2000 SAAB 9-5 tire pressure

150 Starting and drivingIf idling, it will take much longer before the
engine becomes hot. Engine wear is
greatest during this warming-up phase.
Therefore drive away as soon as possible
after the engine is started and avoid high
revving.
 Driving in a low gear results in higher fuel
consumption than in a high gear because
of the higher engine speed for a given
road speed. Always change up to a higher
gear as soon as traffic conditions allow
and use the highest gear as much as pos-
sible.
 Check the air pressure in the tires once a
month. Incorrect pressures increase tire
wear. It is better to have slightly higher
pressure than lower.
 Check fuel consumption regularly.
Increased consumption can indicate that
something is wrong and that the car
needs to be checked by an authorized
Saab dealer.
Practical trials on the roads have demon-
strated that substantial savings in fuel con-
sumption can be made if the above advice
is heeded.
Road conditions Wet roads increase fuel consumption, as do
unpaved roads and driving in hilly country
(the amount of fuel saved driving downhill is
less than the additional amount required to
climb the hill). Engine block heater (standard
equipment in Canada, accessory in
U.S.)The following are just some of the benefits
to the car and the environment of using an
engine block heater:
 Lower fuel consumption.
 Reduced wear on the engine.
 Inside of car warms up faster.
 Exhaust emissions substantially reduced
over short runs.
The engine heater is effective at outside
temperatures up to +15-20°C. The warmer
it is outside, the shorter the time the engine
heater needs to be connected. Longer than
1.5 hours is unnecessary.
If the car is equipped with a removable,
electrical cabin heater that is not in use, this
should be stored in the luggage compart-
ment.
Driving in winterBefore starting a journey in cold weather,
check that the wiper blades have not
become frozen to the glass. Brush any snow
away from the air intake for the heater
system (opening between hood and wind-
shield).
Periodically during the winter, add gasoline
anti-freeze to the fuel to dispel any conden-
sation in the fuel tank which could freeze
and cause problems in the system. Keep
the tank well filled to reduce the risk of con-
densation forming.
If the car is parked outside in freezing
weather, fuel additives (gasoline
anti-freeze) will not do any good as any con-
densation in the fuel tank will freeze. Con-
densation is caused by changes in the out-
door temperature or by the car being parked
alternately in a garage and outside.
It is particularly important when the roads
are slippery that the brakes and tires be in
good condition.
The car is equipped with tires designed to
provide optimum grip on both wet and dry
roads, although this has been achieved at
the expense of somewhat reduced grip on
snow and ice. For regular driving on snow
and ice, we therefore recommend that
winter (snow) tires be fitted.
Winter (snow) tires, particularly studded
tires (where use is legally permitted), gener-
ally make driving safer on snow and ice.
If winter tires are fitted, the same type must
be fitted on all wheels. Your Saab dealer will
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157 Starting and driving
Driving with a loadThe driving characteristics of the car are
affected by the way it is loaded.
 Place heavy loads as far forward and as
low as possible in the trunk.
 Secure the load to the tie downs, see
page 118.
 The load should be such that the car´s
total weight or axle weight are not
exceeded, see page 226.
 Heavy loads mean that the car’s centre of
gravity is further back. As a result, the car
will sway more during evasive steering.
 Never exceed the permissible load in the
roof box, even if there is room for more.
 Ensure that the tire pressure is correct –
slight overinflation is preferable to under-
inflation.
 The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance from
the vehicle in front.
Tire pressure, see page 235 and back
cover.
TiresThe tire pressure should match the current
load and speed of the car; see the back
cover or the tire pressure label on
page 235.
The tire pressures given apply to cold tires,
that is tires that are the same temperature
as the outside air temperature.
The tire pressure increases as the tires
become warm (e.g. during highway driving)
with approximately 0.3 bar (4 psi). When
the temperature of the tires changes by 50°
(10°C), the tire pressure will change 0.1 bar
(2 psi).Never reduce the pressure of a hot tire. If the
tires are hot when you check them, only
increase the pressure, if necessary.
