wiper blades PONTIAC G5 2007 Owners Manual

8(Mist):Move the lever all the way down to this
position for a single wiping cycle. Hold it there until
the windshield wipers start; then let go. The
windshield wipers will stop after one wiping cycle.
If you want additional wiping cycles, hold the lever
down longer.
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 the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades
do become damaged, get new blades.
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. If
the motor gets stuck, turn the wipers off, clear away
the snow or ice, and then turn the wipers back on.
As an added safety feature, if the wipers are on for
more than 15 seconds, the vehicle’s headlamps
will turn on automatically. They will turn off
15 seconds after the wipers are turned off.Windshield Washer
To wash your windshield, press the button at the
end of the lever until the washers begin.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer uid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.
When you release the button, the washers will
stop, but the wipers will continue to wipe for about
three times or will resume the speed you were
using before.
142

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 is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment
in good shape and keep your windshield washer
uid reservoir lled with washer uid. 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.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They may
not work as well in a quick stop and may
cause pulling to one side. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal
lightly until your brakes work normally.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 cannot, 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 are going fast enough. When your
vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact
with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if
your tires do not have 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 reections from trees, telephone poles,
or other vehicles, and raindrops dimple the water’s
surface, there could be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds.
There just is not a hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down
when it is raining.
236

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 are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst 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 is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across
North America. They will be ready and willing to
help if you need it.
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?
Lamps: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 inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
240

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 319
Tires............................................................ 320
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 321
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 324
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 327
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 328
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 330
Buying New Tires...................................... 330
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 332
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 333
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 334
Wheel Replacement.................................. 335
Tire Chains............................................... 336
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 337
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 338
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 339
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire....................................... 344
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 349
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 352Appearance Care........................................ 353
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 353
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 354
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 355
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 356
Weatherstrips............................................ 356
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 356
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 357
Finish Care............................................... 357
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 358
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 358
Tires......................................................... 359
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 359
Finish Damage.......................................... 359
Underbody Maintenance............................ 360
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 360
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 360
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
266

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for
wear or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 375for more information on wiper blade
inspection.
Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. For proper type and
length, seeNormal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 387. Here is how to remove
the wiper blades:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper
assembly toward the driver’s side of the
vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
319

Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters
when running, wax, sap, or other material may
be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a glass
cleaning liquid or powder and water solution.
The windshield is clean if beads do not form
when it is rinsed with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper
blades and affect their performance. Clean the
blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in
full-strength windshield washer solvent. Then rinse
the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as
necessary; replace blades that look worn.
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
Your vehicle may have either aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth
with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean
towel. A wax may then be applied.Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or
cleaners that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, you could damage the
surface of the wheel(s). The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Use only
GM-approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the
painted surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong
soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive
cleaners, cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning
brushes on them because you could damage
the surface. Do not use chrome polish on
aluminum wheels.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum
wheels could damage the wheels. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Use chrome polish on chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels,
but avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and
buff off immediately after application.
358

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 279. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 282.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 284.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 328and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 381.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (l).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (g).•
377

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Inspect drum brake
linings/shoes for wear or cracks. Inspect other
brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear. Inspect power steering
cables for proper hook-up, binding, cracks,
chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with
genuine GM parts as needed. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or
cracking. Replace wiper blades that appear worn
or damaged or that streak or miss areas of
the windshield.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly. Look for
any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also
look for any opened or broken airbag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. The
airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges
and latches, hood hinges and latches and trunk lid
hinges and latches. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check system for interference or binding
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that
have high effort or excessive wear. Do not
lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables.
379

A
Accessories and Modications..................... 268
Accessory Power Outlet(s).......................... 150
Additives, Fuel............................................ 272
Add-On Electrical Equipment....................... 362
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine............................. 284
Air Conditioning........................................... 152
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator....................... 162
Readiness Light....................................... 161
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (SDM).......................................... 403
Airbag System............................................... 64
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle......................... 79
How Does an Airbag Restrain?.................. 71
Passenger Sensing System....................... 73
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..... 78
What Makes an Airbag Inate?.................. 71
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inates?...................................... 72Airbag System (cont.)
When Should an Airbag Inate?................. 69
Where Are the Airbags?............................. 67
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................... 223
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light....... 166
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 358
Care of Safety Belts................................ 356
Chemical Paint Spotting........................... 360
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.............. 357
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 353
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 354
Finish Care.............................................. 357
Finish Damage......................................... 359
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces.......................... 355
Sheet Metal Damage............................... 359
Tires........................................................ 359
Underbody Maintenance........................... 360
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials.......... 360
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 356
Weatherstrips........................................... 356
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 358
Ashtray(s).................................................... 151
413

C
California Fuel............................................. 271
California Proposition 65 Warning................ 269
Capacities and Specications...................... 369
Carbon Monoxide....... 98,123, 243, 256, 257
Care of
Safety Belts............................................. 356
Your CD Player........................................ 216
Your CDs ................................................. 216
CD, MP3 ..................................................... 205
Center Console Storage Area...................... 131
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).... 315
Chains, Tire................................................. 336
Charging System Light................................ 164
Check
Engine Light............................................ 168
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 276
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 360
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 45
Infants and Young Children........................ 42
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..... 51
Older Children........................................... 39
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position................................. 57Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position........................ 60
Where to Put the Restraint........................ 49
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 151
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 358
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 357
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 354
Finish Care.............................................. 357
Inside of Your Vehicle .............................. 353
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces.......................... 355
Tires........................................................ 359
Underbody Maintenance........................... 360
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 356
Weatherstrips........................................... 356
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 358
Climate Control System............................... 152
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment........... 155
Outlet Adjustment..................................... 155
Clutch, Hydraulic......................................... 286
Collision Damage Repair............................. 404
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt................. 35
Compact Spare Tire.................................... 352
Content Theft-Deterrent............................... 102
415