tires SATURN OUTLOOK 2009 Owner's Manual

Towing a Trailer
{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.To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information
in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section.
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 the safety of the
driver and the passengers. So
please read this section carefully
before pulling a trailer.Load-pulling components such as
the engine, transmission, rear
axle, 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.
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.
4-26 Driving Your Vehicle
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Consider using a sway control.
See “Hitches” later in this
section.
Do not tow a trailer at all during
the rst 500 miles (800 km) the
new vehicle is driven. The
engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) that a trailer is towed, do
not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in
at the heavier loads.
Obey speed limit restrictions
when towing a trailer.
The vehicles 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. See “Tow/Haul
Mode” later in this section.
The vehicle is designed
primarily as a passenger and load
carrying vehicle. If a trailer is
towed, the vehicle will require
more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load.
Three important considerations have
to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer.
The weight of the trailer tongue.
And the weight on the
vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
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.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-27
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If the vehicle has many options and
there is a front seat passenger
and two rear seat passengers with
some luggage and gear in the
vehicle as well. 300 lbs (136 kg)
could be added to the front axle
weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the
rear axle weight. The vehicle
now weighs:
Weight is still below 7,200 lbs
(3 266 kg) and you might think
700 additional pounds (318 kg)
should be subtracted from the
trailering capacity to stay within
GCWR limits. The maximum trailer
would only be 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg).
You may go further and think the
tongue weight should be limited to
less than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) to avoid
exceeding GVWR. But the effect on
the rear axle must still be considered.Because the rear axle now weighs
3,100 lbs (1 406 kg), 900 lbs
(408 kg) can be put on the rear axle
without exceeding RGAWR. The
effect of tongue weight is about
1.5 times the actual weight. Dividing
the 900 lbs (408 kg) by 1.5 leaves
only 600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue
weight that can be handled. Since
tongue weight is usually at least
10 percent of total loaded trailer
weight, expect that the largest trailer
the vehicle can properly handle is
6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).
It is important that the vehicle
does not exceed any of its
ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue
Weight. The only way to be sure
it is not exceeding any of these
ratings is to weigh the vehicle and
trailer.Total Weight on the Vehicle’s
Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are
inated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Certication/Tire label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-18. Make sure not to go
over the GVW limit for the vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer
tongue.
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. Here are
some rules to follow:
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.
4-30 Driving Your Vehicle
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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 2-30.
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.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so the rig
can turn. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 1,000 lbs (450 kg) needs
to have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted
and maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not try to tap into
the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will
not work well, or at all.
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.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.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.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-31
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Service and
Appearance Care
ServiceService................................5-3
Accessories and
Modications.......................5-3
California Proposition 65
Warning.............................5-3
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements........5-4
Doing Your Own
Service Work......................5-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle..........5-5
FuelFuel....................................5-5
Gasoline Octane...................5-5
Gasoline Specications..........5-5
California Fuel......................5-6
Additives..............................5-6Fuels in Foreign Countries......5-7
Filling the Tank.....................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container..........................5-10
Checking Things Under
the Hood
Checking Things Under
the Hood..........................5-10
Hood Release.....................5-11
Engine Compartment
Overview..........................5-12
Engine Oil..........................5-13
Engine Oil Life System.........5-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-17
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................5-18
Cooling System...................5-19
Engine Coolant...................5-19
Engine Overheating.............5-23
Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode. . .5-25
Power Steering Fluid............5-25
Windshield Washer Fluid......5-26
Brakes...............................5-27
Battery...............................5-29
Jump Starting.....................5-30
All-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive...................5-35
Headlamp AimingHeadlamp Aiming................5-35
Bulb ReplacementBulb Replacement...............5-35
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting....................5-36
Halogen Bulbs....................5-36
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps.............5-36
License Plate Lamp.............5-37
Replacement Bulbs..............5-37
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement.....................5-38
TiresTires..................................5-39
Tire Sidewall Labeling..........5-40
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.........................5-42
Ination - Tire Pressure........5-45
Service and Appearance Care 5-1
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Tire Pressure Monitor
System.............................5-46
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation..........................5-48
Tire Inspection and
Rotation............................5-52
When It Is Time for
New Tires.........................5-54
Buying New Tires................5-54
Different Size Tires and
Wheels.............................5-56
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading............................5-57
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance.....................5-58
Wheel Replacement.............5-59
Tire Chains.........................5-60
If a Tire Goes Flat...............5-61
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit..................5-62
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit Storage......5-70
Changing a Flat Tire............5-70
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools.........................5-71
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire......5-74Secondary Latch System......5-78
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools.........................5-80
Compact Spare Tire.............5-83
Appearance CareInterior Cleaning..................5-84
Fabric/Carpet......................5-85
Leather..............................5-86
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces........5-86
Care of Safety Belts............5-86
Weatherstrips......................5-87
Washing Your Vehicle..........5-87
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses...................5-87
Finish Care.........................5-87
Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades....................5-88
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels and Trim...............5-89
Tires..................................5-90
Sheet Metal Damage...........5-90
Finish Damage....................5-90
Underbody Maintenance.......5-90
Chemical Paint Spotting........5-90
Vehicle IdenticationVehicle Identication
Number (VIN)....................5-91
Service Parts Identication
Label...............................5-91
Electrical SystemHigh Voltage Devices
and Wiring........................5-91
Add-On Electrical
Equipment........................5-92
Windshield Wiper Fuses.......5-92
Power Windows and Other
Power Options...................5-92
Fuses and Circuit Breakers. . . .5-92
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block.......................5-92
Underhood Fuse Block.........5-94
Capacities and SpecicationsCapacities and
Specications....................5-98
5-2 Service and Appearance Care
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Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are rst 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
specications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-98.
