1998 BUICK CENTURY rear view mirror

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2-46
Mirrors
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up or
down and side to side. The day/night adjustment allows
you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the lights
behind you. Pull the tab toward you for night use; push
it away from you for daytime use.
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror
(Option)
Your vehicle may have an automatic electrochromic
day/night rearview mirror.
When this feature is turned on, the mirror automatically
changes to reduce glare from headlamps behind you. A
photocell on the mirror senses when it is becoming dark
outside. Another photocell built into the mirror face
senses when headlamps are behind you.
At night, when the glare is too high, the mirror will
gradually darken to reduce glare (this change may take a
few seconds). The mirror will return to its clear daytime
state when the glare is reduced.

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2-47
Mirror Operation
To turn on the automatic dimming feature, press
AUTO. To turn off automatic dimming, press OFF.
The green indicator light will be illuminated when this
feature is active.
Time Delay
The automatic mirror has a time delay feature which
prevents unnecessary switching from the night back to
the day position. This delay prevents rapid changing of
the mirror as you drive under lights and through traffic.
Cleaning the Photocells
Use a cotton swab and glass cleaner to clean the
photocells when necessary.
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror
with Compass (Option)
Your vehicle may have an electrochromic inside
rearview mirror with a compass.
When set in the MIRROR position, this mirror
automatically changes to reduce glare from headlamps
behind you. A time delay feature prevents rapid
changing from the day to night positions while driving
under lights and through traffic.
The mirror also includes an eight
-point compass display
in the upper right corner of the mirror face. When on,
the compass automatically calibrates as the vehicle
is driven.
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass
cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause the liquid
cleaner to enter the mirror housing. Use a cotton swab and
glass cleaner to clean the photocells when necessary.

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2-50 Power Remote Control Mirror
Your vehicle has an electric mirror control located on
the driver's door armrest.
Move the inner switch to the right (R) or left (L) to
choose either the driver's or passenger's side mirror.
Press any of the four arrow buttons to move the mirror
in the direction desired.Adjust each mirror so you can see the side of your
vehicle and the area behind your vehicle. When the
inner switch is in the center position, the mirrors cannot
be adjusted.
Your vehicle may be equipped with the memory
function. These mirror positions, along with the driver's
seat cushion position, can be stored into memory. See
ªMemory Seats and Mirrorsº in the Index.
Parallel Park Assist Mirror (Option)
The passenger's outside rearview mirror also includes a
tilt
-down feature that operates when the shift lever is in
REVERSE (R). This feature assists the driver with
improved rear obstacle detection.
To enable this feature, move the power remote mirror
switch to the left (L) or center position. Move the switch
to the right (R) to turn this feature off.

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2-51 Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger's side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror's surface is curved so you can see more from the
driver's seat.
CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
Heated Outside Rearview Mirror
When you operate the rear window defogger, a defogger
also warms the heated driver's and passenger's outside
rearview mirrors to help clear them of ice and snow. See
ªRear Window Defoggerº in the Index.
Automatic Dimming Outside Rearview
Mirror (Option)
If you have this feature, the driver's side outside mirror
will adjust for the glare of headlamps behind you. This
feature is controlled by the on and off settings on the
automatic electrochromic day/night rearview mirror. See
ªAutomatic Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview
Mirrorº earlier in this section.

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4-16
Here are some tips on night driving.

Drive defensively.

Don't drink and drive.

Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.

Since you can't see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles.

Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your
headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.

In remote areas, watch for animals.

If you're tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
Night Vision
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as
we get older these differences increase. A 50
-year-old
driver may require at least twice as much light to see the
same thing at night as a 20
-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your night
vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will
have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you'redriving, don't wear sunglasses at night. They may cut
down on glare from headlamps, but they also make a lot
of things invisible.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several
seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you
are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who
doesn't lower the high beams, or a vehicle with
misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid staring
directly into the approaching headlamps.
Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean
-- inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your
eyes moving; that way, it's easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes
be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night
blindness
-- the inability to see in dim light -- and aren't
even aware of it.

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4-22
Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?

Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?

Fuel, 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 ªhighway hypnosisº?
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.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.

Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.

If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.

9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlet 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-23, 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Control, Climate Control System 3-3, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Universal Theft-Deterrent 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Power 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning Light 2-71, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arbitration Program 8
-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assist Handles 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Astroroof (Sunroof) 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems, Steering Wheel Controls 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Dimming Outside Rearview Mirror 2-51 . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check 7-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rundown Protection 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt, Engine Accessory 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-4
Driving
City 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRL 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control 3-2 . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 3-19, 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . .
With Compass 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Belt 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant Temperature Gage 2
-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Warning Light 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-32, 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supercharged 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Light 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting, Delayed 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6
-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Button, Climate Control System 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-To-Pass Feature 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .