2010 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual

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press g again. If both systems are turned off, they will not turn back on automatically when vehicle speed increases. If the VSC OFF light ﬂashes, there is a problem in the traction control system or StabiliTrak. Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 9-3 for more information. StabiliTrak System The vehicle has the StabiliTrak system which combines antilock brake, traction and stability control systems. This system automatically controls the brakes and engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on a slippery road surface or turning the steering wheel abruptly. This system activates when the vehicle speed reaches or exceeds 15 km/h (9 mph), and deactivates when the vehicle speed reduces to below 15 km/h (9 mph). A sound may be heard in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that the system is in the self-check mode, but does not indicate a problem. Driving and Operating 8-35 If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the traction control system warning light ﬂashes and an alarm sounds intermittently. Adjust your driving accordingly. To turn off both the traction control system and StabiliTrak, press and hold g while the vehicle is stopped. The traction control system warning light and the VSC OFF light will come on. To turn the systems back on, press g again. If both systems are turned off, they will not turn back on automatically when vehicle speed increases. If the VSC OFF light ﬂashes, there is a problem in the traction control system or StabiliTrak. 8-36 Driving and Operating Cruise Control For vehicles with cruise control, the lever is located on the right side of the steering wheel. Cruise control, lets a speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or more be maintained without keeping your foot on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h). { CAUTION Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads. Setting Cruise Control { CAUTION If you leave your cruise control on when you are not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you do not want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise control switch off until you want to use cruise control. 1. Press the ON-OFF button at the end of the lever. The CRUISE light on the instrument panel cluster comes on. See Cruise Control Light on page 4-21. 2. Get to the desired speed. 3. Move the lever down to −SET and release it. 4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Driving and Operating 8-37 If the cruise control indicator light ﬂashes, press the ON-OFF button once to deactivate the system, and then press the button back on. If the cruise control speed cannot be set or the cruise control cancels immediately after being activated, there may be a problem with the cruise control system. See your dealer/retailer. Resuming a Set Speed If the brakes are applied after the cruise control is set, the cruise control is turned off. If the vehicle speed is 25 mph (40 km/h) or greater, push the lever up to +RES (Resume/Accelerate) to return to the previously set speed. Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are three ways to increase the vehicle speed: • Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. Move the lever down to −SET. Release the lever and the accelerator pedal. • Move the cruise lever up to +RES. Hold it there until the desired speed is reached, and then release the lever. • To increase the vehicle speed in very small amounts, move the lever to +RES brieﬂy and then release it. Each time this is done, the vehicle goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster. Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to reduce the vehicle speed while using cruise control: • Push and hold the lever to −SET until the desired lower speed is reached, then release it. • To slow down in very small amounts, push the lever down brieﬂy. Each time this is done, the vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower. Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, the vehicle slows down to the cruise control speed set earlier. 8-38 Driving and Operating Using Cruise Control on Hills The cruise control performance will vary depending upon the vehicle speed, load, and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you might have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle speed. When going downhill, you might have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep the vehicle speed down. Applying the brake or downshifting to 2 SECOND or L LOW turns off the cruise control. Ending Cruise Control There are several ways to turn off the cruise control: • Step on the brake pedal or push the clutch pedal, if the vehicle has a manual transmission. • Press the ON-OFF button. • Pull the cruise control lever toward you. Erasing Speed Memory The cruise control set speed memory is erased when the cruise control or the ignition is turned off. Fuel Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance, we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets enhanced detergency standards developed by auto companies. A list of marketers providing TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be found at www.toptiergas.com. Driving and Operating 8-39 Recommended Fuel Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, you might notice an audible knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service. Gasoline Speciﬁcations At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM speciﬁcation D 4814 in the United States or CAN/ CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of gasolines containing MMT. See Fuel Additives on page 8-40 for additional information. California Fuel Requirements If the vehicle is certiﬁed to meet California Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California speciﬁcations. See the underhood emission control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal speciﬁcations, but emission control system performance might be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the vehicle might fail a smog-check test. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-14. If this occurs, return to your authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty. 8-40 Driving and Operating Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard to ﬁnd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you will be driving. Fuel Additives To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that help prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing the emission control system to work properly. In most cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets enhanced detergency standards developed by the auto companies. A list of marketers providing TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be found at www.toptiergas.com. For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS is the only gasoline additive recommended by General Motors. It is available at your dealer/retailer. Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines, if they comply with the speciﬁcations described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that were not designed for those fuels. Driving and Operating 8-41 The fuel door release lever is near the ﬂoor under the driver seat on the outboard side. Notice: This vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage would not be covered under the vehicle warranty. Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system could be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs, return to your dealer/retailer for service. Filling the Tank { CAUTION Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel ﬁre can cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others, read and follow all the instructions on the pump island. Turn off the engine when you are refueling. Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling the vehicle. Do not use cellular phones. Keep sparks, ﬂames, and smoking materials away from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump unattended when refueling the vehicle. This is against the law in some places. Do not re-enter the vehicle while pumping fuel. Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump fuel. 8-42 Driving and Operating { CAUTION Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overﬁll the tank and wait a few seconds after you have ﬁnished pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See Exterior Care on page 9-75. When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-14. { CAUTION If a ﬁre starts while you are refueling, do not remove the nozzle. Shut off the ﬂow of fuel by shutting off the pump or by notifying the station attendant. Leave the area immediately. If you need a new fuel Notice: cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not ﬁt properly. This may cause the malfunction indicator lamp to light and may damage the fuel tank and emissions system. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-14. The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel door on the driver side of the vehicle. To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise. On some vehicles you may have to push in while turning the cap. While refueling, hang the fuel cap inside of the fuel door. When reinstalling the cap, turn it clockwise until it clicks, otherwise the Malfunction Indicator Lamp may turn on. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-14. Filling a Portable Fuel Container { CAUTION Never ﬁll a portable fuel container while it is in the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others: • Dispense fuel only into approved containers. • Do not ﬁll a container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or on any surface other than the ground. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) • Bring the ﬁll nozzle in contact with the inside of the ﬁll opening before operating the nozzle. Contact should be maintained until the ﬁlling is complete. • Do not smoke while pumping fuel. • Do not use a cellular phone while pumping fuel. Driving and Operating 8-43 Towing General Towing Information Only use towing equipment that has been designed for your vehicle. Contact your dealer/retailer or towing retailer for assistance with preparing the vehicle for towing a trailer. See the following trailer towing information in this section: • For information on driving while towing a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips. • For maximum vehicle and trailer weights, see Trailer Towing. • For information on equipment to tow a trailer, see Towing Equipment. For information on towing a disabled vehicle, see Towing the Vehicle on page 9-73. For information on towing the vehicle behind another vehicle — such as a motorhome, see Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 9-73. 8-44 Driving and Operating Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips { CAUTION The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even at all. The driver and passengers could be seriously injured. The vehicle may also be damaged; the resulting repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only if all the steps in this section have been followed. Ask your dealer/ retailer for advice and information about towing a trailer with the vehicle. The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, see Trailer Towing on page 8-48. Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. The following information has 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 carefully before pulling a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transmission, 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. Also, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. Pulling A Trailer Here are some important points: • There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure the rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you will be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. • Do not tow a trailer at all during the ﬁrst 1 600 km (1,000 miles) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. • Then, during the ﬁrst 800 km (500 miles) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. Driving and Operating 8-45 Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This checks the electrical connection at the same time. During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. Towing with StabiliTrak When towing, the sound of the StabiliTrak modulator might be heard. StabiliTrak is reacting to the vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs during cornering. This is normal when towing heavier trailers. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer. Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. • Vehicles with an automatic transmission can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. For vehicles with a manual transmission, it is better not to use the highest gear. • Use the Sport Shift mode and the cruise control when towing. • Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 90 km/h (55 mph), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts. Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself. 8-46 Driving and Operating Making Turns Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so the trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance. Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer The arrows on the instrument panel ﬂash whenever signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps also ﬂash, telling other drivers the vehicle is turning, changing lanes or stopping. When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument panel ﬂash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. For this reason you may think other drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. Vehicles with an automatic transmission can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. For vehicles with a manual transmission, it is better not to use the highest gear. When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with the automatic transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning the engine off. For vehicles with manual transmissions, let the engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with the transmission out of gear and the parking brake applied, for a few minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see Engine Overheating on page 9-23. Driving and Operating 8-47 Parking on Hills { CAUTION Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer attached can be dangerous. If something goes wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a ﬂat surface. If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet for vehicles with an automatic transmission, or into gear for vehicles with a manual transmission. