Frame service can be minimized by lessening the concentration of stress in small areas of the frame.
Use vehicles only for the purposes for which they were designed.
| • | Do not overload the vehicle. | 
| • | Load the vehicle evenly. Avoid localized loads. | 
| • | Do not operate the vehicle on extremely rough terrain at excessive speeds. | 
| • | Determine the forces placed on a frame from the operation of equipment when picking a frame for a new vehicle or reinforcing a frame. | 
Follow the recommended practices when repairing a frame. Follow the recommended practices when mounting a body or equipment on a frame.
| • | Avoid sudden changes in the section modulus. | 
| • | Do not drill holes in the frame rail flanges. | 
| • | Space holes in the web section of a rail at least 13 mm (1/2 in) apart. | 
| • | Use existing holes whenever possible. | 
| • | Do not cut holes with a torch. | 
| • | Do not overheat the frame rails. | 
| • | Avoid welding on the flanges. | 
| • | Do not allow four or more holes to exist on the same vertical line of the web. |