tire pressure SATURN ASTRA 2009 Owner's Manual

When It Is Time for
New Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures, driving
speeds, vehicle loading, and
road conditions inuence when you
need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear
when the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and ination pressure maintenance.With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out before
they degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for your vehicle.
The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC Spec) system
rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that
you get tires with the same TPC
Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that
are designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the
original tires.
9-54 Vehicle Service and Care
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GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specications that impact the overall
performance of your vehicle,
including brake system performance,
ride and handling, traction control,
and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire’s
sidewall near the tire size. If the tires
have an all-season tread design,
the TPC Spec number will be
followed by an MS for mud and
snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling on
page 9-42for additional information.
GM recommends replacing tires
in sets of four. This is because
uniform tread depth on all tires will
help keep your vehicle performing
most like it did when the tires
were new. Replacing less than a
full set of tires can affect the braking
and handling performance of your
vehicle. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-52for
information on proper tire rotation.{CAUTION
Mixing tires could cause you
to lose control while driving.
If you mix tires of different
sizes, brands, or types
(radial and bias-belted tires),
the vehicle may not handle
properly, and you could have
a crash. Using tires of different
sizes, brands, or types may
also cause damage to the
vehicle. Be sure to use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels. It is all
right to drive with the compact
spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on the
vehicle. SeeCompact Spare
Tire on page 9-68.{CAUTION
If you use bias-ply tires on
the vehicle, the wheel rim
anges could develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s
tires with those that do not have
a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction type (radial and
bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s
original tires.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-55
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Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give
an inaccurate low-pressure warning
if non-TPC Spec rated tires are
installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC
Spec rated tires may give a
low-pressure warning that is higher
or lower than the proper warning
level you would get with TPC Spec
rated tires. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 9-49.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information Label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 8-30,
for more information about the
Tire and Loading Information Label
and its location on your vehicle.Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a
different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires,
this may affect the way your vehicle
performs, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover.
Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as, anti-lock
brakes, traction control, and
stability control, the performance of
these systems can be affected.
{CAUTION
If you add different sized
wheels, your vehicle may not
provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and
suffer serious injury. Only use
Saturn specic wheel and tire
systems developed for your
vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a Saturn certied
technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 9-54
andAccessories and Modifications
on page 9-3for additional
information.
9-56 Vehicle Service and Care
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Compact Spare Tire
{CAUTION
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be
injured. Use only one compact
spare tire at a time.
Although the compact spare tire
was fully inated when the
vehicle was new, it can lose air
after a time. Check the ination
pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).After installing the compact spare
on the vehicle, stop as soon
as possible and make sure the
spare tire is correctly inated.
The compact spare is made to
perform well at speeds up to
65 mph (105 km/h) for distances up
to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so
you can nish your trip and have
the full-size tire repaired or replaced
at your convenience. Of course, it
is best to replace the spare with
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The spare tire will last longer
and be in good shape in case it is
needed again.Notice:When the compact
spare is installed, do not take
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash with guide rails.
The compact spare can get
caught on the rails which can
damage the tire, wheel and other
parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare
tire or wheel with other wheels
or tires. They will not t. Keep the
spare tire and its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains will not t the
compact spare. Using them can
damage the vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
9-68 Vehicle Service and Care
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When InSP appears, certain
services, checks, and inspections
are required. Required services
are described in the following
for “MaintenanceI” and
“Maintenance II.” Generally, it is
recommended that the rst service
be Maintenance I, the second
service be Maintenance II, and then
alternate Maintenance Iand Maintenance
IIthereafter. However,
in some cases, Maintenance II
might be required more often.
Maintenance I—Use
Maintenance Iif InSP displays
within 10 months since the vehicle
was purchased or Maintenance II
was performed. Maintenance
II—Use
Maintenance IIif the previous
service performed was
Maintenance I. Always use
Maintenance IIwhenever the letters
InSP display 10 months or more
since the last service or if InSP has
not come on at all for one year.
Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenance II
Change engine oil and lter. See Engine Oil on page 9-7. Reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 9-9 .An Emission Control Service. ••
Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (a). ••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 9-11 .See footnote (b). •
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 9-52 and “Tire Wear Inspection” in At Least Once a Month
on page 11-10. ••
11-4 Service and Maintenance
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At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make
sure they are inated to the correct
pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-47. Check to
make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 9-61.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for
high mileage highway drivers prior to
the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for
wear and, if necessary, rotate the
tires. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 9-52.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could move
suddenly. If the vehicle moves,
you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking
brake and the regular brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-10.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in
each gear. The vehicle should
start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control System Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could move
suddenly. If the vehicle moves,
you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-10.
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition to ON/RUN, but do not
start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
11-10 Service and Maintenance
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Saturn will not access this data or
share it with others except: with
the consent of the vehicle owner or,
if the vehicle is leased, with the
consent of the lessee; in response
to an official request of police or
similar government office; as part of
Saturn’s defense of litigation
through the discovery process; or,
as required by law. Data that Saturn
collects or receives may also be
used for Saturn research needs or
may be made available to others
for research purposes, where
a need is shown and the data is not
tied to a specic vehicle or vehicle
owner.
OnStar®
If your vehicle has OnStar and you
subscribe to the OnStar services,
please refer to the OnStar Terms
and Conditions for information
on data collection and use. See also
OnStar
®System on page 4-38in
this manual for more information.
Navigation System
If your vehicle has a navigation
system, use of the system
may result in the storage of
destinations, addresses, telephone
numbers, and other trip information.
Refer to the navigation system
operating manual for information
on stored data and for deletion
instructions.