Underinflated tires wear more quickly than
slightly overinflated tires.
If a valve is leaking, simply unscrew it and fit
a new one.
Important! Remember to adjust the tire
pressures if you change the load in the car
or intend to drive at substantially lower or
higher speeds than normal.NOTECheck the tire pressure at least once a
month. Underinflation is the main cause
of:
 Damage to the wheels.
 Premature tire wear.
 Damage to the sidewalls.
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198 Car care and technical informationWheels Alternative wheels and tiresIf you wish to fit other tires or wheels than
those supplied with the car, consult your
Saab dealer first as to the possibilities avail-
able.
Wheels/tires combinations that are not
approved by Saab can negatively affect the
car´s directional stability, steering and brak-
ing in both wet and dry conditions.
Do not assume that a wheel/tire combina-
tion will function properly just because it will
bolt on.The wheels and tires have been carefully
matched to the characteristics of the car and
play a key role in its outstanding roadhold-
ing and handling.
Tire pressureTires need to be inflated to suit the load car-
ried and the maximum speed the car will be
driven (see the recommended tire pres-
sures on the back cover). Note that all
values apply to cold tires. For tires with an
aspect ratio less than /60, increase the tire
pressure by 3 psi (20 kPa) for rough roads
with potholes to minimize the risk of rim
damage.Never reduce the pressure of a hot tire. If the
tires are hot when you check them, only
increase the pressure, if necessary.
Soft tires will cause faster wear than
over-pressurized tires. They also increase
fuel consumption.
If a valve is leaking, simply unscrew it and fit
a new one.
Important! Remember to adjust the tire
pressures if you change the load in the car
or intend to cruise at a substantially higher
or lower speed than normal.
NOTEFor wide wheels and/or low-profile tires,
bear in mind the following:
 Tires and wheels can be damaged in
potholes etc.
 Springs and dampers can be over-
loaded.
 The wheels can come into contact with
chassis and body components.
 The speed and load limits for the tires
must not be exceeded; see page 199.
 Wheels larger than 17” must not be fit-
ted. The maximum permissible offset
is 49 mm.
NOTECheck the tire pressures at least once
per month.
Underinflation is the main cause of:
 Tires wearing out prematurely.
 Damage to the sidewalls.
 Damage to the wheels.
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212 Car care and technical informationPreventive maintenanceThe following procedures are necessary to
help protect against rusting. Refer also to
the terms and conditions of the Sheet Metal
Coverage described in the warranty book-
let.
1Wash the car frequently, and wax at
least twice a year. Under adverse con-
ditions, where there is a rapid buildup of
dirt, sand or road salt, wash your car at
least once a week. After extreme expo-
sure to salted snow or slush, evidenced
by a white film on the car, wash the car
immediately. Frequent washing will pre-
vent paint damage from acid rain and
other airborne contaminants such as
tree sap and bird droppings. If any of
these contaminants are noticed on the
car the finish should be washed immedi-
ately.
 Begin washing by rinsing the entire car
with water to loosen and flush off heavy
concentrations of dirt (include the
underbody).
 Sponge the car with a solution of either
a good quality car soap or mild general
purpose (dish washing) detergent and
water.
 Rinse car thoroughly with clean water.
 After washing, check and clear all
drains in doors and body panels.
 Wipe the car dry, preferably using a
chamois.2Clean the underside of the car during
the winter. Use high pressure water to
clean the car’s underside (floor panels,
wheel wells) at least at mid- winter and
in the spring.
3Inspect the car frequently for leaks or
damage, and arrange for needed
repairs promptly. After washing or after
heavy rain, check for leaks. When wash-
ing the car inspect body surfaces for
paint damage. While checking for leaks,
lift the floor mats and check beneath
them. Water can collect in these areas
and remain for prolonged periods. Dry
any wet areas including the floor mats.
