change wheel SATURN ASTRA 2008 User Guide

Remember: ABS does not change
the time you need to get your foot
up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle in front of
you, you will not have time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle suddenly
slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even though
you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down rmly and
let antilock work for you. You might
hear the antilock pump or motor
operate, and feel the brake
pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
you more than even the very best
braking.
StabiliTrak®System
Your vehicle may have StabiliTrak
which combines antilock brake,
traction and stability control systems
and helps the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle
in most driving conditions.
When you rst start your vehicle and
begin to drive away, the system
performs several diagnostic checks
to ensure there are no problems.
You may hear or feel the system
working. This is normal and does not
mean there is a problem with your
vehicle. The system should initialize
before the vehicle reaches 20 mph
(32 km/h).
The system monitors vehicle
movements, and helps the driver
maintain control of the vehicle in
most driving situations. When the
vehicle’s stability is affected the
engine output is reduced, and the
brakes are applied to individual
wheels.When you turn the ignition on,
this light on the instrument panel
cluster will come on for a few
seconds, then go out when the
system is ready.
You may also feel or hear the
system working; this is normal.
StabiliTrak is automatically enabled
whenever you start your vehicle.
To assist the driver with vehicle
directional control, especially in
slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But, you
can turn it off if you ever need to.
Driving and Operating 8-19
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Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control”
accidents mentioned on the news
happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner,
each of us is subject to the same
laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires
against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its
path when you turn the front wheels.
If there is no traction, inertia will
keep the vehicle going in the same
direction. If you have ever tried to
steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.
Traction in a curve depends on
the condition of the tires and
the road surface, the angle at which
the curve is banked, and your
speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor you can control.Suppose you are steering
through a sharp curve. Then
you suddenly accelerate. Both
control systems — steering
and acceleration — have to do
their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden
acceleration can demand too much
of those places. You can lose
control. SeeStabiliTrak
®System
on page 8-19.
What should you do if this ever
happens? Ease up on the brake
or accelerator pedal, steer the
vehicle the way you want it to go,
and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn
that you should adjust your speed.
Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road
conditions. Under less favorable
conditions you will want to go slower.If you need to reduce speed when
approaching a curve, do it before
you enter the curve, while the front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust the speed so you can
drive through the curve. Maintain
a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the
curve, and then accelerate gently
into the straightaway.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 9-3.
Driving and Operating 8-21
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION (Continued)
Worn, old tires can cause
accidents. If your tread
is badly worn, or if your
tires have been damaged,
replace them.
SeeHigh-Speed Operation
on page 9-47for ination
pressure adjustment for
high speed driving.
Low-Prole Tires
If the vehicle has 225/40ZR18
or 215/45R18 size tires, they
are classied as low-prole
performance tires. These tires
are designed for very responsive
driving on wet or dry pavement.
You may also notice more
road noise with low-prole
performance tires and that they
tend to wear faster.
Notice:If the vehicle has
low-prole tires, they are
more susceptible to damage
from road hazards or curb
impact than standard prole
tires. Tire and/or wheel
assembly damage can occur
when coming into contact with
road hazards like, potholes,
or sharp edged objects,
or when sliding into a curb.
The vehicle warranty does not
cover this type of damage.
Keep tires set to the correct
ination pressure and,
when possible avoid contact
with curbs, potholes, and
other road hazards.Winter Tires
If the vehicle has 225/40ZR18 or
215/45R18 size tires, they are
classied as low-prole performance
tires. These tires are designed for
very responsive driving on wet or dry
pavement. If you expect to drive
on snow or ice covered roads often,
you may want to get winter tires
for your vehicle. All season tires
provide good overall performance on
most surfaces but they may not
offer the traction you would like or
the same level of performance
as winter tires on snow or ice
covered roads.
Winter tires, in general, are
designed for increased traction on
snow and ice covered roads.
With winter tires, there may be
decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter
tire tread life. After switching to
winter tires, be alert for changes in
vehicle handling and braking.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-39
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When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 9-50for
additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.The TPMS operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modications to this
system by other than an authorized
service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-49
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Use this pattern when rotating
the vehicle tires. Do not include
the compact spare tire in the
tire rotation.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or
on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
bolts become loose after
time. The wheel could come
off and cause a crash. When
you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places
where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle using a scraper
or wire brush.
Installing wheels with a good
metal-to-metal contact at
the mounting surfaces is
necessary to prevent wheel
bolts from becoming loose.To prevent corrosion or rust
build-up, lightly coat the wheel
hub center and the cone-shaped
surface of each wheel bolt
with wheel bearing grease,
after a wheel change.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 9-60for information
on installing the tire and wheel
assembly. Also see “Wheel
Bolt Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications on page 10-2.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended cold tire
ination pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46and
Loading the Vehicle on
page 8-30.
9-52 Vehicle Service and Care
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Tire Changing
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain your vehicle’s tires
properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire creates
a drag that pulls the vehicle toward
that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop well out of the
traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction you
would use in a skid. In any rear
blowout remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering theway you want the vehicle to go.
