Ford offers a wide variety of SUV’s, from the mid-sized Ford Escape, to the all new Ford Explorer, to the full sized Ford Expedition. With new technology and safety features, SUVs of today are safer than ever. Once common problem with SUVs of the past were rollovers. With their taller stance and weight distribution SUVs tend to rollover easier than vehicles that sit closer to the ground such as sedans and wagons.  SUVs appeal to consumers because of their greater cargo capacity and their towing and hauling capability. But the fact is many SUVs have a payload capacity (how much weight they can carry) that is considerably less than what buyers assume. Once an SUV is overloaded, the chance of a rollover increases dramatically. This is why it is crucial to know your SUVs limits, as from one model to another, they vary greatly.

The taller height of an SUV also raises the chance of a rollover. Due to their higher center of gravity, SUVs are more prone to roll over than passenger cars that ride closer to the ground. Overloading an already top-heavy SUV not only raises the risk of rollover; it also places added stress on the brakes and can cause a tire blowout, especially if the tires are improperly inflated. Automakers have taken some steps toward improving the segment with a mix of new models and advanced technology. Opting for Safety features that are optional can play a large role in SUV safety, too. Stability control can prevent accidents due to rollover and/or tire blowout. This system goes by many different names including Ford’s AdvanceTrac. With this technology computer sensors spring into action upon sensing that the vehicle is about to go out of control. These sensors can cut engine power and brake individual wheels to help the driver regain control and keep the vehicle heading in the intended direction.

So what are your SUV limits? As of September 2004, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has required the tire label on the doorjamb of a vehicle to say what the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo is for all vehicles with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 10,000 pounds or less. It had previously been up to the manufacturer to publish the maximum load carrying capacity either in the owner’s manual or somewhere inside the vehicle. Of course, load capacity is only one factor that might cause an SUV with an already high center of gravity to roll over. Equally important is making sure that the tires are properly inflated. Go with the tire-pressure specifications shown in the doorjamb or owner’s manual, not the tire’s sidewall. Take into account that tire pressure increases after the vehicle has been driven and the tires are warm. Underinflated tires heat up more quickly and become more prone to failure.  Lastly, no matter what SUV you buy or what optional electronic devices it might have, the best way to prevent a rollover begins with smart driving. In fact, the best tips are simple common sense.