load capacity SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2010 3.G Owners Manual

5-79OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
You can use the roof rails or the roof rack
anchors to attach the optional roof rack
which is available at your SUZUKI dealer. If
you use a roof rack, observe the instruc-
tions and precautions in this section and
provided with the roof rack.
(For vehicles with roof rack anchors)
To remove the cap, slide the cap in the
direction of the arrow (1) and then lift the
edge of the cap up as shown in the illustra-
tion. To install the cap, put in the front part
of the cap, slide the cap in the opposite
direction of the arrow (1) and then push
down the rear part of the cap.
 Make sure the roof rack is securely
installed.
 To mount various types of cargo (such
as skis, bicycles, etc.) properly, use suit-
able attachments which are available
from your SUZUKI dealer. Be sure to
install the attachments properly and
securely according to the instructions
provided. Do not mount cargo directly on
the roof panel. The cargo can damage
the roof panel.
 The gross weight of the roof rack plus
cargo must not exceed the loading
capacity (75 kg (165 lbs)). Also, do not
let the gross vehicle weight (fully loaded
vehicle including driver, passengers,
cargo, roof load and trailer tongue
weight) exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) listed on the
driver’s door lock pillar. Mount and secure the cargo onto the
roof rack properly according to the
instructions provided. Be sure to stow
the heaviest items at the bottom and dis-
tribute the cargo as evenly as possible.
 Do not carry items so large that they
hang over the bumpers or the sides of
the vehicle, or block your view.
 Secure the front and rear ends of long
items – such as wood panels, surfboards
and so forth – to both the front and rear
of the vehicle. You should protect the
painted surfaces of the vehicle from
scuffing caused by tie-down ropes.
 Check periodically to make sure the roof
rack is securely installed and free from
damage.
 For vehicles with roof rack anchors,
make sure the anchors are covered with
the caps when not in use.
WARNING
 Abrupt maneuvers or failure to
properly secure cargo can allow the
cargo to fly off the vehicle and hit
others, causing personal injury or
property damage.
 Mount cargo securely and avoid
abrupt maneuvers such as “jack-
rabbit” starts, sharp turns, fast cor-
nering and sudden braking. Check
periodically to make sure that
cargo is securely fastened.
 Large, bulky, long, or flat items can
affect vehicle aerodynamics or be
caught by the wind, and can reduce
vehicle control resulting in an acci-
dent and personal injury. Drive cau-
tiously at reduced speed when
carrying this type of cargo.

6-1VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
Vehicle Loading
54G307
Your vehicle was designed for specific
weight capacities. The weight capacities of
your vehicle are indicated by the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR, front and rear)
and the Vehicle Capacity Weight. The
GVWR and GAWR (front and rear) are
listed on the Safety Certification Label
which is located below the driver’s side
door latch striker. The Vehicle Capacity
Weight is listed on the Tire Information
Label which is located below the Safety
Certification Label.
GVWR – Maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including
all the occupants, accessories and cargo
plus the trailer tongue weight if towing a
trailer).GAWR – (Front and Rear) Maximum per-
missible weight on an individual axle.
Vehicle Capacity Weight – Maximum per-
missible load weight a vehicle can carry
including the weight of all the occupants,
accessories, cargo, plus trailer tongue
weight (if towing a trailer).
The weight of any accessories already
installed on your vehicle at the time of pur-
chase, or that you or the dealer install after
purchase, must be subtracted from the
Vehicle Capacity Weight to determine how
much capacity remains available for occu-
pants, cargo, and trailer tongue weight (if
towing a trailer).
Contact your dealer for further information.
Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and
actual loads at the front and rear axles can
only be determined by weighing the vehicle
using a vehicle scale. To measure the
weight and load, try taking your vehicle to
a highway weighing station, shipping com-
pany or inspection station for trucks, etc.
Compare these weights to the GVWR and
GAWR (front and rear) listed on the Safety
Certification Label. If the gross vehicle
weight or the load on either axle exceeds
these ratings, you must remove enough
weight to bring the load down to the rated
capacity.
WARNING
Never overload your vehicle. The
gross vehicle weight (sum of the
weights of the loaded vehicle, driver
and passengers) must never exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) listed on the Safety Certifica-
tion Label. In addition, never distrib-
ute a load so that the weight on either
the front or rear axle exceeds the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
listed on the Safety Certification
Label.
WARNING
 Always distribute cargo evenly.
 To avoid personal injury or damage
to your vehicle, always secure
cargo to prevent it from shifting if
the vehicle moves suddenly.
 Place heavier objects on the floor
and as far forward in the cargo area
as possible. Never pile cargo
higher than the top of the seat
backs.
Vehicle Loading: 11