It may be very bumpy and noisy, but
you can still steer. Gently brake to
a stop, well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION
Lifting a vehicle and getting
under it to do maintenance or
repairs is dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment
and training. The jack provided
with your vehicle is designed
only for changing a at tire. If it
is used for anything else, you or
others could be badly injured or
killed if the vehicle slips off the
jack. Use the jack provided with
your vehicle only for changing a
at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part
shows how to use the jacking
equipment to change a at tire
safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the
hazard warning ashers.
{CAUTION
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
on you or other people. You and
they could be badly injured or
even killed. Find a level place
to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake
rmly.
2. Put an automatic
transmission shift lever in
P (Park), or shift a manual
transmission to 1 (First) or
R (Reverse).
(Continued)
9-60 Vehicle Service and Care
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CAUTION (Continued)
3. Turn off the engine and
do not restart while the
vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to
remain in the vehicle.
To be certain the vehicle will
not move, put blocks at the
front and rear of the tire
farthest away from the one
being changed. That would be
the tire on the other side, at the
opposite end of the vehicle.
When you have a at tire, place the
wheel block at the tire diagonally
across from the at tire.
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools
The equipment you will need is
located in the rear storage area.
1. Open the liftgate. SeeLiftgate on
page 2-6.
2. Lift the oor cover to access the
spare tire and tools.3. Remove the foam pad. Turn the
retainer counterclockwise to
remove it.
4. Remove the spare tire by pulling
it up and out of the trunk.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-61
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6. Raise the vehicle by turning the
jack handle clockwise. Raise the
vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough room
for the compact spare tire to
t under the vehicle.
7. Remove all of the wheel bolts.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on
the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel bolts
become loose after time. The
wheel could come off and
cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where
the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you
can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush
later, if needed, to get all the
rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire on page 9-60.8. Remove any rust or dirt from the
wheel bolts, mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
Installing wheels with a good
metal-to-metal contact at
the mounting surface is
necessary to prevent the wheel
bolts from becoming loose.
To prevent corrosion or rust
build-up, apply a light coat of
wheel bearing grease to the
wheel hub center and to the
cone-shaped surface of each
wheel bolt at every wheel change.
9-64 Vehicle Service and Care
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S
Safety Belts.......................... 1-8
Care of ...........................1-22
Check.............................1-22
How to Wear Safety
Belts Properly...............1-12
Lap-Shoulder Belt.............1-17
Reminder Light.................4-14
Replacing Parts After
a Crash.......................1-23
Safety Belt Extender.........1-22
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy....................1-21
Seats
Head Restraints................. 1-5
Heated Seats - Rear........... 1-6
Height Adjuster.................. 1-2
Lumbar Adjustment............. 1-3
Rear Seat Operation........... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks............ 1-3
Securing Child
Restraints................1-50, 1-53Service................................ 9-2
Accessories and
Modications.................. 9-3
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle..... 9-4
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.... 9-3
California Proposition 65
Warning......................... 9-3
Doing Your Own Work........ 9-4
Engine Soon Light............4-20
Owner Checks................... 9-5
Publications Ordering
Information.................11-14
Vehicle Soon Light............4-24
Service, Scheduling
Appointments...................12-8
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle....1-34
Sheet Metal Damage............9-78
Shifting Into Park.................8-11
Shifting Out of Park..............8-13
Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change..................... 4-8Spare Tire
Compact.........................9-67
Installing..........................9-62
Removing
........................9-61
Storing............................9-66
Specications, Capacities......10-2
Speedometer.......................4-13
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.....4-19
Stabilitrak®System...............8-19
Starting the Engine................ 8-3
Steering..............................8-20
Steering Wheel Controls,
Audio..............................6-24
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel...... 4-4
Storage Areas
Cupholders........................ 3-1
Glove Box......................... 3-1
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow..........................8-29
Sun Visors..........................2-11
Sunroof..............................2-13
i-8 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com

T
Tachometer.........................4-13
Taillamps....................9-29, 9-30
Theft-Deterrent, Radio...........6-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems......... 2-7
Content Theft-Deterrent....... 2-9
Immobilizer........................ 2-7
Immobilizer Operation......... 2-8
Tilt Wheel............................. 4-4
Tire
Pressure Light..................4-19
Tires..................................9-38
Buying New Tires.............9-54
Chains............................9-59
Changing a Flat Tire.........9-60
Compact Spare Tire..........9-67
Different Size...................9-55
High-Speed Operation.......9-47
If a Tire Goes Flat............9-60
Ination - Tire Pressure.....9-46Tires (cont.)
Inspection and Rotation.....9-51
Installing the Spare Tire.....9-62
Pressure Monitor
Operation.....................9-50
Pressure Monitor
System........................9-48
Removing the Flat Tire......9-62
Removing the Spare
Tire and Tools...............9-61
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools...............9-66
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......9-40
Tire Terminology and
Denitions....................9-43
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading.......................9-56
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance.................9-58
Wheel Replacement..........9-58Tires (cont.)
When It Is Time for
New Tires....................9-53
Winter Tires.....................
9-39
Towing
Recreational Vehicle..........9-72
Towing a Trailer................9-72
Your Vehicle.....................9-72
Traction
Stabilitrak
®System...........8-19
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic................9-12
Fluid, Manual...................9-12
Transmission Operation,
Automatic.......................... 8-5
Transmission Operation,
Manual............................. 8-9
Trip Odometers....................4-13
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals............................. 4-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................ 4-4
INDEX i-9
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