1994 Buick Regal Owners Manual

and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the green arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses” in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs.

lane change, if the arrows don’t

Turn Signal ccOn99 Chime A chime will sound if your turn signal is left on after having gone 3/4 mile, to remind you to turn off your signal. Operation of Lights Although your vehicle’s lighting system (headlights, parking lights, fog lamps, side marker lights and taillights) meets all applicable federal lighting requirements, certain states and provinces may apply their own lighting regulations that may require special attention before you operate these lights. For example, some jurisdictions may require that you operate your fog lamps only when your lower beam headlights are also on, or that headlights be turned on whenever you must use your windshield wipers. In addition, most jurisdictions prohibit driving solely with parking lights, especially at dawn or dusk. It is recommended that you check with your own state or provincial highway authority for applicable lighting regulations.

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Headlight High-Low Beam

To change the headlights from low beam to high or high to low, pull the turn signal lever all the way toward you. Then release When the high beams are on, this blue light on the instrument panel also will be on.

it.

Flash-To-Pass Feature You may have this feature. It lets you use your high beam headlights to signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. It works even if your headlights are off. To use it, pull. the headlight beam lever toward you a little (but not so far that you hear a click). When you do: If your headlights are off Your high beam headlights will turn on. They’ll stay on as long as you hold the lever there. Release the lever to turn them off.

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You control the windshield wipers by turning the band marked ‘‘WIPER’.

For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to “MIST.” Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the band on “MIST” longer. You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or snow. Turn the band to choose the delay time. The closer to “LO,” the shorter the delay. For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from you to the “LO” position. For high speed wiping, turn the band further, to “HI.” To stop the wipers, move the band to “OFF.” Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If they‘re frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts. Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.

Windshield Washer At the top of the turn signal/headlight beam lever there’s a paddle with the word “PUSH” on it. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push the paddle. Unless they are already turned on, the wipers will operate at low speed for several sweeps, then turn off. Driving without washer fluid can be dangerous. A bad mud splash can block your vision. You could hit another vehicle or go off the road. Check your washer fluid level often.

A CAUTION:

In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

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Cruise Control (Option)

When you apply your brakes, the Cruise Control shuts off.

NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.

0 Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer

fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluid tank only 314 full when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion, which could damage the tank if it is completely full. Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your windshield washer. It can damage your washer system and paint.

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To Set Cruise Control

1. Move the Cruise

Control switch to “ON.”

2. Get up to the speed you want.

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3. Push in the set button at the end of the lever and release it. (The “CRUISE” light on the instrument panel will come on.)

Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the Cruise Control switch from “ON’ to “Resume/Accelerate” for about half a second. You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay there.

4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. To Resume a Set Speed Suppose you set your Cruise Control at a desired speed and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off the Cruise Control. But you don’t need to reset it.

Remember, if you hold the switch at “Resume/Accelerate” longer than half a second, the vehicle will keep going faster until you release the switch or apply the brake. You could be startled and even lose control. So unless you want to go faster, don’t hold the switch at “Resume/Accelerate.” To Increase Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed. Here’s the first: 1. Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.

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2. Push the button at

the end of the lever, then release the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed.

2. To increase your speed in very small amounts, move the switch to “Resume/Accelerate7’ for less than half a second and then release it. Each time you do this, your vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster. The accelerate feature will only work after you have set the Cruise Control speed by pushing the SET button. To Reduce Speed While Using Cruise Control

Here’s the second way to go to a higher speed:

1. Push in the button at the

end of the lever until you reach the lower speed you want, then release it.

want, and then release the switch.

2. To slow down in very small amounts, push the

button for less than half a second. Each time you do this, you’ll go 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow down to the Cruise Control speed you set earlier. Using Cruise Control on Hills

To Get Out of Cruise Control There are two ways to turn off the Cruise Control:

1. Step lightly on the brake

pedal, OR

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To Erase Speed Memory When you turn off the Cruise Control or the ignition, or shift into “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral) your Cruise Control set speed memory is erased. Lights The light controls are on the instrument panel. It controls these light systems:

Headlight “On” Warning If the light switch is left on you’ll hear a warning tone when you turn off the ignition and open the driver’s door. Fog Lights (GS Only Option)

Headlights Taillights Parking Lights License Lights Sidemarker Lights Instrument Panel Lights Interior Courtesy Lights

If you have the fog light feature, the control is on the instrument panel. The parking lights must be ON for the fog lights to work. The fog lights will turn off when you change to high beam headlights. When you return to low beam headlights the fog lights will turn on again.

Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only) The Canadian Federal Government has decided that “Daytime Running Lights” (DRL) are a useful feature, in that DRL can make your vehicle more visible to pedestrians and other drivers during daylight hours. DRL are required on new vehicles sold in Canada.

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Front Seat Reading Lights (Option)

The front seat reading lights are turned on by pressing the switches.

Your DRL work with a light sensor on top of the instrument panel. Don’t cover it up. The low beam headlights will come on at reduced brightness in daylight when: 0 The ignition is on, 0 The headlight switch is off, and 0 The parking brake is released. At dusk, the exterior lights will come on automatically and the low beams will change to full brightness. At dawn, the exterior lights will go out and the low beams will change to the reduced brightness of DRL (if the headlight switch is off). Of course, you may still turp on the headlights any time you need to. To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking brake while the ignition is in the “Off” or “Lock” position. Then start the vehicle. The DRL will stay off until you release the parking brake.

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Illuminated Entry Your courtesy lights will come on and stay on for a predetermined time whenever you:

Open any door Press the UNLOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry (if equipped) Press the the power door UNLOCK switch.

If you open a door, the lights will stay on while it’s open and then turn off automatically about 16 seconds after you close it. They’ll shut off right away when you do any of these things:

’

Turn the ignition key to Run or Start Press the Power Door Lock switch Press the DOOR button on the Remote Keyless Entry (if equipped).

If you don’t open a door after pressing the UNLOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry or the power door UNLOCK switch, the lights will turn off automatically after about 16 seconds, or when you do any of the things mentioned. When the ignition is on, pressing the UNLOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry or the power door UNLOCK switch won’t activate the Illuminated Entry.

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The reading lights on the inside rearview mirror are turned on by pressing the switch. Courtesy Lights When any door is opened, several lights turn on. They make it easy for you to enter and leave the car. The courtesy lights go off when the doors are closed. The interior courtesy lights can also be turned on by moving the light switch to INT. You can also change the brightness of the instrument panel lights by moving the switch between OFF and DIM.

Mirrors Inside Mirror When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your car. The day-night adjustment allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the lights behind you.

Outside Mirrors Standard

To adjust your left outside mirror move the control located on the driver’s door. Adjust each mirror so you can just see the side of your car and the area behind your car.

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Optional

If your Buick has an electric mirror control, you’ll find it on the driver’s door.

Convex Outside Mirror Your right side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat.

Move the switch to choose the right or left mirror. Press any of the four arrows to move the mirror in the desired direction. Adjust each mirror so you can just see the side of your car and the area behind your car.

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Astroroof (Option) To open the astroroof, press the switch located on the roof. The ignition switch must be in the “RUN” position for the astroroof t.o operate. The sunshade can be opened by grasping the handle and sliding it to the rear. It will open automatically when the astroroof is open completely. It must be closed manually. To open the astroroof to an angled venting position, press and hold the forward portion of the switch until it stops. To close it, press and hold the rear portion of the switch until it stops. To open the astroroof completely, press and hold the rear portion of the switch. To close the it, press and hold the front portion of the switch until it stops. The astroroof cannot be operated manually if your car has an electrical power failure.

Convenience Net

Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it just behind the back wall of the trunk. Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or quick starts and stops. The net isn’t for larger heavier loads. Store them in the trunk as far forward as you can. You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when you’re not using it.

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Ashtrays

The front center ashtray can be removed for cleaning.

To remove the rear ashtray for cleaning, press down on the snuffer as you pull the ashtray down and out.

This ashtray can be removed for cleaning by lifting it out of the armrest.

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I NOTICE:

Don't put papers or other flammable things into your ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other smoking materials could ignite them, causing a damaging fire.

Cigarette Lighter It's near the ashtray. To use the cigarette lighter, push it all the way in and let it go. When it's ready, it will pop back by itself.

' NOTICE: If you hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating, it won't be able to back away from the heating element when it's ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the lighter and the heating element.

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Storage Armrest (Option)

The armrest between the front seats opens into a storage area. To open it, press the lever at the front edge and lift the cover. To use the cupholder which is stored inside, pull it up and rotate it forward. You may have an adjustable cup holder. Console (Option) A storage area is under the center armrest, and in front of the shift lever.

