tires SATURN VUE HYBRID 2009 Owner's Guide

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.
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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.
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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.
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At the same time a message to
check the pressure in a specic tire
appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC
warning message come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are
inated to the correct ination
pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed by the
driver. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and
displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-36andDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-42.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather
when the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.
This could be an early indicator that
the air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and
the correct ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they
are cold. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-18, for an example of the
Tire and Loading Information
label and its location on your
vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-43.
Your vehicle’s TPMS system can
warn you about a low tire pressure
condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-50andTires on page 5-38.Notice:Using non-approved tire
sealants could damage the
Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an
incorrect tire sealant is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the GM approved
tire sealant available through your
dealer/retailer.
Your vehicle, when new, included a
factory-installed Tire Inator Kit.
This kit uses a GM approved liquid
tire sealant. Using non-approved
tire sealants could damage the
TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit for information
regarding the inator kit materials
and instructions.
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TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly if
one or more of the TPMS sensors
are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the
low tire warning light ashes for
about one minute and then stays on
for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. A DIC warning message is
also displayed. The low tire warning
light and DIC warning message
come on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of
the conditions that can cause the
malfunction light and DIC message
to come on are:
The TPMS sensor matching
process was started but not
completed or not completed
successfully after rotating the
vehicle’s tires. The DIC message
and TPMS malfunction light
should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
“TPMS Sensor Matching Process”
later in this section.
One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The DIC
message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go
off when the TPMS sensors
are installed and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do
not match your vehicle’s original
equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those
recommended for your vehicle
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires on page 5-51.
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low tire
condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light
and DIC message comes on and
stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time
you replace one or more of the
TPMS sensors or rotate the
vehicle’s tires, the identication
codes need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel location. The sensors
are matched, to the tire/wheel
locations, in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. When increasing
the tire’s pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall. To
decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve
cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
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You have two minutes to match
each tire and wheel position.
If it takes longer than two minutes to
match any tire and wheel position,
the matching process stops and you
need to start over.
The TPMS matching process is
outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press and hold the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons,
at the same time, for about
ve seconds to start the TPMS
learn mode. The horn sounds
twice indicating the TPMS
receiver is ready and in
learn mode.
4. Start with the driver side front
tire. The driver side front turn
signal also comes on to indicate
that corner’s sensor is ready
to be learned.5. Remove the valve cap from the
tire’s valve stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing
or decreasing the tire’s air
pressure for about eight seconds.
The horn chirp, can take up to
30 seconds to sound. It
chirps one time and then all the
turn signals ash one time to
conrm the sensor identication
code has been matched to
the tire/wheel position.
6. The passenger side front turn
signal comes on to indicate
that corner sensor is ready to be
learned. Proceed to the
passenger side front tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. The passenger side rear
turn signal comes on to indicate
that corner sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the
passenger side rear tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
8. The driver side rear turn signal
comes on to indicate that
corner sensor is ready to belearned. Proceed to the driver
side rear tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
9. After hearing the single horn
chirp for the driver side rear
tire, two additional horn chirps
sound to indicate the tire learning
process is done. Turn the
ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
If no tires are learned after
entering the TPMS learn mode,
or if communication with the
receiver stops, or if the time limit
has expired, turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF and
start over beginning with Step 2.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.
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Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, for
signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-51for more
information.
Tires should be rotated every
5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000 to
13 000 km). SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-3.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the
vehicle. This will ensure that the
vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the
tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-51and
Wheel Replacement on
page 5-55.
When rotating the vehicle’s tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
After the tires have been rotated,
adjust the front and rear ination
pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-43andLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-18.Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 5-46.
Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on
page 5-81.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on
the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after a
time. The wheel could come
off and cause a crash. When
you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places
where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency,
you can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush
later, if you need to, to get all
the rust or dirt off.
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When It Is Time for New
Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures, driving
speeds, vehicle loading, and
road conditions inuence when you
need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear
when the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and ination pressure maintenance.With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out before
they degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for your vehicle.
The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC spec) system
rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that
you get tires with the same TPC
Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that
are designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original
tires.
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GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specications that impact the overall
performance of your vehicle,
including brake system performance,
ride and handling, traction control,
and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire’s
sidewall near the tire size. If the tires
have an all-season tread design,
the TPC spec number will be
followed by a MS, for mud and
snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling on
page 5-39for additional information.
GM recommends replacing tires
in sets of four. This is because
uniform tread depth on all tires will
help keep your vehicle performing
most like it did when the tires
were new. Replacing less than a full
set of tires can affect the brakingand handling performance of your
vehicle. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-50for
information on proper tire rotation.
{CAUTION
Mixing tires could cause you
to lose control while driving. If
you mix tires of different sizes,
brands, or types (radial and
bias-belted tires) the vehicle
may not handle properly, and
you could have a crash. Using
tires of different sizes, brands,
or types may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be
sure to use the correct size,
brand, and type of tires on
your vehicle’s wheels.
{CAUTION
If you use bias-ply tires on the
vehicle, the wheel rim anges
could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail
suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s
tires with those that do not have a
TPC Spec number, make sure they
are the same size, load range, speed
rating, and construction type (radial
and bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.
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