weight PONTIAC VIBE 2004 User Guide

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
·There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you'll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
·Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
·Don't tow a trailer at all during the ®rst 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your
engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
·Then, during the ®rst 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
·Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Don't drive faster than the maximum posted speed
for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h),
to save wear on your vehicle's parts.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
·the weight of the trailer,
·the weight of the trailer tongue
·and the total weight on your vehicle's tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information
or advice, or you can write us at:
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
4-35

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must add the
tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-32for more information about your
vehicle's maximum load capacity.If you're using a weight-carrying hitch or a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 10±15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B).
After you have loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are in¯ated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You'll ®nd these numbers on the
Tire-Loading Information label located in the glovebox.
See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-32. Then be
sure you do not go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
4-36

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 as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch, platform and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the 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 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 your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just 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. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-38

Tire Terminology and De®nitions
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, for example, automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio 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 that hold the
tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles
substantially less than 90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold In¯ation Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa), before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure on page 5-67.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, 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 motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identi®cation
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, see
Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
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.
There are 6.9 kPa's to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-65

Load Index:An assigned number ranging from 1 to
279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of
a tire.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at
the maximum permissible in¯ation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of
curb weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Maximum Permissible In¯ation Pressure:The
maximum cold in¯ation pressure to which a tire may
be in¯ated.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 pounds
(68 kg). See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of a 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 In¯ation Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended tire in¯ation pressure
shown on the tire placard. See
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure
on page 5-67andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
Radial Ply tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at substantially
90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly 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.
Traction:The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called ªwear bars,º that show across the tread of a tire
when only 2/32 inch of tread remains. See
When It
Is Time for New Tires on page 5-70.
5-66

Tread Width:The width of the tire's tread.
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. See
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-72.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:Is the number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 pounds (68 kg)
plus the rated cargo load. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-32
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 original equipment tire size and
the recommended cold in¯ation pressure. See
Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure
The tire and loading information label, shows the correct
in¯ation pressures for your tires when they're cold.
ªColdº means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
Notice:
Don't let anyone tell you that underin¯ation
or overin¯ation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underin¯ation), you can get
the following:
·Too much ¯exing
·Too much heat
·Tire overloading
·Bad wear
·Bad handling
·Bad fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (overin¯ation), you
can get the following:
·Unusual wear
·Bad handling
·Rough ride
·Needless damage from road hazards
5-67

Tires (cont.)
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-76
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure..............................5-67
Inspection and Rotation................................5-68
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-73
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-74
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-70
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-19
Top Strap......................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-38
Torque Lock...................................................2-30
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-36
Towing..........................................................4-30
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-30
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-34
Your Vehicle...............................................4-30
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-37
Transaxle.......................................................5-23
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-23
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-25
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-20
Transaxle Operation, Manual............................2-23
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)..................5-51
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometers..............................................3-27
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-5Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-39
U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-23
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-63
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-72
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-75
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-90
Using Song List Mode.....................................3-61
Using the Recovery Hook................................4-29
V
Vehicle............................................................ 4-5
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-32
Parking Your...............................................2-31
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Identi®cation........................................5-97
Number (VIN).............................................5-97
Service Parts Identi®cation Label...................5-97
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-44
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-22
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-13
Visors...........................................................2-13
13

W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-25
Warnings......................................................... 3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light......................3-39
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-92
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-20
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-36
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-35
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-18
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-21
What to Use..................................5-28, 5-38, 5-39
Wheels..........................................................5-73
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-73
Replacement...............................................5-74
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-17
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-20
When to Check......................................5-25, 5-68
When to Check and Change............................5-23
When to Check and What to Use.....................5-27
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-38
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking
on a Hill.....................................................4-40Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-36
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-10
Windows.......................................................2-11
Manual......................................................2-11
Power........................................................2-12
Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades...........5-93
Windshield Washer........................................... 3-8
Fluid..........................................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-19
Windshield Wiper............................................5-60
Blade Replacement......................................5-60
Fuses........................................................5-98
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-7
Winter Driving................................................4-24
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-20
X
XMŸ Radio Satellite Service (USA Only)...........3-42
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System................3-64
XMŸ Satellite Radio Service (USA Only)...........3-64
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14