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill. 2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park) for vehicles with an automatic transmission or into gear for vehicles with a manual transmission. 5. Release the brake pedal. Leaving After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you: • start the engine, • shift into a gear, and • release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks. Maintenance When Trailer Towing The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule or Index for more information. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission ﬂuid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and during the trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing The cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating on page 9-23. 8-48 Driving and Operating Trailer Towing Before pulling a trailer, there are three important considerations that have to do with weight: • The weight of the trailer. • The weight of the trailer tongue. • The total weight on your vehicle’s tires. Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 680 kg (1,500 lbs). But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can depend on any special equipment on the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section for more information. Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight. Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance Offices on page 12-3 for more information. Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total gross weight of the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If there are a lot of options, equipment, passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer, the tongue load must be added to the GVW because the vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 8-12 for more information about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity. Driving and Operating 8-49 • Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle when the trailer hitch is installed? If there are, then be sure to seal the holes later when the hitch is removed. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust can get into the vehicle. See Engine Exhaust on page 8-23. Safety Chains Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inﬂated to the upper limit for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the Tire-Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 8-12. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for the vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. Towing Equipment Hitches It is important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why the right hitch is needed. • The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. The trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren’t, adjustments might be made by moving some items around in the trailer. 8-50 Driving and Operating Trailer Brakes Does the trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly. Because the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not tap into the vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all. Trailer Wiring Harness All of the electrical circuits required for the trailer lighting system can be accessed at the driver’s side rear lamp connector. This connector is located under the carpet at the rear corner of the cargo compartment. Conversions and Add-Ons Add-On Electrical Equipment Notice: Do not add anything electrical to the vehicle unless you check with your dealer/retailer ﬁrst. Some electrical equipment can damage the vehicle and the damage would not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should. Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle battery, even if the vehicle is not operating. The vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to add anything electrical to the vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-34. Vehicle Care General Information General Information ...............9-2 California Proposition 65 Warning .........................9-2 California Perchlorate Materials Requirements ........9-3 Accessories and Modiﬁcations .......................9-3 Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own Service Work ......................9-4 Hood ...................................9-5 Engine Compartment Overview ............................9-6 Engine Oil ............................9-9 Automatic Transmission Fluid ................................9-12 Manual Transmission Fluid ....9-14 Hydraulic Clutch ..................9-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter .......9-16 Cooling System ...................9-19 ...................9-19 Engine Coolant Engine Overheating .............9-23 Power Steering Fluid ............9-24 Washer Fluid ......................9-24 Brakes ...............................9-26 Brake Fluid .........................9-27 Battery ...............................9-28 All-Wheel Drive ...................9-29 Starter Switch Check ............9-30 Wiper Blade Replacement .....9-30 Headlamp Aiming Headlamp Aiming ................9-32 Bulb Replacement ...............9-33 Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs ....................9-33 Headlamps and Parking Lamps ..............................9-33 Taillamps ............................9-35 License Plate Lamp .............9-36 Replacement Bulbs ..............9-37 Electrical System Electrical System Overload ....9-37 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...9-38 Engine Compartment Fuse Block ...............................9-38 Instrument Panel Fuse Block ...............................9-41 Vehicle Care 9-1 Wheels and Tires Tires ..................................9-43 Tire Sidewall Labeling ..........9-44 Tire Designations .................9-46 Tire Terminology and Deﬁnitions .........................9-46 Tire Pressure ......................9-49 Tire Pressure Monitor System .............................9-50 Tire Pressure Monitor Operation ..........................9-52 Tire Inspection ....................9-54 Tire Rotation .......................9-55 When It Is Time for New Tires ................................9-56 Buying New Tires ................9-56 Different Size Tires and Wheels .............................9-58 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................9-58 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ............................9-60 Wheel Replacement .............9-60 Tire Chains .........................9-61 If a Tire Goes Flat ...............9-62 Tire Changing .....................9-63 Compact Spare Tire .............9-68 9-2 Vehicle Care Jump Starting Jump Starting .....................9-69 Towing Towing the Vehicle ..............9-73 Recreational Vehicle Towing .............................9-73 Appearance Care Exterior Care ......................9-75 Interior Care .......................9-80 Floor Mats ..........................9-83 General Information For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer. You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: California Proposition 65 Warning Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems (including some inside the vehicle), many ﬂuids, and some component wear by-products contain and/or emit these chemicals. California Perchlorate Materials Requirements Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbag initiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteries contained in remote keyless transmitters, may contain perchlorate materials. Special handling may be necessary. For additional information, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/ perchlorate. Accessories and Modiﬁcations When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability, ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control. Some of these accessories could even cause malfunction or damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. Vehicle Care 9-3 Damage to vehicle components resulting from the installation or use of non-GM certiﬁed parts, including control module modiﬁcations, are not covered under the terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remaining warranty coverage for affected parts. GM Accessories are designed to complement and function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine GM Accessories. 