load capacity CADILLAC DTS 2010 1.G Owners Manual

Loading the Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight yourvehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehiclecapacity weight and includes the weight of alloccupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installedoptions. Two labels on your vehicle show how muchweight it may properly carry, the Tire and LoadingInformation label and the Certification label.
{WARNING:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than theGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), oreither the maximum front or rear Gross AxleWeight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on thevehicle can break, and it can change the wayyour vehicle handles. These could cause youto lose control and crash. Also, overloadingcan shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Informationlabel is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar(B-pillar). With the driver’s door open, you will findthe label attached below the door lock post(striker). The Tire and Loading Information labelshows the number of occupant seating positions(A), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight(B) in kilograms and pounds.
Label Example
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The Tire and Loading Information label also showsthe tire size of the original equipment tires (C)and the recommended cold tire inflationpressures (D). For more information on tires andinflation seeTires on page 6-46andInflation - TirePressure on page 6-54.
There is also important loading information on theCertification label. It tells you the Gross VehicleWeight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle WeightRating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle; see“Certification Label” later in this section.
If you have a Professional Vehicle, a Tire andLoading Information label specific to your vehiclewill be provided and installed by the final bodymanufacturer. The Tire and Loading Informationlabel, should be attached to the B-pillar of yourvehicle. See the final stage manufacturer’s manualor contact them directly. The label shows theoriginal tires installed on your professional vehicleand the recommended cold tire inflation pressuresfor those tires. The label also tells you theprofessional vehicle’s capacity weight.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined weight ofoccupants and cargo should never exceedXXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of the driverand passengers that will be riding in yourvehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driverand passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the availableamount of cargo and luggage load capacity.For example, if the “XXX” amount equals1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbpassengers in your vehicle, the amount ofavailable cargo and luggage load capacity is650 lbs (1400!750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage andcargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weightmay not safely exceed the available cargo andluggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the loadfrom your trailer will be transferred to yourvehicle. Consult this manual to determine howthis reduces the available cargo and luggageload capacity of your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, see “Towing aTrailer” for important information on towinga trailer, towing safety rules, and trailering tips.
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Item DescriptionTotal
AVehicle CapacityWeight forExample 3=
1,000 lbs(453 kg)
BSubtractOccupant Weight200 lbs (91 kg)!5=
1,000 lbs(453 kg)
CAvailable CargoWeight =0 lbs (0 kg)
Refer to your vehicle’s Tire and LoadingInformation label for specific information aboutyour vehicle’s capacity weight and seatingpositions. The combined weight of the driver,passengers, and cargo should never exceed yourvehicle’s capacity weight.
Example 3
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Certification Label
A vehiclespecific Certification label is attached tothe rear edge of the driver’s door. This label showsthe gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called theGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWRincludes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants,fuel, and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for yourvehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)for either the front or rear axle.
If your vehicle is a Professional Vehicle, thevehicle specific Certification label is provided bythe final stage manufacturer. The coach-buildershould be consulted if the final stagemanufacturer’s label is not present. The GrossVehicle Weight Rating GVWR label should be onthe driver’s door edge.
If you do have a heavy load, you should spread itout. See “Steps for Determining Correct LoadLimit” earlier in this section.
{WARNING:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than theGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), oreither the maximum front or rear Gross AxleWeight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on thevehicle can break, and it can change the wayyour vehicle handles. These could cause youto lose control and crash. Also, overloadingcan shorten the life of the vehicle.
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Towing a Trailer
The Cadillac Professional Vehicle cannot tow a trailer.
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage thevehicle and result in costly repairs not coveredby the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,follow the advice in this section and see yourdealer/retailer for important information abouttowing a trailer with the vehicle.
The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with theproper trailer towing equipment. To identify the traileringcapacity of the vehicle, read the information in “Weightof the Trailer” that appears later in this section. Traileringis different than just driving the vehicle by itself.Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safetrailering takes correct equipment, and it has to beused properly.
The following information has many time-tested,important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of theseare important for the safety of the driver and thepassengers. So please read this section carefully beforepulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,transmission, axles, wheel assemblies and tires areforced to work harder against the drag of the addedweight. The engine is required to operate at relativelyhigher speeds and under greater loads, generating extraheat. The trailer also adds considerably to windresistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
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Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only thedriver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the requiredtrailering equipment. The weight of additional optionalequipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehiclemust be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering information oradvice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 8-6formore information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weightto measure because it affects the total gross weightof the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargocarried in it, and the people who will be riding in thevehicle. If there are a lot of options, equipment,passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce thetongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will alsoreduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. If towing atrailer, the tongue load must be added to the GVWbecause the vehicle will be carrying that weight, too.SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18for moreinformation about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
Using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A)should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailerweight (B).
