wiper blades PONTIAC VIBE 2007 Owners Manual

Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If they are frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If the
blades become damaged, get new blades or blade
inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wipers. A
circuit breaker stops them until the motor cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you to spray washer uid on
the windshield. The spray will continue until
you release the lever. The wipers will run a few
times. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 305.
The knob automatically returns from the position
after you release it.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer uid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Turn the knob up or down as far as it will go, to
squirt washer uid on the rear window. The
knob automatically returns from these positions
after it is released.
The rear window washer uses the same uid
bottle as the windshield washer. However, the rear
window washer will run out of uid before the
windshield washer. If you can wash the windshield
but not the rear window, check the uid level.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer uid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.
142

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even
if your windshield wiper blades are in good
shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see
road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings,
the edge of the road, and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment
in good shape and keep your windshield washer
uid reservoir lled with washer uid. Replace your
windshield wiper inserts when they show signs
of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or
when strips of rubber start to separate from the
inserts.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They
may not work as well in a quick stop and
may cause pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car wash, apply the brake pedal
lightly until the brakes work normally.Driving too fast through large water puddles or
even going through some car washes can cause
problems, too. The water may affect your
brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you cannot, try
to slow down before you hit them.
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 are going fast enough. When your
vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact
with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if
your tires do not have 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 reections 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 is not a hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down
when it is raining.
240

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 are ready. Try to be well rested. If
you must start when you are not fresh — such
as after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst 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 is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across North
America. They will be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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?
Lamps: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 inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is 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?
244

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 321
Tires............................................................ 322
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 323
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 326
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 329
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 330
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 333
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 335
Buying New Tires...................................... 336
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 337
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 338
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 339
Wheel Replacement.................................. 340
Tire Chains............................................... 341
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 342
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 343
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 344
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire............................................. 346
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 351
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 354Appearance Care........................................ 354
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 354
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 356
Leather...................................................... 356
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 357
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 357
Weatherstrips............................................ 358
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 358
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 358
Finish Care............................................... 358
Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades......................................... 359
Aluminum Wheels...................................... 359
Tires......................................................... 360
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 360
Finish Damage.......................................... 361
Underbody Maintenance............................ 361
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 361
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 362
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
270

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at
least twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper
Blade Check” underAt Least Twice a Year on
page 387for more information.Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. Here’s how to
remove the wiper blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper
assembly toward the driver’s side of the
vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
321

The vehicle has a basecoat/clearcoat paint nish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to
the colored basecoat. Always use waxes
and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and
other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and
tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can damage the vehicle’s
nish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging,
weather, and chemical fallout that can take their
toll over a period of years. To help keep the
paint nish looking new, keep the vehicle in a
garage or covered whenever possible.
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper
Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters
when running, wax, sap or other material may
be on the blade or windshield.Clean the outside of the windshield with a
full-strength glass cleaning liquid. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it
with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper
blades and affect their performance. Clean
the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked
in full-strength windshield washer solvent. Then
rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as
necessary; replace blades that look worn.
Aluminum Wheels
Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or
cleaners that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, you could damage the
surface of the wheel(s). The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Use
only GM-approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth
with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean
towel. A wax may then be applied.
359

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for
any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or
that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also
seeWindshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades
on page 359.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During
very cold, damp weather more frequent application
may be required. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 394.
Fluid Level Check
Check the power steering pump, rear axle,
transfer case, and automatic or manual transaxle
uid levels and add as needed. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 304andAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 290orManual Transaxle
Fluid on page 292. Check for leaks. A uid loss
in these systems could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired at once.
387

A
Accessories and Modications..................... 272
Accessory Power Outlet(s).......................... 150
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle....................................................... 81
Additives, Fuel............................................ 275
Add-On Electrical Equipment....................... 364
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine............................. 288
Air Conditioning........................................... 152
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator....................... 163
Readiness Light....................................... 162
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (SDM).......................................... 411
Airbag System............................................... 63
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle......................... 81
How Does an Airbag Restrain?.................. 72
Passenger Sensing System....................... 74
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..... 80
What Makes an Airbag Inate?.................. 71
What Will You See After an Airbag
Inates?................................................. 72
When Should an Airbag Inate?................. 70
Where Are the Airbags?............................. 66Antenna, Fixed Mast................................... 219
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System....................................... 219
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................... 227
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light....... 167
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels.................................... 359
Care of Safety Belts................................ 357
Chemical Paint Spotting........................... 361
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.............. 358
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 354
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 356
Finish Care.............................................. 358
Finish Damage......................................... 361
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.................................... 357
Leather.................................................... 356
Sheet Metal Damage............................... 360
Tires........................................................ 360
Underbody Maintenance........................... 361
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials.......... 362
Washing Your Vehicle.............................. 358
Weatherstrips........................................... 358
Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades........................................ 359
Ashtray(s).................................................... 151
419

Center Console Storage Area...................... 127
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).... 317
Chains, Tire................................................. 341
Charging System Light................................ 165
Check
Engine Light............................................ 170
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 280
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 361
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 43
Infants and Young Children........................ 40
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..... 49
Older Children........................................... 37
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position.................................................. 56
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position................................. 58
Where to Put the Restraint........................ 47
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 151
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels.................................... 359
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 358
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 356
Finish Care.............................................. 358
Inside of Your Vehicle.............................. 354
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces............................................... 357Cleaning (cont.)
Leather.................................................... 356
Tires........................................................ 360
Underbody Maintenance........................... 361
Washing Your Vehicle.............................. 358
Weatherstrips........................................... 358
Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades........................................ 359
Climate Control System............................... 152
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment ........... 156
Outlet Adjustment..................................... 155
Clock.......................................................... 178
Clutch, Hydraulic......................................... 293
Coinholder(s)............................................... 127
Collision Damage Repair............................. 412
Compact Spare Tire.................................... 354
Content Theft-Deterrent............................... 100
Control of a Vehicle..................................... 226
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage........................ 169
Heater, Engine......................................... 106
Cooling System........................................... 299
Cruise Control............................................. 143
Cruise Control Light.................................... 174
Cupholder(s)................................................ 127
421

V
Vehicle
Control..................................................... 226
Damage Warnings....................................... 5
Loading.................................................... 253
Parking Your............................................ 118
Symbols...................................................... 5
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders................................................ 411
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).......................................... 363
Service Parts Identication Label.............. 363
Ventilation Adjustment.................................. 155
Visors........................................................... 99
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators......... 158
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers......................... 138
Other Warning Devices............................ 138
Safety and Symbols..................................... 4
Vehicle Damage.......................................... 5
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light................ 175Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..................... 339
Different Size........................................... 337
Replacement............................................ 340
Where to Put the Restraint............................ 47
Windows....................................................... 98
Manual...................................................... 99
Power........................................................ 99
Windshield
Backglass, and Wiper Blades, Cleaning ... 359
Washer.................................................... 142
Washer Fluid........................................... 305
Wiper Blade Replacement........................ 321
Wiper Fuses............................................ 364
Wipers..................................................... 141
Windshield, Rear Washer/Wiper................... 142
Winter Driving............................................. 248
X
XM Radio Messages................................... 216
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System......... 219
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment............... 374
432