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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.)
Treadwear
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 based
on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering
(turning) traction.
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
€3 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
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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.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
Pontiac dealer
if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts,
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts.
This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for your
Pontiac model.
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NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance,
and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
If your Pontiac has P235/55R16, or P245/50ZR16
size tires, don’t use tire chains; they can dqpage
your vehicle.
If you have other tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only
SAE
Class “S” type chains that are the proper size for
your tires. Install them on the rear tires and
tighten them as tightly
as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them.
If the contact continues, slow
down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning
the wheels with chains
on will damage your
vehicle.
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Cleaning Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
When using an automatic car wash, set your
heating or cooling system to “VENT” with the
fan speed set to the second highest speed. This
will prevent high pressure water from entering
around your top.
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. Use a
mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush. Don’t use
any harsh cleaners or bleaching agents on the top. They
can darnage the material.
When the top is really dirty, use a mild foam-type
cleaner. Use a cloth or sponge to remove the dirt.
Thoroughly rinse the top and dry it before lowering it.
A damp top causes wrinkles.
Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped)
Your aluminum wheels have a protective coating similar
to the painted surface of your car. Don’t use strong
soaps, chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive cleaners
or
abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage this coating, After rinsing thoroughly, a wax
may be applied.
NOTICE:
If you have aluminum wheels, don’t use an
automatic car wash that has hard silicon carbide
cleaning brushes. These brushes can take the
protective coating
off your aluminum wheels.
Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
When applying a tire dressing always take care to wipe
off any overspray or splash from painted surfaces.
Petroleum-based products may damage the paint finish.
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I Maintenance Schedule I I
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate the steering linkage. Lubricate the
transmission shift linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICED BY:
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
Change the reat axle gear lubricant if
vehicle is used
fi, pull a trailer or has
limited-slip differential.
..
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
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I Maintenance Schedule I I
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service,
0 Lubricate the steering linkage. Lubricate the
transmission shift linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
- - I J
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Sewice.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
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I Maintenance Schedule I I
0 Replace spark plugs (except 5.7L Code P
0 Inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control
engine). An Emission Control Service.
Service.
0 Replace air cleaner filter. Replace filter
more often under dusty conditions.
An Emission Control Service.
Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect
fuel cap gasket for any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service.
17 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one
or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32 0 C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
Ifyou do not use your vehicle under any of
these Conditions, change the fluid and filter
at
100,000 miles (1 66 000 km).
Manual transmission fluid doesn’t require
change.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
delivery service.
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1 Maintenance Schedule I 1
42,000 Miles (70 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate the steering linkage. Lubricate the
transmission shift linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Change the rear axle gear lubricant if
vehicle is used to pull a trailer.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more
of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90 O F
(32 O C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-16 ’
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