2012 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 223

Driving and Operating . 9-7 Make sure all underbody shields, if equipped, are properly attached. Know the local laws that apply to off-road driving. Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving For more information about loading the vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑16. . { WARNING . Environmental Concerns . To gain more ground clearance if needed, it may be necessary to remove the front fascia lower air dam. Notice: Operating the vehicle for extended periods without the front fascia lower air dam installed can cause improper air flow to the engine. Re‐attach the front fascia air dam after off-road driving. Unsecured cargo on the load floor can be tossed about when driving over rough terrain. You or your passengers can be struck by flying objects. Secure the cargo properly. Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. The heaviest things should be on the floor, forward of the rear axle. Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle's center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof. Always use established trails, roads, and areas that have been set aside for public off-road recreational driving and obey all posted regulations. Do not damage shrubs, flowers, trees, or grasses or disturb wildlife. Do not park over things that burn. See Parking over Things That Burn on page 9‑28. . . . .