Have leaks repaired as soon as possi-
ble.
Use touch-up paint to repair small
scratches or minor finish damage. Areas
where metal is exposed will rust quickly
and MUST be repaired immediately by
touch-up or professional repainting.
Rust must be removed, the bare metal
primed and painted. Major body
damage should be repaired immediately
and new panels or exposed areas
should be undercoated with anti- corro-
sion material.
Repairs of this type are the owner’s
responsibility and are not covered under
warranty.4Inspect the undercoating and touch
up if necessary. Pay particular atten-
tion to the fenders and wheel housings,
which are exposed to abrasion by flying
gravel, etc. If the composition has worn
or flaked off, the steel must be thor-
oughly cleaned and dried before a fresh
coat is applied. The cleaning is best
done with a scraper and a steel wire
brush, followed by washing with solvent.
Apply the new coating thinly, as other-
wise it may run off or fall off when dry.
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213 Car care and technical information
For long tripsBefore setting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car checked over by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a Poly-Vee-belt and the like.
You can check some points yourself before-
hand:
 Make sure that the engine is in good con-
dition.
 Check that no oil or gasoline leaks out of
the engine or gearbox/transmission.
 Inspect the Poly-Vee-belt and replace it if
it shows any signs of hard wear.
 Check the battery charge.
 Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
wheel.
 Check the brakes.
 Check all bulbs.
 Check for the presence of the tool kit and
the jack in the car.
Recovery and/or
recycling of automotive
materialsA typical car consists of metals (65–75%),
plastics (10–14%), rubber (5%) and small
quantities of glass, wood, paper and tex-
tiles.
Some of these materials can be recycled,
while others can be recovered in chemical
processes for reuse in new products or as a
source of energy.
While the Saab 9-5 was still at the draw-
ing-board stage, Saab engineers were
giving serious consideration to how the
maximum quantity of materials could be
reclaimed from the car on its eventual
scrapping. To facilitate sorting, plastic parts,
for instance, have been marked to identify
the precise nature of the plastic.
Approximately 90% of the materials in the
car can be recycled or recovered, where
facilities exist.
Before the car is scrapped, all the oils and
other fluids that could pollute the environ-
ment should be recovered from the car. It
may be of interest in this context to learn that
the refrigerant used in the Saab 9-5’s A/C
and ACC systems (R134a) contains neither
CFCs nor any other chlorine compounds.
1 A-pillar trim: PP, PP/EPDM
2 Windshield trim: PP, PP/EPDM
3 Seals: EPDM
4 C-pillar trim: PP
5 Rear light cluster: PMMA
6 Corner infill panel: PPO/PA
7 Rear bumper, cellular core: expanded PP;
sheathing: PP/EPDM
8 Side-window casing: PP/EPDM
9 Fuel tank: PE
10 Side trim: PVC
11 A-pillar upholstery trim: PC/ABS, textile
12 Rearview mirror: ABS
13 Sill scuff plate: PP/EPDM
14 Wheel-arch liner: PP
15 Wheel cover: PA
16 Direction-indicator lamp lens: PMMA
17 Washer-fluid reservoir: PE
18 Front spoiler: PP/EPDM
19 Front bumper, cellular core: expanded PP;
sheathing: PP/EPDM
20 Fan shroud: PP
21 Radiator grille: ABS
22 Scuttle panel finisher: PC/ASA
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215 Car care and technical information
To check the aim, the vehicle should be
properly prepared as follows:
 Place the vehicle on a level pad or sur-
face.
 The vehicle should be unladen and fuel
tank full, and one person or 160 lbs.
(75 kg) on the drivers seat.
 The vehicle should not have any snow, ice
or mud attached to it.
 Tires should be inflated to the prescribed
pressure.
 Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspen-
sion.Open the hood and locate the vertical aim
level (B) that you can see through the top of
the headlamp lens.