7-25INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
TiresFor safe operation of your vehicle, it is
important that the tires be the correct
type and size, in good condition, and
properly inflated. Be sure to follow the
requirements and recommendations in
this section.Tire Sidewall LabelingUseful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The example
below shows a typical passenger car
tire.
Typical Passenger Car Tire Sidewall
67D027
A. Tire Manufacturer
The name of the tire manufacturer
is shown here.B. Tire Name/Model
The tire name or model is shown
here.
C. Tire Size
The tire size code is a combina-
tion of letters and numbers used
to define a particular tire’s width,
height, aspect ratio, construction
type, and service description. See
the “Tire Size” explanation later in
this section for more details.
D. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Num-
ber
The Department of Transportation
(DOT) marking indicates that the
tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The letters and numbers following
the DOT marking is the Tire Iden-
tification Number (TIN). The TIN
identifies the tire manufacturer
and plant, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured.
E. Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG)
Tire manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three perfor-
mance factors: treadwear, traction
and temperature resistance.
Refer to the “Uniform Tire Quality
Grading” section for more details.F. Load Rating
Load rating is the maximum
weight a tire is designed to sup-
port in normal service.
G. Max Inflation Pressure
Max inflation pressure is the max-
imum inflation pressure a tire is
designed for.
H. Tire Ply Material
These tire markings describe the
type of cord and number of plies
in the sidewall and under the
tread.
I. Load Index and Speed Rating
The two- or three-digit number is
the tire’s load index, the maximum
load a tire can carry at the speed
indicated by its speed symbol at
the maximum inflation pressure.
The higher the number is, the
greater the load carrying capacity.
The letter symbol denotes the
speed at which a tire is designed
to be driven for extended periods
of time. (Ratings are listed below.)
AH B
G
E
FD
J I
C
EXAMPLE
Tires: 6

7-27INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E Tire Inflation Pressure
Tire inflation pressure should be
checked when the tire is cold. “Cold
tire inflation pressure” is the pressure
in a tire that has been driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km) or has been standing
for three hours or more.
54G307
The front, rear and spare tire pressure
specifications for your vehicle are
shown below and are listed on the Tire
and Loading Information Label, which
is located on the driver’s door lock pil-
lar. The Tire and Loading Information
Label contains the following informa-
tion:
 Seating Capacity
 Maximum Allowed Combined
Weight of Occupants and Cargo
 Original Tire Size Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
Pressure of Original Tires
NOTE:
The tire inflation pressure will change
due to changes in atmospheric pres-
sure, temperature or tire temperature
when driving. To reduce the chance
that the low tire pressure warning light
will come on due to normal changes in
temperature and atmospheric pres-
sure, it is important to check and
adjust the tire pressures when the tires
are cold. Tires that appear to be at the
specified pressure when checked after
driving, when the tires are warm, could
have pressure below the specification
when the tires cool down. Also, tires
that are inflated to the specified pres-
sure in a warm garage may have pres-
sure below the specification when the
vehicle is driven outside in very coldtemperature. If you adjust the tire
pressure in a garage that is warmer
than the outside temperature, you
should add 1 psi to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure for every
10°F difference between garage tem-
perature and outside temperature.
Measuring air pressure
Use the following steps to achieve
proper tire inflation:
1) Identify the recommended tire pres-
sure on the vehicle’s Tire and Load-
ing Information Label or in the
owner’s manual.
2) Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem.
3) Using a reliable pressure gauge,
measure the tire inflation pressure
by pressing the tire gauge firmly
onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. Remember that
inflation pressures should be
checked when the tires are “cold”,
meaning before they have been
driven one mile or after sitting for
three hours or more allowing the
tire to cool to ambient air tempera-
ture.
4) If the air pressure is too high, slowly
release the air by pressing on the
tire valve stem with the edge of the
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
Pressures
Front Tires230 kPa
33 psi
Rear Tires230 kPa
33 psi
Spare230 kPa
33 psi
Tires: 6

