Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. The windshield wiper motor is
protected from overload by
a circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor
overheats due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop
until the motor cools.
Although the circuit is protected from electrical overload, overload due
to
heavy snow, etc. may cause wiper linkage damage. Always clear ice and
heavy snow from the windshield before using your windshield wipers.
Windshield Washer
At the top of the lever
there’s a paddle with
the word
PUSH on it.
To spray washer fluid
on the windshield,
push the paddle.
Washer fluid will spray
as long as you push the paddle. When you let go of
the paddle, the wipers will continue to wipe for a few seconds and then
either stop
or return to the preset speed.
Driving without washer fluid can be dangerous.
A bad mud splash can block
your vision. You could
hit another vehicle or go off the road. Check your
washer fluid level often.
A CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshi\
eld
is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
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When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in
advance. If
you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on
to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The
exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of
motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to
think you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
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 GM dealers 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?
FueZ, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lamps: 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?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There
is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery,
along with the
hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush
of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen
to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
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Windshield Wiper Blade Inserts
To replace the
windshield wiper
blade insert, lift
the
wiper arm and rotate
the blade until
it is
facing away from the
windshield.
Unlatch the end
of the insert from the holding clips. Remove the insert and
slide
a new one in place. Make sure the blade is secured in the clips.
Air Conditioning
Every now and then have your dealership check your air conditioning
system to be sure it
has not lost any cooling ability. If you think the system
is not working properly, have your dealership check it out as soon as
possi bleb
The air conditioning will
not work when the temperature is below 40°F
(4°C).
Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for a while, inspect the surface under the
vehicle for water, oil, fuel
or other fluids. Water dripping from the air
conditioning system after it has been used is normal.
If you notice fuel leaks
or fumes, the causes should be found and corrected at once.
Lock Cylinders
To be sure your locks operate properly, they must be lubricated. Your
vehicle’s maintenance schedule will tell you how often to lubricate them.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for
the proper
lubricant to use.
You should
not use penetrating oils because they could wash out the factory
installed lubricant and cause
the lock to bind. De-icers which contain
alcohol could also
wash away the lubricant, so be sure to lubricate the lock
after using
a de-icer of this type.
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Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
A CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may severely
weaken them. In a crash they might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and\
lukewarm water.
Glass
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427)
or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and
dust films.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners
on glass, because they may cause scratches.
Avoid placing decals on the inside rear window, since they may have to be
scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside
of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged. Any temporary
license should not be attached across the defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and
Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the
wiper blade chatters when running, wax or other material may be on the
blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami
Powder@ (GM
Part No. 105001 1). The windshield is clean if beads do not
form when
you rinse it with water.
Clean
the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Wiper blades should be checked
on a regular basis and replaced when worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every
six months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may
be required. (See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
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Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance
..................................... 6-65
Aluminum
................................................... 6-73
Hub Caps and Wheel Nut Caps .................................. 5-33
Nut Tightening Sequence
....................................... 5-37
NutTorque
.................................................. 6-82
Replacement ................................................. 6-65
Used Replacement
............................................ 6-66
Windows ...................................................... 2-36
SlidingRear
................................................. 2-37
Swing-Out
.................................................. 2-37
Washer ...................................................... 2-42
WasherFluid
................................................. 6-41
Wiper Blade Chatter ........................................... 6-71
Wiper Blade Cleaning (See “Cleaning”)
Wiper Blade Replacement
...................................... 6-46
Wipers
...................................................... 2-41
Windshield
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