9-4 Vehicle Care When you go to your GM dealer/ retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will know that GM-trained and supported service technicians will perform the work using genuine GM Accessories. Also, see Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-35. Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own Service Work { CAUTION You can be injured and the vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. • Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts, and tools before attempting any vehicle maintenance task. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) • Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. English and metric fasteners can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners are used, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt. If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 12-12. Hood To open the hood: This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Airbag System Check on page 2-36. Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See Maintenance Records on page 10-18. 1. Pull the release handle, located below the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Vehicle Care 9-5 2. From the front of the vehicle, pull up on the secondary hood release located near the middle of the hood. 3. Lift the hood. 4. Release the hood prop rod from its retainer and insert into the slot, moving it straight up. If it is moved to the side or toward the inside of the vehicle, it may become detached. Before closing the hood, be sure all the ﬁller caps are on properly. Return the hood prop rod carefully back to its retainer to avoid damaging the vehicle. 9-6 Vehicle Care Engine Compartment Overview When you open the hood on the 1.8L L4 engine, this is what you see. Vehicle Care 9-7 A. Engine Oil Dipstick. See ″Checking Engine Oil″ under Engine Oil on page 9-9. B. Engine Coolant on page 9-19. C. Washer Fluid on page 9-24. D. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on page 9-19. E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 9-9. F. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 9-16. G. Brakes on page 9-26 and Hydraulic Clutch on page 9-15 (If Equipped). H. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. I. Battery on page 9-28. J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting. K. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See ″Checking the Fluid Level″ under Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 9-12 (If Equipped) (Out of View). 9-8 Vehicle Care When you open the hood on the 2.4L L4 engine, this is what you see. A. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 9-9. B. Engine Coolant on page 9-19. C. Washer Fluid on page 9-24. D. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on page 9-19. E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 9-9. F. Brakes on page 9-26 and Hydraulic Clutch on page 9-15 (If Equipped). G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 9-16. H. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. I. Battery on page 9-28. J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting. K. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See ″Checking the Fluid Level″ under Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 9-12 (If Equipped) (Out of View). Vehicle Care 9-9 Engine Oil Checking Engine Oil It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each fuel ﬁll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6 for the location of the engine oil dipstick. 1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. 2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. 9-10 Vehicle Care When to Add Engine Oil 1.8L Engine 2.4L Engine If the oil is below the indent at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one liter/quart of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Speciﬁcations on page 11-2. Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper hole, the engine could be damaged. What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Look for three things: See Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6 for the location of the engine oil ﬁll cap. Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when through. Vehicle Care 9-11 Notice: Use only engine oil identiﬁed as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American Petroleum Institute Certiﬁed For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. Cold Temperature Operation If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below −29°C (−20°F), use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 engine oil. Both provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. Always use an oil that meets the required speciﬁcation, GM6094M. Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil Flushes Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance and engine protection. Engine oil system ﬂushes are not recommended and could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. When to Change Engine Oil Change the oil and ﬁlter every 8 000 km (5,000 miles) or 3 months, whichever occurs ﬁrst. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 10-3. • GM6094M Use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. • SAE 5W-30 SAE 5W-30 is best for the vehicle. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50. • American Petroleum Institute (API) starburst symbol Oils meeting these requirements should have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certiﬁed by the American Petroleum Institute (API). 9-12 Vehicle Care What to Do with Used Oil Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products. Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the ﬁlter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. Automatic Transmission Fluid When to Check and Change Automatic Transmission Fluid Check the ﬂuid in the transmission and differential at the intervals listed in Scheduled Maintenance on page 10-3, and be sure to use the transmission ﬂuid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 10-15. How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid This operation can be difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission ﬂuid level if you have been driving: • When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C). • At high speed for quite a while. • In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather. • While pulling a trailer. To get the right reading, the ﬂuid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 158°F to 176°F (70°C to 80°C). Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to drive longer. Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: 1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. 2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park). 3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in P (Park). 4. Let the engine run at idle for three to ﬁve minutes. Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: The automatic transmission dipstick has an orange handle and is located near the front of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6 for more information on location. 1. Release the tab and pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again. Vehicle Care 9-13 1.8L shown 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, 4. and read the lower level. The ﬂuid level must be between the two dimples in the hot range. If the ﬂuid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way; then press the tab down to lock the dipstick in place. 9-14 Vehicle Care How to Add Automatic Transmission Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission ﬂuid to use. Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 10-15. If the ﬂuid level is low, add only enough of the proper ﬂuid to bring the level into the area between dimples on the dipstick. 1. Pull out the dipstick. 2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough ﬂuid at the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level. It does not take much ﬂuid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L). Do not overﬁll. Notice: Too much or too little ﬂuid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the ﬂuid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a ﬁre. Too little ﬂuid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission ﬂuid. 3. After adding ﬂuid, recheck the ﬂuid level as described under “How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section. 4. When the correct ﬂuid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way; then press the tab down to lock the dipstick in place. Manual Transmission Fluid When to Check A good time to have your manual transmission ﬂuid level checked is when the engine oil is changed. However, the ﬂuid in your manual transmission does not require changing. How to Check This operation can be difficult, you may choose to have this done at your dealer/retailer service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading. Notice: Too much or too little ﬂuid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the ﬂuid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a ﬁre. Too little ﬂuid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission ﬂuid. Check the ﬂuid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is cool enough for you to rest your ﬁngers on the transmission case. Then, follow these steps: 1. Remove the ﬁller plug. 2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of the ﬁller plug hole. 3. If the ﬂuid level is good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If the ﬂuid level is low, add more ﬂuid as described in the next steps. How to Add Fluid Here is how to add ﬂuid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of ﬂuid to use. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 10-15. 1. Remove the ﬁller plug. 2. Add ﬂuid at the ﬁller plug hole. Add only enough ﬂuid to bring the ﬂuid level up to the bottom of the ﬁller plug hole. Install the ﬁller plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated. 3. Vehicle Care 9-15 Hydraulic Clutch The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is self-adjusting. The master cylinder reservoir is ﬁlled with DOT-3 brake ﬂuid. It is not necessary to regularly check the ﬂuid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding ﬂuid will not correct a leak. The hydraulic clutch and brake master cylinder use the same reservoir. A ﬂuid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired. 9-16 Vehicle Care When to Check and What to Use The reservoir is located at the back of the engine compartment, on the driver side of the vehicle. Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often you should check the ﬂuid level in your master cylinder reservoir and for the proper ﬂuid. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 10-3 and Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 10-15. How to Check and Add Fluid Check that the ﬂuid level is at or above the MIN mark. If the level is below the MIN mark, see the instructions on the reservoir cap. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter The engine air cleaner/ﬁlter is in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6 for more information on location. When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the air cleaner/ﬁlter at each engine oil change. Replace the ﬁlter every 30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs ﬁrst. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 10-3 for more information. To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter: Vehicle Care 9-17 How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter To inspect the air cleaner/ﬁlter remove the ﬁlter from the vehicle and lightly shake the ﬁlter to release loose dust and dirt. If the ﬁlter remains caked with dirt, a new ﬁlter is required. 1.8L Engine 1. Release the two clips that hold the cover. 2. Lift the cover. 3. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter. 4. Reinstall the cover. 9-18 Vehicle Care 2.4L Engine 1. Release the three clips that hold the cover. 2. Lift the cover. 3. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter. 4. Reinstall the cover. { CAUTION Operating the engine with the air cleaner/ﬁlter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop ﬂames if the engine backﬁres. If it is not there and the engine backﬁres, you could be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/ﬁlter off. If the air cleaner/ﬁlter Notice: is off, a backﬁre can cause a damaging engine ﬁre. And, dirt can easily get into the engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner/ﬁlter in place when you are driving. Vehicle Care 9-19 Engine Coolant The coolant in the vehicle should last for ﬁve years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs ﬁrst. When coolant is added or changed, use DEX-COOL® coolant. The following explains the cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating on page 9-23. Cooling System When it is safe lift the hood: A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans B. Pressure Cap C. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank { CAUTION An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhood electric fan. { CAUTION Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine ﬁre, and you could be burned. Get any leak ﬁxed before you drive the vehicle. 