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4-1. Before driving
4
Driving
● Receptacles containing gaso-
line
● Aerosol cans
■ Storage precautions
Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may prevent the
pedals from being depressed
properly, may block the driver’s
vision, or may result in items hit-
ting the driver or passengers, pos-
sibly causing an accident.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the
luggage compartment when-
ever possible.
● Do not stack cargo and luggage
in the luggage compartment
higher than the seatbacks.
● When you fold down the rear
seats, long items should not be
placed directly behind the front
seats.
● Never allow anyone to ride in
the luggage compartment. It is
not designed for passengers.
They should ride in their seats
with their seat belts properly
fastened.
● Do not place cargo or luggage
in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear
seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
● Secure all items in the occupant
compartment.
■ Capacity and distribution
● Do not exceed the maximum
axle weight rating or the total
vehicle weight rating.
● Even if the total load of occu-
pant’s weight and the cargo
load is less than the total load
capacity, do not apply the load
unevenly. Improper loading may
cause deterioration of steering
or braking control which may
cause death or serious injury.
■ When using a roof luggage
carrier (vehicles with roof
rails)
Observe the following precau-
tions:
● Place the cargo so that its
weight is distributed evenly
between the front and rear
axles.
● If loading long or wide cargo,
never exceed the vehicle overall
length or width. (
P.438)
● Before driving, make sure the
cargo is securely fastened on
the roof luggage carrier.
● Loading cargo on the roof lug-
gage carrier will make the cen-
ter of gravity of the vehicle
higher. Avoid high speeds, sud-
den starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers,
otherwise it may result in loss of
control or vehicle rollover due to
failure to operate this vehicle
correctly and result in death or
serious injury.
● If driving for a long distance, on
rough roads, or at high speeds,
stop the vehicle now and then
during the trip to make sure the
cargo remains in its place.
● Do not exceed 75 lb. (34 kg)
cargo weight on the roof lug-
gage carrier.