height PONTIAC TORRENT 2008 User Guide

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. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
5-53

(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 5-59.
(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.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger 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.
5-55

(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 from A to Z.
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.
5-56

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned and
balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest
tire life and best overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be necessary
on a regular basis. However, if you notice unusual tire
wear or your vehicle pulling to one side or the other, the
alignment might need to be checked. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, the tires
and wheels might need to be rebalanced. See your
dealer/retailer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer/retailer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer/retailer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts,
wheel nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts, wheel nuts, and TPMS sensors
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.
Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-76for more
information.
5-74

Door
Ajar Light...................................................3-43
Delayed Locking..........................................2-12
Locks........................................................2-11
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-45
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-45
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-60
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-52
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-14
Before a Long Trip......................................4-16
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-16
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-17
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-15
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-22
Winter........................................................4-18
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System..................3-101E
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-99
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-102
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-100
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-99
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-35
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-26
Overheating................................................5-25
Reduced Power Light...................................3-41
Running While Parked..................................2-36
Starting......................................................2-22
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
4

Headlamps....................................................3-14
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-47
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-15
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-47
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...........................................................3-20
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-41
High-Speed Operation, Tires.............................5-61
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-16
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-17
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-17
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-21
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-59Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-27
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-38
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-53
Lamps
Cargo........................................................3-18
Dome........................................................3-17
Map ..........................................................3-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-25
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-42
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-50
6

Reclining Seatbacks, Manual.............................. 1-5
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-27
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-41
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-5
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-8
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare
Tire ...........................................................5-79
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-78
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-50
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-14
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-16
General Motors...........................................7-16
United States Government............................7-15
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-71
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-72
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-22
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-22
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-15
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-36S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-28
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-92
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-25
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-30
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-30
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-12
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback, Folding Passenger............................. 1-8
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-3
Head Restraints............................................ 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-4
Manual Reclining Seatbacks........................... 1-5
Passenger Folding Seatback........................... 1-8
Power Seat.................................................. 1-3
Split Folding Rear Seat................................1-10
10