9-20 Vehicle Care What to Use Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant, which will not damage aluminum parts. If this coolant mixture is used, nothing else needs to be added. { CAUTION Adding only plain water to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but would not get the overheat warning. The engine could catch ﬁre and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant. If an improper coolant Notice: mixture is used, the engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts. • Gives freezing protection down to −34°F (− 38°C). • Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C). • Protects against rust and corrosion. • Helps keep the proper engine temperature. • Lets the warning lights and gages work as they should. Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL can cause premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs ﬁrst. Any repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle. Checking Coolant The vehicle must be on a level surface. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at LOW, or a little higher. When the engine is warm, the level should be up to FULL, or a little higher. If it is not, there could be a leak at the pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump, or somewhere else in the cooling system. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6 for the location of the coolant recovery tank. How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank { CAUTION You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine. { CAUTION Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. (Continued) If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it. Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For information on how to add coolant to the radiator, see Cooling System on page 9-19. Vehicle Care 9-21 CAUTION (Continued) Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you would not get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch ﬁre and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and a proper coolant. In cold weather, water Notice: can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mixture. 9-22 Vehicle Care How to Add Coolant to the Radiator When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the FULL mark, start the vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there is one more thing that can be done. Add the proper coolant mixture directly to the radiator but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it. { CAUTION Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap. { CAUTION Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap — even a little — when the engine and radiator are hot. 1. Remove the pressure cap when the cooling system, including the pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it ﬁrst stops. Do not press down while turning the pressure cap. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left. 2. Keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down while turning. Remove the pressure cap. 3. Fill the radiator with the proper coolant mixture, up to the base of the ﬁller neck. For more information about the proper coolant mixture look earlier in this section. 4. Then ﬁll the coolant recovery tank to the FULL mark. 5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the pressure cap off. 6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan. 7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator ﬁller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper coolant mixture through the ﬁller neck until the level reaches the base of the ﬁller neck. 8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to ﬂow out of the ﬁller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the ears on the pressure cap are in line with the vent tube. Engine Overheating A coolant temperature gage is located on the vehicle’s instrument panel. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 4-11. Check to see if the electric engine cooling fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, the vehicle needs service. If no problem is apparent, but the coolant level is not at or above the FULL mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant at the coolant recovery tank. See Engine Coolant on page 9-19 for more information about the proper coolant mixture. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle should be parked on a level surface. Vehicle Care 9-23 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine { CAUTION Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch ﬁre. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool. If the engine catches Notice: ﬁre because of being driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If the overheat warning is no longer displayed, the vehicle can be driven. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive. If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away. If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while the vehicle is parked. If the warning is still displayed, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away. Power Steering Fluid The vehicle has electronic power steering and does not use power steering ﬂuid. If you suspect a problem, see your dealer/retailer. Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer ﬂuid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a ﬂuid that has sufficient protection against freezing. 9-24 Vehicle Care If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If an engine overheat warning is displayed but steam is not heard or seen escaping, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicle: • Climbs a long hill on a hot day. • Stops after high-speed driving. • Idles for long periods in traffic. • Tows a trailer. If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle. 2. Turn on the heater to full hot at the highest fan speed and open the windows as necessary. How to Check Windshield Washer Fluid Adding Washer Fluid To check windshield washer ﬂuid. 1. Pull dipstick out of windshield washer reservoir. 2. Washer ﬂuid should ﬁll the holes between the LOW (B) and NORMAL (A) mark. 3. If the ﬂuid reads LOW (B) add ﬂuid. Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer ﬂuid until the holes of the dipstick are ﬁlled between the LOW (B) and NORMAL (A). See Engine Compartment Overview on page 9-6 for reservoir location. Notice: (cid:129) When using concentrated washer ﬂuid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Vehicle Care 9-25 (cid:129) Do not 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 does not clean as well as washer ﬂuid. Fill the washer ﬂuid tank only three-quarters full when it is very cold. This allows for ﬂuid expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full. (cid:129) Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s windshield washer system and paint. (cid:129) 9-26 Vehicle Care Brakes This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal ﬁrmly. { CAUTION The brake wear warning sound means that soon the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an accident. When the brake wear warning sound is heard, have the vehicle serviced. Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are ﬁrst applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque speciﬁcations in Capacities and Speciﬁcations on page 11-2. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets. Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service might be required. Brake Adjustment Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear. Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be

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2010 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual