tires PONTIAC G5 2010 Owner's Manual

5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-aheadposition with a clamping device designed for towing.
6. Remove the key from the ignition.
7. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.
Towing a Trailer (Automatic
Transmission)
{WARNING:
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. The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment.
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 your safety and that of your
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. The trailer also adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
5-33

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.
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
transmission or other parts could be damaged.
•Then, during the first 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.
•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.
•Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum posted
speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph
(90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts.
•Do not tow when the outside air temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
•Do not tow more than 1,000 miles (1 600 km)
per year.Three important considerations have to do with weight:
•The weight of the trailer
•The weight of the trailer tongue
•Weight on the vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg). But
even that can be too heavy.
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.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or
advice. Also, see
Customer Assistance Offices on
page 8-6 for more information.
5-34

Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit
for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Certification label or seeLoading the Vehicle on
page 5-24 for more information. Make sure not to go over
the GVW limit for the vehicle, or the GAWR, 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.
•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.
•Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle
when the trailer hitch is installed? If so, be sure to
seal the holes when the hitch is removed. If they are
not sealed, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the
engine’s exhaust can get into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust on page 3-33 . Sealing the holes will
also prevent dirt and water from entering the vehicle.
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
Does the trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
they will be installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Do not try to tap into the vehicle’s brake system. If
you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
5-36

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.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
5-37

Service........................................................... .6-3
Accessories and Modifications ..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning .....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements .....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work .........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle ..................................................... .6-5
Fuel ............................................................... .6-5
Gasoline Octane ........................................... .6-6
Gasoline Specifications ................................... .6-6
California Fuel .............................................. .6-6
Additives ...................................................... .6-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries ...............................6-7
Filling the Tank ............................................. .6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .....................6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood ....................6-10
Hood Release ............................................. .6-11
Engine Compartment Overview .......................6-12
Engine Oil .................................................. .6-13
Engine Oil Life System ................................. .6-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ................................6-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid .........................6-19
Hydraulic Clutch .......................................... .6-19
Cooling System ........................................... .6-20
Engine Coolant ............................................ .6-24
Engine Overheating ...................................... .6-27Windshield Washer Fluid
................................6-28
Brakes ....................................................... .6-29
Battery ....................................................... .6-33
Jump Starting .............................................. .6-34
Headlamp Aiming .......................................... .6-38
Bulb Replacement ......................................... .6-41
Halogen Bulbs ............................................. .6-41
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps ................................... .6-42
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) .........6-43
Taillamps
and Turn Signal Lamps (Coupe) .......6-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps (Sedan) .............................6-44
Back-Up Lamps (Coupe) ................................6-45
License Plate Lamp ..................................... .6-46
Replacement Bulbs ...................................... .6-47
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ..............6-47
Tires ............................................................. .6-48
Tire Sidewall Labeling .................................. .6-49
Tire Terminology and Definitions .....................6-52
Inflation - Tire Pressure .................................6-55
Tire Pressure Monitor System .........................6-56
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation .....................6-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation ...........................6-62
When It Is Time for New Tires .......................6-64
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

Buying New Tires........................................ .6-64
Different Size Tires and Wheels ......................6-66
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ..........................6-67
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ..................6-68
Wheel Replacement ..................................... .6-68
Tire Chains ................................................. .6-70
If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... .6-70
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit ....................6-72
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage .........6-79
Changing a Flat Tire .................................... .6-80
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................6-81
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire ............................................... .6-86
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools ............6-90
Compact Spare Tire ..................................... .6-93
Appearance Care ........................................... .6-94
Interior Cleaning .......................................... .6-94
Fabric/Carpet .............................................. .6-95
Leather ...................................................... .6-96
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces ................................................. .6-96
Care of Safety Belts ..................................... .6-96
Weatherstrips .............................................. .6-97Washing Your Vehicle
.................................. .6-97
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses .....................6-97
Finish Care ................................................. .6-98
Windshield and Wiper Blades .........................6-98
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim ................................................. .6-99
Tires ........................................................ .6-100
Sheet Metal Damage .................................. .6-100
Finish Damage .......................................... .6-100
Underbody Maintenance ...............................6-100
Chemical Paint Spotting ...............................6-100
Vehicle Identication .................................... .6-101
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ................6-101
Service

Parts Identification Label ...................6-101
Electrical System ......................................... .6-102
Add-On Electrical Equipment .........................6-102
Headlamp Wiring ....................................... .6-102
Windshield Wiper Fuses ...............................6-102
Power Windows and Other Power Options ......6-102
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ..........................6-103
Floor Console Fuse Block ............................6-103
Engine Compartment Fuse Block ...................6-105
Capacities and Specications ........................6-109
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2

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 specifications in
Capacities and Specications on page 6-109.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do not have
wear indicators, but if a rear brake rubbing noise is heard,
have the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When the
front brake pads are replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
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 moderate brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for
wear. If rarely making moderate or heavier brake stops,
the brakes might not adjust correctly. Very carefully
making a few moderate brake stops about every
1,000 miles (1 600 km) will adjust the brakes properly.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes and the brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, the rear drum brakes
might need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and
firmly applying the brakes a few times.
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.
6-32

The vehicle should be:
•Placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a
light colored wall.
•On a perfectly level surface which is level all the
way to the wall.
•Placed so it is at a right angle to the wall.
•Clear of any snow, ice, or mud on it.
•Fully assembled, with the tires properly inflated, and
all other work stopped while headlamp aiming is
being done.
•Normally loaded with a full tank of fuel, with the
spare tire in the proper location, and one person
or 160 lbs (75 kg) on the driver seat.Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle’s low-beam
headlamps. The high-beam headlamps will be correctly
aimed if the low-beam headlamps are aimed properly.
To adjust the vertical aim on the headlamps:
1. Open the hood. See Hood Release on page 6-11 .
2. Record the distance from the ground to the aim dot on the low-beam headlamp.
6-39

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.
{WARNING:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
•Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too much
flexing. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 5-24.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
•
Underinflated 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. See Ination - Tire
Pressure on page 6-55.
•Overinflated 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.
6-48

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 define 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 specific tire performance criteria have
a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines. If your vehicle has
205/55R16 size tires, they meet the GM TPC Spec
rating, but the TPC Spec code has not been
molded onto the tire’s sidewall.
(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.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
6-49