7-32
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E Snow Tires
Your vehicle is equipped with all-sea-
son tires which are designed for use in
summer and most winter conditions.
For improved traction in severe winter
conditions, SUZUKI recommends
mounting radial snow tires on all four
wheels. Snow tires must be the same
size as the standard tires. Also be sure
to use the tires of the same type and
brand on all four wheels of your vehi-
cle.
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMI-
NOLOGYAccessory Weight – the combined
weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent
that these items are available as fac-
tory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure – the pres-
sure in a tire that has been driven less
than 1 mile or has been standing for
three hours or more.
Curb Weight – the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard equipment
including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and addi-
tional weight optional engine.
Intended Outboard Sidewall – (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2) the outward fac-
ing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire
that has a particular side that mustalways face outward when mounted
on a vehicle.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – the
maximum cold inflation pressure a tire
is designed to support in normal ser-
vice.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight –
the sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight (total
load capacity), and production options
weight.
Normal Occupant Weight – 68 kilo-
grams times the number of occupants
specified in the second column of
Table 1 (shown below).
Occupant distribution – distribution of
occupants in a vehicle as specified in
the third column of Table 1 (shown
below).
Production Options Weight – the com-
bined weight of those installed regular
production options weighing over 2.3
kilograms in excess of those standard
items which they replace, not previ-
ously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy
duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special trim.
WARNING
(Continued) Do not use tire chains on the
spare tire. If you must use tire
chains, rearrange the wheels so
standard tires and wheels are
fitted to the rear axle.
 Replace the spare tire with a
new one as soon as the tread
wear indicator appears.
 When replacing the spare tire,
use a replacement tire with the
exact same size and construc-
tion.
Battery: 9
Fuses: 7

7-33INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Recommended Inflation Pressure –
the cold tire inflation pressure recom-
mended by a manufacturer.
Rim – metal support for a tire or tire
and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Vehicle Capacity Weight – the rated
cargo and luggage load plus 68 kilo-
grams (150 lbs) times the vehicle’s
designated seating capacity.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire –
the load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each axle
its share of the maximum loaded vehi-
cle weight and dividing by two.
Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire – the
load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its
share of the curb weight, accessory
weight, and normal occupant weight
(distributed in accordance with Table 1
shown below) and dividing by 2.TABLE 1 – Occupant Loading and
Distribution For Vehicle Normal
Load For Various Designated Seat-
ing Capacities
Vehicle LoadingYour vehicle was designed for specific
load capacities. The load capacities of
your vehicle are indicated by the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR,
front and rear), and the total load
capacity, the seating capacity, and the
cargo load capacity. The GVWR and
GAWR (front and rear) are listed on
the Safety Certification Label which is
located below the driver’s side door
latch striker. The total load capacity
and seating capacity are listed on the
Tire and Loading Information Labelwhich is located below the Safety Cer-
tification Label. The cargo load capac-
ity can be determined as described
below.
Cargo Load Capacity – Maximum
weight of cargo and luggage that the
vehicle can safely carry. Cargo load
capacity is the difference between the
total load capacity of the vehicle and
the total combined weight of all vehicle
occupants. Refer to “Steps for Deter-
mining Correct Load Limit” for details
on how to determine cargo load
capacity.
GVWR – Maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle
(including all the occupants, accesso-
ries and cargo plus the trailer tongue
weight if towing a trailer).
GAWR – (Front and Rear) Maximum
permissible weight on an individual
axle.
Seating Capacity – Maximum number
of occupants the vehicle is designed to
carry.
NOTE:
Even though the number of occupants
is within the seating capacity, you still
must make sure that you do not Designated
seating
capacity,
number of
occupantsVehicle
normal
load,
number of
occupantsOccupant
distribution
in a
normally
loaded
vehicle
2 through 4 2 2 in front
5 through 10 3 2 in front,
1 in sec-
ond seat
Fuses: 7

