tire pressure SATURN VUE HYBRID 2009 User Guide

The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the size of the
original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire
ination pressures (D). For more
information on tires and ination
seeTires on page 5-38and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-43.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certication/Tire label. It tells
you the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for the front and rear
axle. See “Certication/Tire
Label” later in this section.Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1.
Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting gure equals
the available amount of
cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if
the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be
ve 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and
luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs (1400−750
(5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, the load from your
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity for your vehicle.
SeeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-26for important
information on towing a trailer,
towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-19
ProCarManuals.com

Tires
Tires.................................5-38
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......5-39
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................5-41
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .5-43
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................5-45
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................5-46
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................5-50
When It Is Time for
New Tires.......................5-51
Buying New Tires.............5-51
Different Size Tires and
Wheels............................5-53
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................5-54
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance....................5-55
Wheel Replacement..........5-55
Tire Chains.......................5-57
If a Tire Goes Flat............5-58
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit...............5-59
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
Storage
...........................5-66
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning................5-66
Fabric/Carpet....................5-68
Leather.............................5-68
Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces
..........................5-69
Care of Safety Belts.........5-69
Weatherstrips....................5-69
Washing Your Vehicle.......5-69
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses.................5-70
Finish Care.......................5-70
Windshield and Wiper
Blades.............................5-71
Aluminum Wheels.............5-72
Tires.................................5-72
Sheet Metal Damage........5-73
Finish Damage..................5-73
Underbody Maintenance. . . .5-73
Chemical Paint Spotting. . . .5-73
Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)..................5-74
Service Parts
Identication Label...........5-74
Electrical System
Intermediate Voltage
Devices and Wiring.........5-74
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................5-75
Windshield Wiper Fuses. . . .5-75
Power Windows and
Other Power Options.......5-75
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers.........................5-75
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...............................5-76
Underhood Fuse Block......5-77
Capacities and
Specications
Capacities and
Specications..................5-81
5-2 Service and Appearance Care
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CAUTION (Continued)
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. Tire pressure
should be checked when
your vehicle’s tires are
cold. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-43.
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.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The
example below shows a typical
passenger (p-metric) 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 code are the
Tire Identication Number (TIN).
The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and
date the tire was manufactured.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
Example
Service and Appearance Care 5-39
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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 5-54.
(G) Maximum Cold Ination
Load Limit
:Maximum load that
can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to
support that load.Tire Size
The following illustration
shows an example of a typical
passenger (p-metric) vehicle
tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric)
Tire
:The United States version
of a metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the rst character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U. S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width
:The three-digit
number indicates the tire
section width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A letter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply
construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means
belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carry capacity a tire is
certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum
speed a tire is certied to carry
a load. Speed ratings range
fromAtoZ.
5-40 Service and Appearance Care
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Tire Terminology and
Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means
the combined weight of
optional accessories. Some
examples of optional
accessories are, automatic
transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire’s height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between the
plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals
(kPa) before a tire has built
up heat from driving. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-43.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard
and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and date
of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-18.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-18.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-18.
Service and Appearance Care 5-41
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Intended Outboard
Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must
always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks
and some multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination
Pressure
:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire can
be inated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the
sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible ination
pressure for that tire.Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
150 lbs (68 kg). SeeLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-18.
Occupant
Distribution
:Designated
seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire
that has a particular side
that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side
of the tire that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering,
or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the
same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on passenger cars and
some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Ination
Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended
tire ination pressure as
shown on the tire placard. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-43andLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-18.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid
at 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire
and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric
code assigned to a tire
indicating the maximum speed
at which a tire can operate.
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Traction:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires on
page 5-51.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
:A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s
traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing
procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the
tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-54.Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by 150 lbs
(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-18.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire
:Load on an individual
tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended ination pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” under
Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-18.
Ination - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount
of air pressure to operate
effectively.Notice:Do not let anyone tell
you that under-ination or
over-ination is all right. It is
not. If your tires do not have
enough air (under-ination),
you can get the following:
Too much exing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Premature or irregular wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air
(over-ination), you can get
the following:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road
hazards
A vehicle specic Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to your vehicle.
Service and Appearance Care 5-43
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This label shows your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and
the correct ination pressures for
your tires when they are cold.
The recommended cold tire
ination pressure, shown on the
label, is the minimum amount
of air pressure needed to
support your vehicle’s maximum
load carrying capacity.
For additional information
regarding how much weight
your vehicle can carry, and an
example of the Tire and Loading
Information label, seeLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-18. How
you load your vehicle affects
vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load your vehicle
with more weight than it was
designed to carry.When to Check
Check your tires once a month
or more.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type
gage to check tire pressure.
You cannot tell if your tires are
properly inated simply by
looking at them. Radial tires may
look properly inated even when
they are under-inated. Check
the tire’s ination pressure when
the tires are cold. Cold means
your vehicle has been sitting for
at least three hours or driven no
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from
the tire valve stem. Press the tire
gage rmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement.If the cold tire ination pressure
matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no
further adjustment is necessary.
If the ination pressure is
low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you overll the tire, release air
by pushing on the metal stem in
the center of the tire valve.
Re-check the tire pressure with
the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps
back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by
keeping out dirt and moisture.
5-44 Service and Appearance Care
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Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires
and transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare
(if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inated to the
ination pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire ination
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire ination pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
ination pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your
tires is signicantly under-inated.Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a
signicantly under-inated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-ination
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not
a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator
is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When thesystem detects a malfunction, the
telltale will ash for approximately
one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing
one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 5-46for
additional information.
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Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.The TPMS operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modications to this
system by other than an authorized
service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS is designed to warn
the driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors
are mounted onto each tire
and wheel assembly. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in
the vehicle’s tires and transmits
the tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS turns on the low
tire pressure warning light located on
the instrument panel cluster.
5-46 Service and Appearance Care
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