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 of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have
really good braking. The vehicle was
designed and tested with top-quality
brake parts. When parts of the
braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings
wear down and new ones are
installed — be sure to get new
approved replacement parts. If this
is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if
someone puts in brake linings
that are wrong for the vehicle, the
balance between the front and
rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance
expected can change in many other
ways if the wrong replacement
brake parts are installed.
Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance free
battery. When it is time for a new
battery, see your dealer/retailer
for one that has the replacement
number shown on the original
battery’s label.
For battery replacement, see your
dealer/retailer or the service manual.
To purchase a service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering
Information on page 7-15.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals,
and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
Service and Appearance Care 5-29
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Tires
Your new vehicle comes with
high-quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions about
your tire warranty and where to
obtain service, see your vehicle
Warranty booklet for details.
For additional information refer
to the tire manufacturer.
{CAUTION
Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous.
Overloading your
vehicle’s tires can cause
overheating as a result
of too much exing.
You could have an air-out
and a serious accident.
SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-18.
Underinated tires
pose the same danger
as overloaded tires.
The resulting accident
could cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended
pressure.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Tire pressure should be
checked when your
vehicle’s tires are cold.
SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-45.
Overinated tires are more
likely to be cut, punctured,
or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when
you hit a pothole. Keep
tires at the recommended
pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause
accidents. If the tire’s
tread is badly worn, or
if your vehicle’s tires
have been damaged,
replace them.
Service and Appearance Care 5-39
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Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The
examples below show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a
compact spare tire sidewall.
(A) Tire Size
:The tire size is a
combination of letters and
numbers used to dene a
particular tire’s width, height,
aspect ratio, construction
type, and service description.See the “Tire Size” illustration
later in this section for more
detail.
(B) TPC Spec (Tire
Performance Criteria
Specication)
:Original
equipment tires designed to
GM’s specic tire performance
criteria have a TPC specication
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specications meet
or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The
Department of Transportation
(DOT) code indicates that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identication Number
(TIN)
:The letters and numbers
following DOT (Department
of Transportation) code is the
Tire Identication Number (TIN).The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and
date the tire was manufactured.
The TIN is molded onto both
sides of the tire, although only
one side may have the date of
manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies in the
sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature
resistance. For more information
seeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-57.
(G) Maximum Cold Ination
Load Limit
:Maximum load that
can be carried and the maximum
pressure needed to support
that load. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
Example
5-40 Service and Appearance Care
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(A) Temporary Use Only:The
compact spare tire or temporary
use tire has a tread life of
approximately 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) and should not be
driven at speeds over 65 mph
(105 km/h). The compact spare
tire is for emergency use when a
regular road tire has lost air and
gone at. If your vehicle has a
compact spare tire, seeCompact
Spare Tire on page 5-83andIf a
Tire Goes Flat on page 5-61.(B) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies in the
sidewall and under the tread.
(C) Tire Identication Number
(TIN)
:The letters and numbers
following the DOT (Department
of Transportation) code is the
Tire Identication Number (TIN).
The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and
date the tire was manufactured.
The TIN is molded onto both
sides of the tire, although only
one side may have the date of
manufacture.
(D) Maximum Cold Ination
Load Limit
:Maximum load that
can be carried and the maximum
pressure needed to support
that load.(E) Tire Ination
:The
temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inated to
60 psi (420 kPa). For more
information on tire pressure and
ination seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-45.
(F) Tire Size
:A combination of
letters and numbers dene a
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio,
construction type, and service
description. The letter T as the
rst character in the tire size
means the tire is for temporary
use only.
(G) TPC Spec (Tire
Performance Criteria
Specication)
:Original
equipment tires designed to
GM’s specic tire performance
criteria have a TPC specication
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specications meet
or exceed all federal safety
guidelines. Compact Spare Tire Example
Service and Appearance Care 5-41
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