Luggage Carrier (Option) If you have the optional luggage carrier, you can load things on the deck lid of your vehicle. The luggage carrier has slats attached to the deck lid, a rear rail, and tiedowns.

The Instrument Panel: Your Information System

NOTICE: Loading cargo that weighs more than 50 Ibs (23 kg) on the luggage carrier may damage your vehicle. When you carry large things, never let them hang over the rear or the sides of your vehicle. Load your cargo so that it rests on the slats and does not scratch or damage the vehicle. Put the cargo against the rear rail and fasten it securely to the luggage carrier.

Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading your Buick. For more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving, check now and then to make sure the luggage carrier and cargo are still securely fastened.

Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your car is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to now to drive safely and economically. Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the U.S.) or kilometers (used in Canada).

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Your Buick has a “tamper-resistant odometer.” If you can see very noticeable bright silver lines between the numbers, probably someone has tried to turn it back. The numbers may not be true. You may wonder what happens if a car has to have a new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to be set to the same reading as the old one. If it can’t be, then it’s set at zero, and a label on the driver’s door must show the old reading and when the new one was installed. Trip Odometer

A trip odometer can tell you how many miles you have driven since you last set it back to zero. To reset it, push the button.

Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This section describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights go on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you turn the ignition key just to let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens. Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle.

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When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow the manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly -- and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help. Fuel Gage

Your fuel gage shows about how much fuel is in your tank. It works only when the engine is on. When the indicator nears “E,” you still have a little fuel left.

Here are some concerns owners have had about the fuel gage. All these situations are normal and indicate nothing wrong with the fuel gage.

At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads “F”. It takes more (or less) gas to fill up than the gage indicated. For example, the gage indicated 1/2 full, but it took more -- or less -- than half of the tank’s capacity to fill it. The gage moves a little when you turn a corner, speed up, or stop your vehicle. When you turn the engine off, the gage d&sn’t go all the way back to “E”.

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When your fuel gage reads in the red band, this light will go on. You should get more fuel as soon as you can.

* LOW FUEL

Brake System Warning Light

Your Buick’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you..For good braking, though, you need both parts working well.

BRAKE

If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away. If it This light should come on as you start the vehicle. doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem. If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.

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It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, or if the anti-lock brake system warning light is flashing, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” and “Towing Your Car” in the Index.)

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light

ANTI-LOCK

The brake system warning light will also come on when you set your parking brake, and it will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem.

With anti-lock, this light will come on when you start your engine and it will stay on for three seconds. That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the light flashes when you’re driving, you don’t have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with your regular brakes. Pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may

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go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. Have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Car” in the Index.)

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot!

If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while you’re driving, your Buick needs service. If the light is on but not flashing and the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes.

It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. The chapter “Problems on the Road,” this manual explains what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

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Engine Oil Pressure Gage

1 You can read your engine

oil pressure directly from the gage on your instrument panel.

LOW Coolant Warning Light

If this light comes on, your system is low on coolant and the engine may overheat.

LOW

COOLANT

See “Engine Coolant” in the Index and have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can.

If the gage reads in the red band and stays there, it means oil isn’t going through your engine properly. You

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could be low on oil, or you might have some other oil problem. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can.

NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warranty.

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Low Oil Warning Light

Your vehicle is equipped with an oil level monitoring system. When the ignition key is turned on, the light will flash briefly.

LOW OIL

If the light stays on, stop the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine. Check the oil level using the engine oil dipstick. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. If the light does not flash, have the low oil level sensor system repaired so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem. Note: The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level during the brief period between key on and engine crank. It does not monitor engine oil level when the engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is only performed if the engine has been turned off for a considerable period of time allowing the oil normally in circulation to drain back into the oil pan.

Volts Gage

Check Gages Light

The “Volts” gage shows voltage in the electrical system. The normal range is 11 to 15 volts. If the gage reading stays in either red range, have your Buick dealer check the electrical system.

CHECK GAGES

GAGES” that there is

The “CHECK light indicates an engine or electrical problem. If the “TEMP,” “OIL” or “VOLTS” gages read properly, there may still be an electrical problem which should be checked by your Buick dealer.

I VOLTS

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)

rachometer

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition and emission systems. This light should come on when the ignition is on and the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working.

If the light does not come on at all, have it fixed right away. If it says on, or comes on while you are driving, the computer is indicating that you have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service soon.

NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while the emission controls won’t work as well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty.

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The tachometer tells you how fast the engine is running . It shows speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). Do not operate your engine in the red line range. If you do you can cause severe engine damage.

Part 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

In this part you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control systems and audio systems offered with your Buick . Be sure to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle . Part 3 includes:

Comfort Control System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heater and Defroster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AirConditione l- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Window Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ventil~tio1.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AudioSystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

122 124 123 125 124 125 126 Understanding Radio Reception Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128.132 127. 131 RadioControls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tape Player Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128. 132 CD Player Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 125 Care 01’ Cassette Tape Player and Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of Compact Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 . . . . . . . . 136 Antenna Care

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your Buick Comfort Control System

Air Outlets Adjust the direction of air flow by moving the louvered vents.

Fresh air from outside your vehicle flows through your Buick when the car is moving. When the vehicle is not moving, you can get outside air to flow through by selecting any air choice (except the rear window defogger) and the HI fan speed.

Fan Control The fan control is used to select the blower speed.

Temperature Control Move the TEMP slide control to change the temperature of the air coming

through your air outlets.

conditioner’s compressor will have to do, which should help fuel economy. Max

This provides maximum cooling with the least amount of work. This setting recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle so it maximizes your air conditioner’s performance and fuel economy.

Norm Use for normal cooling on hot days. This setting cools outside air and directs it through the instrument panel outlets.

Bi-Lv (Bi-Level) This setting is designed for use on sunny days where the air is only moderately warm or cool. On days like these, the sun may adequately warm your upper body, but your lower body may not be warm enough. The Bi-level setting directs outside air into your vehicle in two ways. Cool air is directed toward your upper body through the front instrument panel outlets, while slightly warmed air is directed through the heater outlet at your feet.

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If you have the optional dual control air conditioner you have a second temperature lever. The top lever control the temperature for the driver. The lower lever controls the temperature for the front seat passenger. Both use the same mode and fan speed.

Air Conditioning The air conditioning has three settings. On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the amount of work your air

Defrost

When fog or ice is on the windshield, this setting directs the maximum air flow toward the windshield.

Operate the system in another setting for 30 seconds before pushing this button. This will take moist air out of the system to avoid fogging of the windshield. When it's 50" (10" C) or warmer the system will provide cooled air.

Off When the system is off, the ventilation system will allow air to flow through your Buick when the vehicle is moving.

The air conditioner compressor operates in all Air Conditioning positions, and the Defrost position when the outside temperature is above 40°F (4.5"C). Ventilation For mild outside temperatures, when little heating or cooling is needed, press the VENT button. Air will flow through the instrument panel outlets. Use the air outlets to turn on, adjust and turn off the air flow. Adjust the TEMP lever to control the temperature.

Heating When outside temperatures are cold, press the button marked HTR and slide the TEMP lever toward HOT to send heated air through the floor outlets.

Defog When your windshield is foggy, press the DEFOG button to direct most of the air flow toward the windshield. When it's 50°F (IOOC) or warmer, the system will provide cooled air.

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Rear Window Defogger (Option)

The lines you see on the rear window warm the glass. Press the button to start warming your window. After 10 minutes, it will go off by itself or pressing the button again during the heating cycle will shut it off. If you need additional warming time, push the button again, the defogger will go off after 5 minutes.

NOTICE: Scraping the inside of your rear window could cut and damage the heater. Your warranty would not cover this damage. And don’t put decals there; you might have to scrape them off.

Audio Systems Your DelcoB audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. But you will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco@ system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. FM Stereo FM stereo will give you the best sound. But FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). And, tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise.

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~~

AM Stereo This means the Delco@ system can receive C-QUAM@ stereo broadcasts. Many AM stations around the country use C-QUAM@ to produce stereo, though some do not. (C-QUAM@ is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.) If your Delco@ system can get C-QUAM@, your “STEREO” light will come on when you’re receiving it. Be aware that hearing damage.from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it. To help avoid hearing loss or damage:

Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly.

NOTICE: vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile Before you add any sound equipment to your telephone or two-way radio -- be sure you can

add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, Delco@ radio or other systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly. So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone units.

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BAS

TRB

... . .

~*

... ",

TUNE

OFF-VOL 6 BAL-fAOE 0

To Play This Radio On-Off Press the OFF-VOL knob to turn the radio on and off. (The radio also goes on/off with the ignition).

Volume The VQL knob increases and decreases volume when it is held slightly rotated against the spring load.

I'une Rotate the tune knob to tune in radio stations. The tune knob increases and decreases station frequency when it is held slightly rotated against the spring load. Fade The fade control moves the sound between the front and rear speakers. Balance The BAL control behind the fade control allows you IO balance the sound between the right and left speakers. AMIFM Press the AM/FM button to get AM or FM. Seek Press the SEEK button to go to the next higher station and stay there. Push it again and it will find the next higher station.

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Scan Press the SCAN button to hear each station for a few seconds. Push it again to stop scanning, Pushbuttons The five pushbuttons let you return to favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to ten stations (5 AM and 5 FM). 0 Tune in the desired station.

Press SET. Within 5 seconds, push one of the pushbuttons. Whenever you push that button again, the preset station will return. Repeat these steps for each pushbutton.

Clock To set the clock,

Press SET. SET must be lit in VF displa adjusting the clock. Within 5 seconds, push and hold the SCAN button until the correct minute appears.

lefore

0 Push and hold the SEEK button until the correct

hour appears.

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Bass Press the (BAS +) side of the button to increase bass tones and press the (BAS -) side of the button to decrease bass tones. Press the center of the control for the preset bass setting.

Treble Press the (TRB +) side of the button to increase treble tones and press the (TRB -) side of the button to decrease treble tones. Press the center of the control for the preset treble setting.

To Play A Cassette Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player.

With the radio on, press a tape into the slot marked AUTO REVERSE (tape side goes in first). Once the tape is playing, use the volume, balance and fade just as you did for the radio. The arrows indicate which side of the tape is being played.

Program To go from one side of the tape to the other, press the PROG button.

Forward To advance the tape, press FWD and the tape will rapidly go forward until you press the REV button lightly.

Reverse To reverse the tape, press REV and the tape will rapidly go backward until you press the FWD button lightly. Eject To remove the tape and switch to the radio, press EJCT button.

To Play A Compact Disc Use full -size compact discs. DO NOT use mini-discs that are called singles. They won’t eject. To turn the system on, the radio power must be on. Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in. The word CD IN will appear in the graphic display. Wait a few seconds and the disc should Play- If the disc comes back out. check whether: 0 The disc is upside down. 0 It is dirty, scratched, or wet. 0 There’s too much moisture in the air. (If there is,

wait about one hour and try again.)

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Recall Press RCL to see what track is playing. Press it again within 5 seconds to see how long the CD has been playing that track. The track number also appears when you change the volume or when a new track starts to play. Next Press NEXT to hear the next track now (instead of waiting until the present track is finished.) If you hold this button, or press it more than once, the disc will advance further. Previous If you press and hold the PREV button, or press it more than once, the disc will return to previous tracks. Scan Press SCAN to hear the first ten seconds of each track. Press it again to stop scanning.

stop By pressing STOP, the compact disc will stop playing and the radio will play.

Play . Pressing PLAY will cause the radio to stop and the compact disc will play, if there is one inserted. Compression Pressing the COMP'button makes soft and loud passages more equal in volume.

Eject By pressing EJECT, the disc will eject and the radio will play. The disc will start at track one when you reinsert it. Press the OFF-VOL knob or turn the ignition key off to stop the disc player. The disc stays in the player and will resume playing at the point where it stopped.

Tune The tune knob increases and decreases station frequency when it is held slightly rotated against the spring load.

Fade The fade control fades the sound between your front and rear speakers. It operates like the volume and tune controls.

Balance The control behind the fade control allows you to balance the sound between the right and left speakers. It operates like the fade control. AMIFM Press the AMEM button to select either AM or FM radio band. The band you select will be displayed along with the frequency of the station. If the station is broadcasting in stereo, a STEREO indicator will also be displayed.

Seek Press the SEEK button to search for the next station up the AM or FM radio band. Press it again to go to the next higher station.

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To Play This Radio On-Off Press Off-Vol knob to turn the radio on or off when the ignition is on.

Volume The volume knob increases and decreases volume when it is held slightly rotated against the spring load.

Scan Press the SCAN button to hear each station for a few seconds. Push it again to stop scanning.

