Page 190 of 354
stops. But then, if you still have the warning, turn ofthe
engine
and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap
3. Electric Engine Fan
Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see on the 8-valve engine:
1. Coolant Recovery Tank Here’s what
you’ll see on the 16-valve engine:
1. Coolant Recovery Tank
2. Radiator Pressure Cap
3. Electric Engine Fan
ProCarManuals.com
Page 193 of 354
I NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or
above the
FULL mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there's one more
thing
you can try. You can add the proper coolant mix
directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is
cool before you do it.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 198 of 354

If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out’‘ while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your
tires properly. If air goes
out of
a tire, it’s 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 flat tire will create a drag that
pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip
the steering wheel firmly.
Steer
to maintain lane position, 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’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way 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.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
5-21
ProCarManuals.com
Page 227 of 354

What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay
on your skin
for very
long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If
you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose
of oil
by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams
or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it
to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station
or a local recycling
center for help.
Air Cleaner
8-Valve Engine
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter and the crankcase ventilation filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 236 of 354

Front Axle Engine Coolant
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” and “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant.
If the differential is at operating temperature (warm),
add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
If the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise
the level to 1/2 inch (12 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index. The following explains
your cooling
system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating’’ in the
Index.
The proper coolant for your Geo will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -33°F (-36°C).
Give boiling protection up to 258°F (125°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets
“GM
Specification 1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. If you use this mixture, you don’t need to add
anything else.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 244 of 354

Brake Wear
Your Geo has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and go or be heard all the time your velvcle is moving
(except when you are pushing on the brake pedal
firmly).
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates rSray C2iQSg si brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When you have the
front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected,
too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or
if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign
of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes
may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 256 of 354

Treadwear
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate
of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction - A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are: A, B,
and C. They represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is basea
on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
6-45
ProCarManuals.com
Page 257 of 354

Temperature - A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire
that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure. These
grades are molded
on the sidewalls of passenger
car tires.
While the tires available as standard or optional
equipment on General Motors vehicles may vary with
respect to these grades, all such tires meet General
Motors performance standards and have been approved
for use on General Motors vehicles. All passenger type
(P Metric) tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements
in addition to these grades.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
In most cases, you will
not need to have your wheels
aligned again. However, if you notice unusual tire wear
or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need to be reset.
If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on
a smooth road, your
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
ProCarManuals.com