Radio Frequency
Identication (RFID)
RFID technology is used in some
vehicles for functions such as
tire pressure monitoring and ignition
system security, as well as in
connection with conveniences such
as key fobs for remote door
locking/unlocking and starting, and
in-vehicle transmitters for garage
door openers. RFID technology in
Saturn vehicles does not use
or record personal information or
link with any other Saturn system
containing personal information.
Customer Information 12-17
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Horn .................................... 4-4
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly..........................1-12
Hydraulic Clutch...................9-12
I
Ignition Positions................... 8-2
Immobilizer........................... 2-8
Immobilizer Operation............. 2-8
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints........................1-40
Ination - Tire Pressure.........9-47
Instrument Panel
Brightness......................... 5-3
Cluster............................4-12
Overview........................... 4-2
J
Jump Starting......................9-69
K
Keyless Entry System............ 2-3
Keys.................................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall..........9-42
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator.........4-18
Lamps
Dome ............................... 5-3
Exterior, Off Reminder.......4-23
Reading............................ 5-3
Lap-Shoulder Belt................1-18
LATCH System
Replacing Parts After a
Crash..........................1-50
LATCH System for Child
Restraints........................1-46
License Plate Lamps............9-33
Liftgate
Carbon Monoxide............... 2-6
Light
Airbag Readiness.............4-14
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning..............4-17
Brake System Warning......4-16
Charging System..............4-16
Cruise Control..................4-23Light (cont.)
Door Ajar.........................4-23
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning.....4-18
Fog Lamp ........................4-22
Highbeam On...................4-23
Low Fuel Warning.............4-24
Low Oil Level...................4-22
Oil Pressure.....................4-21
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator.......................4-15
Safety Belt Reminders.......4-13
Service Vehicle Soon........4-23
StabiliTrak
®Indicator.........4-17
Tire Pressure...................4-18
Winter Driving Mode..........4-22
Lighting
Entry................................ 5-3
Lights
Exterior Lamps................... 5-1
Flash-to-Pass..................... 4-8
High/Low Beam Changer..... 4-8
Loading Your Vehicle............8-30
INDEX i-5
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Owner Checks and
Services..........................11-9
Owner Checks, Service.......... 9-4
Owners, Canadian.................... ii
P
Paint, Damage.....................9-79
Park
Shifting Into.....................8-11
Shifting Out of..................8-12
Park Brake..........................8-10
Parking
Over Things That Burn......8-13
Parking Your Vehicle............8-13
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................4-15
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-30
Passing..............................8-22
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements, California...... 9-3
Power
Door Locks........................ 2-6
Retained Accessory............ 8-3
Steering Fluid...................9-20
Windows.........................2-10
Pressure Cap......................9-18Privacy.............................12-16
Event Data Recorders.....12-16
Navigation System..........12-17
OnStar..........................12-17
Radio Frequency
Identication................12-17
R
Radio Frequency Identication
(RFID), Privacy...............12-17
Radio(s)............................... 6-2
Radios
Reception........................6-24
Theft-Deterrent.................6-23
Reading Lamps..................... 5-3
Rear Door Security Locks....... 2-6
Rear Heated Seats................ 1-6
Rear Seat Operation.............. 1-7
Rear Windshield Washer/
Wiper............................... 4-9
Rearview Mirrors..................2-11
Reclining Seatbacks............... 1-3
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants......................11-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . 9-73
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System............................. 2-3Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System, Operation.............. 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire.....9-63
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools........................9-62
Replacement Bulbs..............9-34
Replacing LATCH System
Parts After a Crash...........1-50
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government.....12-14
Saturn...........................12-14
United States
Government................12-14
Restraint System Check
Replacing Airbag System
Parts After a Crash........1-37
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts After a
Crash..........................1-23
Retained Accessory Power...... 8-3
Roadside
Assistance Program..........12-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ........................8-29
Routing, Engine Drive Belt....11-15
Running the Vehicle While
Parked............................8-14
INDEX i-7
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T
Tachometer.........................4-13
Taillamps....................9-30, 9-32
Theft-Deterrent, Radio...........6-23
Theft-Deterrent Systems......... 2-8
Content Theft-Deterrent....... 2-9
Immobilizer........................ 2-8
Immobilizer Operation......... 2-8
Tilt Wheel............................. 4-4
Tire
Pressure Light..................4-18
Tires..................................9-40
Buying New Tires.............9-54
Chains............................9-60
Changing a Flat Tire.........9-61
Compact Spare Tire..........9-68
Different Size...................9-56
High-Speed Operation.......9-48
If a Tire Goes Flat............9-60
Ination - Tire Pressure.....9-47
Inspection and Rotation.....9-52
Installing the Spare Tire.....9-63
Pressure Monitor
Operation.....................9-51
Pressure Monitor
System........................9-49
Removing the Flat Tire......9-63Tires (cont.)
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools.....................9-62
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools...............9-66
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......9-42
Tire Terminology and
Denitions....................9-44
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading.......................9-57
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance.................9-58
Wheel Replacement..........9-59
When It Is Time for
New Tires....................9-54
Winter Tires.....................9-41
Towing
Recreational Vehicle..........9-73
Towing a Trailer................9-73
Your Vehicle.....................9-73
Traction
StabiliTrak
®System..........8-19
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic................9-12
Fluid, Manual...................9-12
Transmission Operation,
Automatic.......................... 8-6
Transmission Operation,
Manual............................. 8-9Trip Odometers....................4-13
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals............................. 4-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................ 4-4
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................9-57
V
Vehicle
Control............................8-17
Loading...........................8-30
Parking Your....................8-13
Running While Parked.......8-14
Service Soon Light...........4-23
Symbols.............................. iii
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy..........................12-16
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)...................10-1
Service Parts Identication
Label...........................10-1
Ventilation Adjustment............. 7-4
Visors.................................2-11
INDEX i-9
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