7-34
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
exceed the total load capacity of the
vehicle.
Total Load Capacity – Maximum per-
missible weight a vehicle can carry
including the weight of all the occu-
pants, accessories, cargo, plus trailer
tongue weight (if towing a trailer).
The weight of any accessories already
installed on your vehicle at the time of
purchase, or that you or the dealer
install after purchase, must be sub-
tracted from the total load capacity to
determine how much capacity remains
available for occupants, cargo, and
trailer tongue weight (if towing a
trailer). Contact your dealer for further
information.
Actual weight of the loaded vehicle
and actual loads at the front and rear
axles can only be determined by
weighing the vehicle using a vehicle
scale. To measure the weight and
load, try making your vehicle to a high-
way weighing station, shipping com-
pany or inspection station for trucks,
etc. Compare these weights to the
GVWR and GAWR (front and rear)
listed on the Safety Certification Label.
If the gross vehicle weight or the load
on either axle exceeds these ratings,
you must remove enough weight tobring the load down to the rated
capacity.
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s plac-
ard.
2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity. For example, if
the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs
and there will be five 150 lb passen-
WARNING
Never overload your vehicle.
Overloading your vehicle can
cause damage to your tires and
lead to poor steering and braking
which can result in an accident.
The gross vehicle weight (sum of
the weights of the loaded vehicle,
driver and passengers) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) listed on
the Safety Certification Label. In
addition, never distribute a load
so that the weight on either the
front or rear axle exceeds the
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) listed on the Safety Certi-
fication Label.
WARNING
 Always distribute cargo evenly.
 To avoid personal injury or
damage to your vehicle, always
secure cargo to prevent it from
shifting if the vehicle moves
suddenly.
 Place heavier objects on the
floor and as far forward in the
cargo area as possible. Never
pile cargo higher than the top of
the seatbacks.
Fuses: 7

7-35INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
gers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs (1400 – 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs).
5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
Vehicle Loading Example
As an example, suppose that the Tire
and Loading Information label on your
vehicle indicates that your vehicle’s
total load capacity is 950 lbs. If you
were to drive your vehicle with one
passenger, and the total combined
weight of you and your passenger was
350 lbs, then the cargo and luggage
capacity of your vehicle would be 600
lbs (950 – 350 = 600 lbs).
If you later added 2 more passengers,
having a combined weight of 325 lbs,
the cargo and luggage capacity of
your vehicle would be reduced from600 lbs to 275 lbs (600 – 325 = 275
lbs). As you can see, as the number
and combined weight of vehicle occu-
pants increase, the vehicle’s cargo
and luggage capacity decreases.
Suppose again, that you were to take
a trip in your vehicle with the same
three passengers described above,
and you decided to tow a trailer having
a trailer tongue weight of 75 lbs. The
cargo and luggage capacity would be
reduced again, to 200 lbs (275 – 75 =
200 lbs).
Determining Compatibility of Tire
and Vehicle Load Limits
The tires on your vehicle, when they
are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure, have a load-carry-
ing capacity that is greater than the
load that will be on the tires when the
vehicle is at its GVWR or GAWR limit.
Never use replacement tires that have
a load-carrying capacity less than the
original tires on your vehicle. Tire load-
carrying capacity information is
molded into the tire sidewall typically
shown as “Max. Load”. Use of replace-
ment tires with a lower load-carrying
capacity than the original tires, or fail-
ure to keep the tires inflated to recom-
mended tire pressure, may reduce the
GVWR or GAWR limit of your vehicle.NOTE:
Use of replacement tires with a higher
load-carrying capacity than the origi-
nal tires, or using a tire inflation pres-
sure higher than the recommended
tire inflation pressure, will not increase
the GVWR or GAWR limit of your vehi-
cle.
Fuses: 7
Headlight Aiming:
Bulb Replacement: 7