Page 192 of 277

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
NOTE:If so equipped, turn on the Traction Control
System to accelerate on slippery surfaces.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
192 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 263 of 277

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, 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 Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 263
9
Page 272 of 277

Cruise...........................72,114
Daytime Running...................... 68
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 68
Dome............................... 74
Door Ajar........................... 114
Exterior Check........................ 48
Fog .............................67,233
Front Replacement.................... 230
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 182
Headlight Switch...................... 66
Headlights........................66,230
High Beam Indicator................... 114
Illuminated Entry...................... 14
Instrument Cluster..................... 65
Interior...........................14,64
Low Fuel........................... 113
Low Washer Fluid..................... 114
Malfunction Indicator............... 115,198
Map Reading......................... 65
Oil Pressure......................... 113
Park.............................66,233
Passing............................. 68
Reading............................. 74Seat Belt Reminder.................... 114
Security Alarm........................ 24
Service Engine Soon................... 198
Side Marker......................... 230
Theft Alarm.......................... 10
Traction Control.................70,113,164
Trunk Ajar.......................... 113
Turn Signal....................... 114,233
Voltage............................. 116
Locks
Cylinder Maintenance.................. 16
Door.............................14,15
Glove Compartment.................... 13
Lubricants............................ 211
Luggage Carrier........................ 179
Luggage Rack......................... 179
Lumbar Support........................ 59
Maintenance Free Battery................. 208
Maintenance Schedule................... 240
Light Duty ScheduleB................ 243
ScheduleA......................... 250
ScheduleB......................... 243
272 INDEX
Page 276 of 277

Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 204
System, Navigation..................... 136
Tachometer........................... 113
Tape Player........................... 143
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant...... 114,183
Theft Alarm............................ 23
Theft System........................... 23
Tilt Steering Column..................... 70
Time Delay, Headlight.................... 67
Timing Belt........................... 207
Tires ...........................48,164,263
Air Pressure......................164,165
Alignment.......................... 174
Balancing........................... 174
Chains............................. 170
Changing........................183,184
Flat Changing........................ 183
High Speed......................... 168
Jacking............................. 184
Pressure Label....................... 165
Pressure Monitor System.............89,166
Quality Grading...................... 263Radial............................. 168
Replacement......................... 172
Rotation.........................167,173
Snow Tires.......................... 170
Spare Tire........................... 169
Spinning............................ 170
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 171
To Open Hood.......................... 63
Towing.............................. 179
Disabled Vehicle...................... 193
Trailering........................... 179
Traction Control...................70,113,163
Trailer Towing......................... 179
Transaxle
Additives........................... 223
Automatic........................157,221
Autostick........................... 159
Filter.............................. 223
Operation........................... 158
Selection of Lubricant.................. 221
Transmission
Range Indicator.................... 116,158
Transmitter Battery Service................ 23
276 INDEX