1996 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 242

If you do not know the actual weights of these items, use the following procedure to figure the weight of a load: 1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver, passengers, and luggage. You might take your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver, passengers, and luggage. Subtract the first reading from the second to figure the total weight of the load. 2. 3. After determining this load, you must also make sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus the load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also, make sure that the weight your vehicle carries over each axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle. If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift the load or remove cargo accordingly. RWARNING Improper distribution of your vehicle's load or carrying weight in excess of the amount shown on the tire decal can cause rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control. RWARNING If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged or you may lose control and injure someone. 242