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204 Starting and driving
Driving with a load
The handling characteristics are affected by
how the car is loaded.
Driving with the trunk lid
open
If you must drive with the trunk lid open,
close all windows and the sunroof (if
equipped) and set the cabin fan to its high-
est speed setting.
Driving in deep water
NOTICE
• Place the heaviest load as far forward
and as low as possible in the trunk.
• Secure the load to the lashing eyes
(see page 149).
• Heavy loads mean that the car’s
center of gravity is further back. As a
result, the car will sway more during
evasive steering.
• Never exceed the permissible load of
the roof box, even if there is room for
more.
• Ensure that the tire pressure is correct
– slight overinflation is preferable to
underinflation.
• The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance
from the vehicle in front.
• Do not exceed the car’s permissible
gross vehicle weight or axle load (see
page 294).
• Roof loads can negatively affect tele-
communication.
For further information on tires see
page 256.
WARNING
Avoid driving with the trunk lid partly or
fully open, since exhaust fumes can be
drawn into the cabin.
NOTICE
Do not drive in puddles or water deeper
than 7 in. (20 cm) and do not drive faster
than 3–4 mph. Water can otherwise be
sucked into the engine. The engine will be
seriously damaged if water enters the
intake system.
93U SM 06.book Page 204 Friday, February 18, 2005 1:15 PM