If you find that the headlamp needs adjust-
ment follow these steps:
1 Locate the vertical aiming device (A).
2 Turn the vertical aiming screw with a
0.24 in. (6 mm) Hexagonal Allen socket
until the bubble inside the level is cen-
tered between the two red lines (zero).3 Check the horizontal aim (1) and adjust
as necessary with a 0.24 in. (6 mm)
Hexagonal Allen socket. Turn the hori-
zontal aiming device (2) until the arrow
aligns with the zero (0) mark.
4 Recheck the vertical aim to make sure it
is still correct after the horizontal aim
adjustment. Readjust as necessary.NOTETo make sure that your headlamps are
aimed properly read all instructions
before beginning. Failure to follow these
instructions could cause damage to
headlamp parts or a not correctly aimed
headlamp.
IB1168
A
B
Vertical adjustmentA Vertical aiming device
B Vertical aim level
IB1167
1
2
Horizontal adjustment1 Horizontal aim
2 Horizontal aiming device
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223 Maintenance and owner assistance
(c.) Check wheel alignment if irregular or premature tire wear is apparent.
Service Intervals **
Miles = U.S. Cars
Kilometers = Canadian Cars
1,000
(1,600 km)
10,000
(16,000 km)
20,000
(32,000 km)
30,000
(48,000 km)
40,000
(64,000 km)
50,000
(80,000 km)
60,000
(96,000 km)
70,000
(112,000 km)
80,000
(128,000 km)
90,000
(144,000 km)
100,000
(160,000 km)
Service #
1234567891011
Chassis
R Ball joint clearance, outer and inner steering joints and
rubber boots""""""""""
R Front suspension, rear axle mountings; retighten"
R Shock absorbers and bushes; tightness and condition"""
R Tire pressure, tread depth and wear (c.)"""""""""""
R Rotate tires, front to rear""""""""""
R Brake pads and discs; wear and condition""""""""""
R Brake lines and hoses"""""""""""
R Brake fluid level and renewal (max. 2-year intervals)""" ! "" ! "" ! "
R Check handbrake function"""""""""""
R Power steering fluid level"""""""""""
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233 Specifications
Brake system Wheels and tiresFootbrake (ABS) ___________________ Hydraulic disc
brakes with vacuum
servo unit. Diago-
nally split circuits;
ventilated discs on
front wheels. EBD
function, see page
146.
Handbrake _______________________ Acts on rear wheels
Brake fluid ________________________ DOT 4
Brake-fluid capacity _________________ 0.925 qts (900 ml)
Disc diameter:
Front __________________________ 11.34 in (288 mm)
Front, 9-5 2.3 Turbo Aero ___________ 12.05 in (306 mm)
Rear ___________________________ 11.26 in (286 mm)
Total friction area of brake pads:
Front __________________________ 36.3 in
2 (234 cm
2)
Rear ___________________________ 15.5 in
2 (100 cm
2)Wheel size ________________________ 6.5 x 16 or 7 x 17
9-5 2.3 Turbo Aero ___________________ Use 6.5 x 16 or
7 x 17 only
Tire size (summer tires):
6.5 x 16 wheels ___________________ 215/55 R16
7 x 17 wheels _____________________ 225/45 R17
Tire size (winter tires):
6 x 15 wheels (not 9-5 2.3 Turbo Aero) __ 195/65 R15 M+S
6.5 x 16 wheels ___________________ 205/55 R16 M+S
Recommended wheels for snow chains _ 6 x 15 (not 9-5 2.3
Turbo Aero) or
6.5 x 16
Compact spare:
Wheel ___________________________ 4 x 16
Tire _____________________________ T115/70 R16
Pressure_________________________ 60 psi (420 kPa)
Maximum life _____________________ 2,200 miles
(3500 km)
Maximum speed __________________ 50 mph (80 km/h)
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