The coating of steel with zinc to help form a rust-preventive surface.

The weight specified by the vehicle manufacturer as the load-carrying capacity of a single- axle system, front or rear. The GAWR is limited by the lowest individual rating of tires, wheels, springs or the axle itself.

The weight specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a towing vehicle and its trailer. The sum of the loaded vehicle weight of the truck and trailer should not exceed the GCWR. GCWR = vehicle curb weight + payload + trailer weight + driver and passengers

Automotive window glass with thicker construction that helps prevent ultraviolet ray penetration of the passenger compartment Solar-tinted glass helps reduce heat buildup in the interior of the vehicle by blocking out a significant portion of the solar energy. It accomplishes this not by reflecting the rays, but by absorbing the radiation and re-radiating the majority of it to the exterior of the vehicle

Grade-climbing ability is the percent of grade a vehicle will climb with a given load. A 1-percent grade is equivalent to a rise of one foot in a horizontal distance of 100 feet. A 2 percent grade is a two-foot rise in a horizontal distance of 100 feet, etc. Grade-climbing ability will affect a vehicle’s performance and should be considered when determining payload or trailer towing requirements On steeper grades, a vehicle will be under more stress to handle these heavy requirements

The upper roof structure and glass surface above the vehicle’s beltline.

This is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear). To determine the Gross Axle Weights for your vehicle and trailer combination, take your loaded vehicle and trailer to a scale. With the trailer attached, place the front wheels of the vehicle on the scale to get the front GAW. For rear GAW, weigh the towing vehicle with the trailer attached, but with just the four wheels of the vehicle on the scale. Next, get the GAW by subtracting the front GAW from that amount.

This is the maximum weight to be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers also are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. The total load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.

This is the weight of the loaded vehicle (GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer. It is the actual weight obtained when the vehicle and trailer are weighed together on a scale.

This is the maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer - including all cargo and passengers - that the vehicle can handle without risking costly damage. (Important: The towing vehicle's brake system is rated for operation at the GVWR - NOT GCWR. Separate functional brake systems should be used for safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 1,500 lbs. When loaded.) NOTE:The measured GCW must never exceed the GCWR.

This is the Base Curb Weight plus actual Cargo Weight plus passengers. It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or specification . . . it is the actual weight that is obtained when the fully loaded vehicle is driven onto a scale.

This is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo). This number - along with other weight limits, as well as tire, rim size and inflation pressure data - are shown on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the left front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar. Note: The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.

The phenomenon that occurs when air passes over an object (such as a spoiler) that causes the airflow to exert downward pressure (forcing it toward the ground) for improved handling and better traction. Also referred to as downforce, this process takes place at or above normal highway speeds.

The actual weight of a vehicle as determined by curb weight, payload, driver, passengers and optional equipment. The Gross Vehicle Weight should not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the vehicle’s warranty could be voided. Refer to the specific vehicle’s Owner Guide.