Pushbuttons The five buttons can be used to preset ten radio stations ( 5 AM and 5 FM stations.) 0 Tune in the desired station. 0 Press SET. (The SET indicator will appear on the

screen for five seconds.) While the SET indicator is displayed, press one of the five buttons. Whenever you press that button again, the preset station will return. Repeat these steps for each of 5 AM and 5 FM stations.

Loud Press LD to increase the bass response.

Mute Pressing Mute allows you to silence the radio or tape player; press again to listen. During mute, only volume up works.

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Clock With the ignition on and the radio off, press SET. The set indicator will appear on the display for five seconds. 0 During that five seconds, press SCAN to set the

minute.

0 Press SET again. Within 5 seconds, press SEEK to

set the hour.

To Play A Cassette Player To turn the system on, the radio power must be on. The radio will play until a cassette is pushed into the cassette entry door (the tape side goes in first). Do not use tapes that are longer than 92 minutes (46 minutes on each side.) Once the tape is playing, use the volume, balance, and fade controls just like you did for radio.

Equalizer The EQUALIZER enables you to adjust five separate sound frequencies to your individual taste. Slide an EQUALIZER control up to emphasize a frequency, down to de-emphasize it. It’s best to begin with all the controls in the middle position, then adjust each control as you like.

Forward Press FWD to advance the tape rapidly. Press again to play the tape. (The radio plays while a tape is advancing.)

Reverse Press REV to reverse the tape rapidly. Press again to play the tape. (The radio plays while a tape is rewinding.)

Seek To search for the next selection on the tape, press SEEK then press either FWD or REV. For the SEEK to stop, there must be at least a 4-second gap between selections on the tape.

Program Press PROG to change the side of the tape being played. When the A is lit, the selections listed on the top side of the tape are played. When the is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the tape are played. When the end of a tape is reached, the other side will then play.

Press 00 to remove unwanted noise on tapes. Cr02 When playing high bias chrome or metal tapes, press Cr02. This button sets tape bias. When playing standard tapes, press again.

Eject Press EJCT to eject the cassette tape from the tape player.

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Steering Wheel Controls

Power Press PWR to turn the radio on or off.

Band Press this to choose AM or FM. Seek Press v to go to a lower frequency station. Press A to go to a higher frequency station. Program Press PROG A or radio pushbuttons. Press five times to hear them all.

to hear the stations preset on your

If your car has this feature, you can also control certain functions at the steering wheel. Volume To increase or decrease the volume, press VOL A or v.

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Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren't, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every 15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. Clean your tape player with a wiping-action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions provided with it.

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Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it’s cleaned from time to time. To Clean the Antenna Mast: 1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna to

full mast extension.

2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or

equivalent solvent.

3. Wipe cloth over the

mast sections, removing any dirt.

Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge. Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender. If necessary, tighten the antenna with your hand until snug and then use a wrench to tighten it another 1/4 of a turn.

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4. Wipe dry with clean cloth before retracting. 5 . Make the antenna go up and down by turning the

radio or ignition on and off.

6. Then repeat if necessary.

1 NOTICE:

Don’t lubricate the power antenna. Lubrication could damage it.

NOTICE: Before entering an automatic car wash, turn off your radio to make the power antenna go down. This will prevent the mast from possibly getting damaged. If the antenna does not go down when you turn the radio off, it may be damaged or need to be cleaned. In either case, lower the antenna by hand by carefully pressing the antenna down.

If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can easily replace it. See your dealer for a replacement kit and follow the instructions in the kit.

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138

1940 Buick Model 51 G

Part 4 Your Driving and the Road

. . . .

I .

Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds ot roads and in varying weather conditions . We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving . Part 4 includes:

DefensiveDriving ................................................................. DrunkenDriving .................................................................. ControlofaVehicle ................................................................ Braking ..................................................................... Steering ..................................................................... Passing ..................................................................... LossofControl .................................................................... DrivingatNight ................................................................... DrivingintheRain ................................................................. CityDriving ...................................................................... FreewayDriving .................................................................... HillandMountainRoads ............................................................ WinterDriving .................................................................... TowingaTrailer ...................................................................

140 140 143 144 146 149 151 152 153 155 156 159 160 164

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F

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Buick: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”

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Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be, careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol takes away three things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: 0 Judgment 0 Muscular Coordination 0 Vision Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol - a driver, a passenger or someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. About

20,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured. Just how much alcohol is too much if a person plans to drive? Ideally, no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”? It can be a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

How much alcohol is in the drink.

