Driving a Long Distance
Although most long trips today are made on freeways,
there are still many made on regular highways.
Long-distance driving on freeways and regular
highways is the same in some ways. The trip has to be
planned and the vehicle prepared,
you drive at
higher-than-city speeds, and there are longer turns
behind the wheel. You’ll enjoy your trip more if you and
your vehicle are in good shape. Here are some tips for a
successful long trip.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
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Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first 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’s ready to go.
If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Eng;ine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lights: 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 inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s 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?
On the Road
Unless you are the only driver, it is good to share the
driving task with others. Limit turns behind
the wheel to
about
100 miles (160 km) or two hours at a sitting.
Then, either change drivers or stop for some refreshment
like coffee, tea or soft drinks and some limbering up.
But do stop and move around. Eat lightly along the way.
Heavier meals tend
to make some people sleepy.
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How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant leveI
isn’t at or above “COLD” add a 50/50 mixture of clean
- water (preferably distilled) and a proper antifreeze at
the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant’’
in the
Index for more information about
the proper coolant
mix.)
can bedangerous. Plain water, or some othe
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the prope
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warn
system
is set for the proper coolant mix. Wit
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheal
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and a proper antifreeze
m-u mw-.
In cold weath wate :an frc anc
engine, radiator, heater core and other- parts. Use
the recommended coolanl
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What Kind of Oil to Use:
Look for three things:
SG
“SG”
must be on the oil container, either by itself or
combined with other quality designations, such as
“SG/CC,” “SG/CD,” “SF,SG,CC,” etc. These letters
show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels of
quality.
If you have the 3.8L engine use: SAE 1OW-30
As shown in the viscosity chart,
SAE 1OW-30 is best
for your vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 5W-30
if it’s going to be colder than 60°F (16 “C) before
your next oil change. When it’s very cold, below
O°F (-18OC), you should use SAE 5W-30.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OllS
FOR BEST NE1 F””””7Y AND COW STARTING, SELECT RE LOWEST
SAE VlSCOSlTT
C ~. .- - JIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
-
HOT
WEATHER 7
“F
t 100
+ 80
t 60
+ 40
+ 20
0
COLD
WEATHER
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30
GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES 6).
DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2 ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT REO IR 3ED
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RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER I
"F r
k100 -
+80 -
+60 -
+40 -
+20 -
0-
- +38
- +27
. +16
- +4
- -7
- -18
1
COLD
WEATHER
-- I' -- SA SAE 5W-30 PREFERRED
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
0 If you have the 3.1L engine use: SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
for your vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 1OW-30
if it's going to be O°F (-18OC) or above.
These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity,
or
thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE
low-40 or SAE 20W-50.
0 Energy Conserving I1
Oils with these words on the container will help you
save fuel.
This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used
on most oil
containers to help you select the correct oil.
You should look for this on the oil container, and use
only those oils that display the logo.
GM Goodwrench@
oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil)
meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives: Don't add anything to your oil.
Your Buick dealer is ready to advise if you think
something should be added.
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IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AI
RECOMMENDED
’/an
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The
Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See
your Buick dealer for details.
Introduction
A Word About Maintenance
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how
you’ll drive it. You may drive very short
distances only
a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very
hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you
may drive it to work, to
do errands or in many other
ways.
Because of all
the different ways people use their GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements
than you will
find in the schedules in this part.
So please read this part
and note how
you drive. If you have any questions on
how
to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your
Buick dealer, the place many GM owners choose to
have their maintenance work done. Your dealer can be
relied upon to use proper parts and practices.
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Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule 11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before
you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SG
Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity. The
“SG” designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as “SG/CC”, ,“SG/CD”
or
“SF, SG, CC,” etc. To determine the preferred
viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE 5W-30
or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil”
in the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate
the
suspension and steering linkage. 3.
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolt Torque* -- Check
the torque
of the mounting bolts and/or nuts.
4. Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions
in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
5. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
6. Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system
with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See
“Coolant”
in the Index. This provides proper freeze
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine
operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace
if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air
* An Emission Control Service.
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior tothe completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance \
services he performed at the indicatcd intervals and the maintenance be recorded in ”Section E:Maintenance Record”.
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INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Brake System
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the complete system. Inspect
brake lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads
for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Also inspect other brake
parts, including calipers, parking
brake, etc. Check parking brake
adjustment. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often
if
your driving habits or conditions
result
in frequent braking.
NOTE:
A low brake fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which
may need to be serviced. Also, if the
brake system warning light stays on
or comes on, something may be
wrong with the brake system. See
“Brake System Warning Light”
in
the Index. If your vehicle is equipped
with anti-lock brakes and the
anti-lock brake system warning light
stays on, comes on or flashes,
something may be wrong with the
anti-lock brake system. See
“Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light”
in the Index.
Section D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
FLUID/LUBRICANT
GM Goodwrench Motor Oil or
equivalent for API service SG
Energy Conserving I1 oils of the
proper viscosity. The “SG”
designation may be shown alone or
in combination with others, such as
“SG/CC,” “SG/CD,”
or
“SF,SG,CC,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, see “Engine Oil” in the
Index.
50/50 mixture of water (preferably
distilled) and good quality ethylene
glycol base antifreeze (GM Part
No.
1052753 or equivalent) conforming
to
GM Specification 1825111 or
approved recycled coolant
conforming to
GM Specification
1825M.
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USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic
Brake
(GM Part No. 1052535) or
System Delco Supreme 1 l@ Brake Fluid
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Parking Brake
Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part
requirements
of NLGI Grade
2,
Guides Chassis lubricant meeting
No.
1052497
or equivalent).
Power Steering
Transmission Fluid (GM Part No.
Transaxle DEXRON@
IIE Automatic
Automatic (GM Part
No. 1052884) or
System GM
Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid
equivalent.
1234588 1)
Key Lock Lubricate with Multi-Purpose
Cylinders Lubricant (GM
Part No. 12345120),
synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine
oil or
silicone lubricant (GM Part No.
1052276 or 1052277).
Automatic
Transaxle Shift Engine oil.
Linkage
USAGE
Chassis
Lubrication
Windshield
Washer Solvent
Hood Latch
Assembly
a. Pivots and
b. Release Pawl
Spring
Anchor
i
Hood and Door
Hinges
Fuel
filler Door
Hinge and
Striker Plunger
Weatherstrips
FLUIDlLUBRICANT
Chassis lubricant meeting
requirements
of NLGI Grade 2,
Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent).
GM Optikleen@ Washer Solvent (GM
Part No.
105 15 15) or equivalent.
a. Engine oil.
b. Chassis lubricant meeting
requirements
of NLGI Grade 2,
Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent).
Engine
oil or Lubriplate Lubricant
(GM Part No. 1050109).
Chassis lubricant meeting
requirements
of NLGI Grade 2,
Category LB
or GC-LB (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. 12345579 or equivalent).
See “Specifications Chart” in the Index for recommended
replacement filters, valves and spark plugs.
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