PONTIAC VIBE 2010 Owners Manual

The three types of skids correspond
to the vehicle’s three control
systems. In the braking skid, the
wheels are not rolling. In the steering
or cornering skid, too much speed or
steering in a curve causes tires to
slip and lose cornering force. And in
the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease
your foot off the accelerator pedal
and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering
quickly enough, the vehicle may
straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when
water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material is on the road. For safety,
slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to
slow down on slippery surfaces
because stopping distance is longer
and vehicle control more limited.While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try your best to
avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear.
Any sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. You might not
realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored
surface — and slow down when you
have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your ability
to stop and accelerate. Always drive
slower in these types of driving
conditions and avoid driving through
large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{CAUTION
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in
a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake pedal
until the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to
drive through flowing water.
Driving and Operating 8-7

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under your vehicle’s
tires so they 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.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is
to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
•Allow extra following distance.
•Pass with caution.
•Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
•Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
•Have good tires with proper tread
depth. SeeTires on page 9-43 .
•Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention
to your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find
a safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
•Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
•Keep interior temperature cool.
•Keep your eyes moving — scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
•Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
•Keep the vehicle serviced
and in good shape.
•Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
•Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.
{CAUTION
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
8-8 Driving and Operating

{CAUTION
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they
could get so hot that they would
not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going
downhill.
•Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
•Top of hills: Be alert — something
could be in your lane (stalled car,
accident).
•Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or
ice between the tires and the road,
creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when
freezing rain begins to fall, resulting
in even less traction. Avoid driving on
wet ice or in freezing rain until roads
can be treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction.Try not to break the fragile traction.
If you accelerate too fast, the drive
wheels will spin and polish the
surface under the tires even more.
The
Antilock Brake System (ABS) on
page 8-32 improves vehicle stability
during hard stops on a slippery
roads, but apply the brakes sooner
than when on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches can occur
on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid
sudden steering maneuvers and
braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped,
on slippery surfaces.
Driving and Operating 8-9

Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use theRoadside
Assistance Program on page 12-6 .
To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
•Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
•Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{CAUTION
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
•Clear away snow from
around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust pipe.
•Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
•Open a window about 5 cm
(two inches) on the side of
the vehicle that is away from
the wind to bring in fresh air.
•Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
•Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the
Index.(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 8-23 .
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can cause
deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome
you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it
is in your vehicle. Clear away snow
from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only
as needed to keep warm, but be
careful.
8-10 Driving and Operating

To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm the
vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the
way to save heat. Repeat this until
help arrives but only when you feel
really uncomfortable from the cold.
Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help with
the headlamps. Do this as little as
possible to save fuel.If the Vehicle is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
{CAUTION
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at
high speed, they can explode, and
you or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going above
55 km/h (35 mph) as shown on the
speedometer.
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 9-61 .
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a forward gear,
or with a manual transmission,
between 1 (First) or 2 (Second) and
R (Reverse), spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator pedal
while shifting, and press lightly on
the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward
and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the
vehicle. If that does not get the
vehicle out after a few tries, it might
need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle on page 9-73 .
Driving and Operating 8-11

Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight your vehicle can
carry. Two labels on the vehicle
show how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification label.
{CAUTION
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), or
either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). If you do, parts on
the vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your
vehicle handles. These could
cause you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information
Label
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle’s center
pillar (B-pillar). With the driver’s
door open you will find the label
attached below the door lock post
(striker). The Tire and Loading
Information label shows the
number of occupant seating
positions (A), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (B)
in kilograms and pounds. This weight includes the weight
of all occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the tire size of
the original equipment tires (C),
and the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (D). For more
information on tires and inflation
see
Tires on page 9-43 andTire
Pressure on page 9-49.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It tells you the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See “Certification
Label” later in this section.
Label Example
8-12 Driving and Operating

Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs”
on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs
(1400 −750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, the load from your
trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer,
see Trailer Towing on page 8-48
for important information on
towing a trailer, towing safety
rules and trailering tips.
A.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 1 =453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
B.Subtract Occupant Weight
68 kg (150 lbs) ×2 =136 kg
(300 lbs).
C.Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight =317 kg
(700 lbs).
Example 1
Driving and Operating 8-13

A.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 2 =453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
B.Subtract Occupant Weight
68 kg (150 lbs) ×5 =340 kg
(750 lbs).
C.Available Cargo
Weight =113 kg (250 lbs).
A.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 3 =453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
B.Subtract Occupant Weight
91 kg (200 lbs) ×5 =453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
C.Available Cargo
Weight =0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to your vehicle’s Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle’s capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle’s maximum vehicle
capacity weight.
Certication Label
A vehicle specific Certification
label is attached to the center
pillar, near the driver’s door latch.
It tells you the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
Example 2Example 3
Label Example
8-14 Driving and Operating

Never exceed the GVWR for the
vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for either the
front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load,
you should spread it out. See
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit” earlier in this section.
{CAUTION
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), or
either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). If you do, parts on
the vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your
vehicle handles. These could
cause you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of the vehicle. Notice
:Overloading your
vehicle may cause damage.
Repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not
overload your vehicle.
If you put things inside your
vehicle — like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything
else — they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
{CAUTION
Things you put inside your
vehicle can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.
•Put things in the rear area
of your vehicle. Try to
spread the weight evenly.
If you have fold-down rear
seats, you will find four
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued) anchors on the back wall
of your trunk. You can use
these anchors to tie down
lighter loads. They are not
strong enough for heavy
things, however, so put
them as far forward as
you can in the trunk or
rear area.
•Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
•Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in your
vehicle.
•When you carry something
inside the vehicle, secure it
whenever you can.
•Do not leave a seat folded
down unless you need to.
Driving and Operating 8-15

Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not
need an elaborate break-in. But it
will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts.
Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the
rst 200 miles (322 km) or so.
During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. See Trailer Towing on
page 8-48 for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle and
more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the brake pedal.
Notice: Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer/retailer.
8-16 Driving and Operating