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then thetongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they are not, adjustments might be made by movingsome items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limitfor cold tires. These numbers can be found on theCertification/Tire label. SeeLoading the Vehicle onpage 5-18. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for thevehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
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(F) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord andnumber of plies in the sidewall and underthe tread.
(G) Single Tire Maximum Load:Maximum loadthat can be carried and the maximum pressureneeded to support that load when used as asingle. For information on recommendedtire pressure seeInflation - Tire Pressure onpage 6-54.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of atire size.
(A) P-Metric Tire:The United States version of ametric tire sizing system. The letter P as thefirst character in the tire size means a passengervehicle tire engineered to standards set by theU. S. Tire and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicatesthe tire section width in millimeters from sidewallto sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number thatindicates the tire height-to-width measurements.For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is60, as shown in item C of the illustration, it wouldmean that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent ashigh as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used toindicate the type of ply construction in the tire.The letter R means radial ply construction;the letter D means diagonal or bias plyconstruction; and the letter B means belted-biasply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel ininches.
(F) Service Description:These charactersrepresent the load index and speed rating of thetire. The load index represents the load carrycapacity a tire is certified to carry. The speedrating is the maximum speed a tire is certified tocarry a load.
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Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside thetire pressing outward on each square inch of thetire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds persquare inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combinedweight of optional accessories. Some examples ofoptional accessories are, automatic transmission,power steering, power brakes, power windows,power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s heightto its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is locatedbetween the plies and the tread. Cords may bemade from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrappedby steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the pliesare laid at alternate angles less than 90 degreesto the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure ina tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) orkilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heatfrom driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure onpage 6-54.
Curb Weight:The weight of a motor vehicle withstandard and optional equipment including themaximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewallof a tire signifying that the tire is in compliancewith the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT codeincludes the Tire Identification Number (TIN),an alphanumeric designator which can also identifythe tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for thefront axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for therear axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of anasymmetrical tire, that must always face outwardwhen mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used onlight duty trucks and some multipurpose passengervehicles.
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Load Index:An assigned number ranging from1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carryingcapacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:The maximum airpressure to which a cold tire can be inflated. Themaximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tireat the maximum permissible inflation pressurefor that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum ofcurb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacityweight, and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number ofoccupants a vehicle is designed to seat multipliedby 150 lbs (68 kg). SeeLoading the Vehicle onpage 5-18.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seatingpositions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of anasymmetrical tire that has a particular side thatfaces outward when mounted on a vehicle. Theside of the tire that contains a whitewall, bearswhite lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand,and/or model name molding that is higher or deeperthan the same moldings on the other sidewall ofthe tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used onpassenger cars and some light duty trucks andmultipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure:Vehiclemanufacturer’s recommended tire inflationpressure as shown on the tire placard. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54andLoadingthe Vehicle on page 5-18.
Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which theply cords that extend to the beads are laid at90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon whichthe tire beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the treadand the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned toa tire indicating the maximum speed at which atire can operate.
Traction:The friction between the tire and theroad surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that comes intocontact with the road.
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Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimescalled wear bars, that show across the tread ofa tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of treadremains. SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires onpage 6-64.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality GradingStandards):A tire information system thatprovides consumers with ratings for a tire’straction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings aredetermined by tire manufacturers usinggovernment testing procedures. The ratings aremolded into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniformTire Quality Grading on page 6-67.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number ofdesignated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load. SeeLoadingthe Vehicle on page 5-18.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on anindividual tire due to curb weight, accessoryweight, occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached toa vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weightand the original equipment tire size andrecommended inflation pressure. See “Tire andLoading Information Label” underLoadingthe Vehicle on page 5-18.
Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure tooperate effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you thatunder-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It isnot. If your tires do not have enough air(under-inflation), you can get the following:
•Too much flexing
•Too much heat
•Tire overloading
•Premature or irregular wear
•Poor handling
•Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-inflation),you can get the following:
•Unusual wear
•Poor handling
•Rough ride
•Needless damage from road hazards
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