height PONTIAC VIBE 2008 User Guide

Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The examples below show a typical
passenger car 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) 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.
(C) Tire Identication Number (TIN)
:The letters
and numbers following DOT code are 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) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(E) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based
on three performance factors: treadwear,
traction and temperature resistance. For more
information seeUniform Tire Quality Grading on
page 5-65.
(F) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit
:Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
For information on recommended tire pressure
seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-55
andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-19.Passenger Car Tire Example
5-50

(A) Temporary Use Only:The compact spare
tire or temporary use tire has a tread life of
approximately 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and should
not be driven at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h).
The compact spare tire is for emergency use when
a regular road tire has lost air and gone at. See
Compact Spare Tire on page 5-81andIf a Tire
Goes Flat on page 5-69.(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
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.
SeeCompact Spare Tire on page 5-81and
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-19.
(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 5-55.
(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.
Compact Spare Tire Example
5-51

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger car 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.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 70, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire’s sidewall is 70% 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 the speed rating
of a tire. The load range represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. 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.
5-52

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.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-55.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but 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 (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),an alphanumeric designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-19.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the front axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-19.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear
axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-19.
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.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on light
duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure
:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire can be inated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
5-53

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 5-70for more
information.
5-67

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Disc, MP3......................................................3-58
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Ajar Light...................................................3-40
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Driver
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-12
Before a Long Trip......................................4-13
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-13
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-14
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-12
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-19
Winter........................................................4-15
E
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-90
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-91
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-92
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-91
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-91
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-22
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Cooling System Inspection............................6-18
Drive Belt Routing.......................................5-97
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Running While Parked..................................2-32
Starting......................................................2-20
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
4

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-42
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-91
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-43
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-15
Exterior Lamps............................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-43
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-43
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-15
Heater...........................................................3-20
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-40
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-13
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-14
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-22
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Immobilizer....................................................2-14
Immobilizer Operation......................................2-15
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-55
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-18
Engine Cooling System................................6-18
Exhaust System..........................................6-17
Fuel System...............................................6-18
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-17
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal..........................6-17
Throttle System...........................................6-18
Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Storage Area..............................................2-39
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-26
Interior Lamps
Control.......................................................3-17
6

S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-28
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-85
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-15
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-23
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-26
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-26
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-10
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback, Folding Passenger............................. 1-6
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-3
Head Restraints............................................ 1-5
Passenger Folding Seatback........................... 1-6
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 1-8
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-3
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position......................................1-44
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-46Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle.......................................... 5-5
California Pershlorate Materials
Requirements............................................ 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-3
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-36
Publications Ordering Information...................7-15
Service, Scheduling Appointments....................... 7-9
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-64
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-88
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-28
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-30
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-8
Spare Tire
Compact....................................................5-81
Installing....................................................5-73
Removing...................................................5-71
Storing.......................................................5-79
Specications, Capacities.................................5-95
Speedometer..................................................
3-27
11