tire pressure CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER 1994 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - heavy
acceleration followed by heavy braking
- rather than keeping pace with
traffic. This
is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot
of heavy
braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic followin\
g
distances, you will eliminate a
lot of unnecessary braking. That means better
braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but don't
pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If
your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will
use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up,
it may take longer
to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has an advanced electronic braking system that can help you
keep it under control. When
you start your vehicle and begin to drive away,
you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise. This is the
ABS system
testing itself.
Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road
is wet. You're driving safely.
Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with
ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is
about to stop rolling,
the computer will separately work the brakes at each
front wheel and at the rear wheels. The anti-lock system can change the
brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed
to
make the most of available tire and road conditions. You can steer around
the obstacle while braking hard.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires haven’t 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 reflections 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 isn’t a hard and
fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is
raining.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Turn on your low-beam headlights - not just your parking lights - to
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be
help make you more
visible to others.
especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more
clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your
view restricted by road
spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See “Tires” in the Index.)
City Driving
One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on
them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay
attention to traffic
sianals.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make
sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” spot.
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’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re
not fresh
- such as after a day’s work - don’t plan to make too many
miles that first 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’s ready to go. If
it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
GM dealerships all across
North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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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?
Lights: 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 inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s 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?
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Will the trailer parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the
trailer brake system must not be used with your vehicle.
If everything checks out this far, then make the brake fluid tap at the
port
on the master cylinder that sends fluid to the rear brakes. But don’t
use copper tubing for this.
If you do, it will bend and finally break off.
Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out
for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself
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 a good
deal longer and not nearly
so responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains,
electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply t\
he
trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets
you check your electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and
that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 arrows on
the pressure cap
line up like this.
Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When the clutch is engaged,
the fan spins faster to provide more
air to cool the engine. In most every day
driving conditions the clutch is not engaged. This improves fuel economy
and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or
high outside temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and should not be
mistaken as the transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the
cooling system functioning properly. The fan will slow down when
additional cooling is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the engine. It will go away
as the
fan clutch disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you
maintain your tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a
few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a
stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control
by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and
noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if
possible.
If a tire goes flat,
the next section shows how to use your jacking equipment
to change a flat tire safely.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare was fully inflated when your vehicle was new,
it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should
be
60 psi (420 Wa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly
inflated. The compact spare is made to perform well at posted speed limits
for distances up to
3,000 miles (5 000 km). The compact spare is made to go
up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have your
full-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. Of course, it’s best to
replace your spare with a full-size tire
as soon as you can. Your spare will
last longer and be in good shape
in case you need it again.
I NOTICE:
Don’t take your compact spare through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails.
That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts
of
your vehicle.
Don’t use your compact spare on some other vehicle. And don’t mix your compact spare or wheel with other wheels or tires. They
won’t fit. Keep your spare and its wheel together.
NOTICE:
Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using them will
damage your vehicle and destroy the chains too. Don’t use tire
chains on your compact spare.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON )
This light on your instrument cluster lets you know when your emission
system needs service. The light will come on briefly when you start your
engine to let you know that the system is working. If it does not come on
when you start your engine, or if it comes
on and stays on while you’re
driving, your system may need service. Your vehicle should still be
driveable, but you should have your system serviced right away.
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certificationire
label is found on the
rear edge of the
driver’s door. The
label shows the size of
your original tires and
the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the
gross weight capacity
of your vehicle.
This is called the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The CertificatiodTire label
also tells you the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out
the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need
to go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure
to spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed
the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Inflation - Tire Pressure
The Certificatioflire label which is on the rear edge of the driver’s door,
shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires, when they’re cold.
“Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than a mile.
NOTICE:
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is
all right.
It’s not. If your tires don’t have enough air
(underinflation) you can get:
0 Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
0 Bad wear
0 Bad handling
0 Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get:
@ Unusual wear
0 Bad handling
6 Rough ride
6 Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. Simply looking
at the tires will not tell you the pressure, especially if you have radial tires
- which may look properly inflated even if they’re underinflate\
d.
If your tires have valve caps, be sure to put them back
on. They help prevent
leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tire Inspection and Rotation
To make your tires last longer, have them inspected and rotated at the
mileages recommended
in the Maintenance Schedule. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index.
Use this rotation
pattern.
Do not
include compact spare
tire
in rotation.
If your vehicle has front tires
with different load ratings or tread designs
(such as all season
vs. on/off road) than the rear tires, don’t rotate your tires
front to rear.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressure
as shown on the CertificationEire label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” in the Index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which would be made at the
time period specified
to help ensure proper safety, emission performance,
and dependability
of your vehicle.
Be sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids
or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are t\
he proper ones,
as shown in this section.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Pressure Check - Check the tires for proper inflation. If
they
are low, inflate them to the level specified on the Certification label.
See “Inflation-Tire Pressure” in
the Index.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinder Lubrication - Lubricate key lock cylinders with one
of the lubricants recommended in this section.
Transmission Neutral or Clutch Start Switch Operation -
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the veh\
icle.
2. Firmly apply both the manual parking brake, and the regular br\
ake. See
“Brakes” and “Parking Brake”
in the Index. Do not use the accelerator
pedal.
3. Be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
4. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in “P”
(Park) or “N’ (Neutral).
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