2004 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 183

Starting and driving 183 Driving with a load The handling characteristics are affected by how the car is loaded. • Place the heaviest load as far forward and as low as possible in the trunk. • Secure the load to the lashing eyes (see page 137). • 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 268). • Roof loads can negatively affect telecommunication. For further information on tires see page 231. Driving with the trunk lid open Avoid driving with the trunk lid partly or fully open, since exhaust fumes can be drawn into the cabin. If you must drive with the trunk lid open, close all windows and the sunroof (if fitted) and set the cabin fan to its highest speed setting. Driving in deep water 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.