0 The drinker’s body weight. 0 The amount of food that is consumed before and

during drinking. The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medical Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1- 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.

It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a slightly lower BAC level.

RESULT IN A BAG OF .05%

DRINKING THAT WILL IN THE TIME SHOWN

NUMBER OF DRINKS (as in picture)

HOURS

HOURS

HOUR

100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240

BODY WEIGHT IN POUNDS

The law in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in some other countries it’s lower than that. The BAC 142

will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with a higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.

There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse. That’s especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart injuries. That means that if anyone who has been drinking -- driver or passenger -- is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.

Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.

....

. . .

Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control’systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle.

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes.

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Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Your Buick has an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent skidding.

This light on the instrument panel will go on when you start your vehicle.

ANTI-LOCK

When you start your vehicle, or when you begin to drive away, you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise. And you may even notice that your brake pedal moves a little while this is going on. This is the ABS system testing itself. If there’s a problem with the anti-lock brake system, the anti-lock brake system warning light will stay on or flash. See “Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.

Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at the rear wheels.

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The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions.

You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

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Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. To Use Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the system working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort.

Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control.

What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem.

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Your Buick can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object.

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The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly.

Off-Road Recovery You may find sometime that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to 1/4 turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

I / ,.e-

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing: 0 “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides, and

to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. 0 Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

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Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance.

0 When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,

start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time.your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity.

0 If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.

Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in you: inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is.) Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle.

0 Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lights are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn. If you’re being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right.

Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems. (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your Buick’s three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.

If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues -- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make a “mirrored surface” -- and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Any anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid.

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Driving at Night

Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlights behind you. Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.

0 Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your

headlights can light up only so much road ahead.

0 In remote areas, watch for animals. 0 If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and

rest.

’

Night Vision No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old. What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on glare from headlights, but they also make a lot of things invisible.

Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired -- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Here are some tips on night driving.

Drive defensively.

0 Don’t drink and drive.

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You can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. It can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlights), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean -- inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. Remember that your headlights light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as your headlights should be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness -- the inability to see in dim light -- and aren’t even aware of it.

Driving in the Rain

Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.

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The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people walking. It’s wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.

Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires haven’t much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and raindrops

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City Driving

“dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. Some Other Rainy Weather Tips

Turn on your low-beam headlights -- not just your parking lights -- to help make you more visible to others. Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See “Tires” in the Index.)

One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals.

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Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:

Freeway Driving

Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.

Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes, or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules. The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.

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At the entrance there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” spot. Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move slightly slower at night. When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the next exit.

The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are. Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s work -- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily drive in. Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.

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Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape? Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? Lights: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route? Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system? Maps: Do you have ur>-to-date maps?

Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in than a second, and you could crash and be injured. What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can happen. Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your instruments frequently. If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service, or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.

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Hill and Mountain Roads

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you're planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. 0 Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid

levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard on mountain roads.

0 Know how to go down hills. The most important

thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill.

Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain.

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Winter Driving

Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better. Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident. You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.

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Here are some tips for winter driving: 0 Have your Buick in good shape for winter. Be sure

your engine coolant mix is correct.

0 You may want to put winter emergency supplies in

your trunk.

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Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.

What's the worst time for this? "Wet ice." Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the

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least traction of all. You can get “wet ice” when it’s about freezing (32 O F ; OOC) and freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there. Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing or loose snow -- drive with caution. Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. Your anti-lock brakes improve your ability to make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-lock” in the Index. 0 Allow greater following distance on any slippery road. 0 Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine until you hit a spot that’s covered with ice. On an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas where the sun can’t reach: around clumps of trees, behind buildings, or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not to brake while you’re actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

If You’re Caught in a Blizzard

If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers. Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap

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bags, rags, floor mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.

Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your headlights. Let the heater run for awhile.

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Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until help comes. Towing a Trailer

I NOTICE:

Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section, and see your Buick dealer for important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.

Your car can tow a trailer if it is equipped with 3.1L or 3.8L V6 engine and proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That’s the reason for this section. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and ‘that of your passengers. So please read this section carefullv before you pull a trailer.

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Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points. 0 There are many different laws, incuding speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police.

0 Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. 0 Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

0 Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h) to save wear on your vehicle’s parts.

Three important considerations have to do with weight: Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg), unless you have the 2,000 pound (900 kg) trailer towing option package. But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at Buick Motor Division, Customer Assistance Center, 902 E. Hamilton Avenue,