. Either of these could cau!
you
to 10s- --1trol of the vehicle and you c-~d
be injured
Newer carry rn ht than the
Certification label under “Gross Vehicle Weight
r ‘‘Gross Axle Weight Rating
..
Tires ..
We, don’t make tires. Your new vehicle comes with high
quality tires made by a leading tire,manufacturer. These
tires are
warranted.:by the tire manufacturers and their :
warranties are delivixed with every new Buick. :If your
spare ti& is a different brand than yo& road tires,. you
will have a tire warranty folder fi-om eaGh of these
manufacturers.
I
271

Estate Wagon Dimensions
Inches Unless Otherwise Noted
OVERALL:
Length ............................ 2 17.7
Width
............... ............. 79.9
Height
............................ 60.3
Wheelbase
........................ 11 5.9
Front Tread ........................
Rear Tread .........................
INTERIOR FRONT
Leg Room .........................
Head Room .........................
Shoulder Room ......................
HipRoom .........................
'62.1
64.1
42.1
39.6
63.4
56.9
INTERIOR REAR:
Leg Room .........................
Head Room ........................
Shoulder Room .....................
HipRoom .........................
CARGO CAPACITY . CU . Ft .........
PASSENGERS:
38.3
39.4
63-5
57.1
22.0
Front ..............................
Rear ................................ 3
ThirdSeat
.......................... 2
BASE CURB WEIGHT . Lbs ......... 446.8
292
.

Roadmaster Sedan Dimensions
'Inches Unless Otherwise Noted
... . . - ~ _.
OVERALL:
Length ........................... 215.8
Width ............................. 78.1
Height .............. : .............. 55.9
Wheelbase ........................ 11 5.9
Front Tread ........................ 61.7
Rear Trexd ......................... 60.7
INTERIOR FRONT
LegRoom ......................... 42.1
Head Room ........................ 39.2
Shoulder Room ..................... 63.3
Hip Room ......................... 56.9
INTERIOR.REAR:
LegRoom .........................
Head'.Room ........................
Shoulder Room .....................
HipRoom .........................
CARGO CAPACITY - CU. Ft. ........
PASSENGERS:
38.9
38.6
63.3
56.9
20.4
2 Front ..............................
Rear ............................... 3
BASE CURB WEIGHT - Lbs. ........ 4073