
218 Car care and technical informationWhen to checkCheck your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It
should be at 60 psi (420 kPa).How to CheckUse a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. You can’t tell if your
tires are properly inflated simply by looking
at them. Radial tires may look properly infla-
ted even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the
valve stems. They help prevent leaks by
keeping out dirt and moisture.Tire Inspection and RotationAny time you notice unusual wear, rotate
your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged
tires or wheels. See “When It Is Time for
New Tires” on page 219 and “Wheel Repla-
cement” on page 222 for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve
more uniform wear for all tires on the
vehicle. The first rotation is the most impor-
tant.
When rotating your tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern. Left front tire to left
rear. Left rear tire to right front. Right front to
right rear. Right rear to left front.
Don’t include the compact spare tire in your
tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the
front and rear inflation pressures as shown
on the Tire-Loading Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tigh-
tened. See page 233.
Flat spottingAll tires get hot, especially on long journeys
or when the car is driven hard. After the car
has been parked with hot tires and the tires
have cooled down, a flat spot can form in the
tire, where it is in contact with the ground.
The same can occur if the car has not been
moved for a long time.
Flat spots can cause vibration that can be
felt through the steering wheel, similar to
that experienced when the wheels need
balancing.
Flat spots of this type disappear once the
tires get hot again, usually after 10–15 miles
(20–25 km) of driving at cruising speed.
WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel
could come off and cause an accident.
When you change a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency,
you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do
this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire
brush later, if you need to, to get all the
rust or dirt off. See “Changing a wheel” on
page 231.
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222 Car care and technical informationWheel Alignment and Tire BalanceThe wheels on your vehicle were aligned
and balanced carefully at the factory to give
you the longest tire life and best overall per-
formance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel
balancing are not needed. However, if you
notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pul-
ling 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 ReplacementReplace 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 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 Saab original equipment parts.
This way, you will be sure to have the right
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your
vehicle.Make sure tires with Tire Pressure Monitors
are fitted as replacement tires on cars with
this system.
Notice:
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake coo-
ling, speedometer or odometer calibra-
tion, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See “Changing a wheel” on page 231.
Used Replacement Wheels
WARNING
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle
can be dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your vehicle,
make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in
which you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts
and wheel nuts for replacement.
WARNING
When fitting just
one
new pair of tires,
these should be fitted to the rear wheels,
as these are more critical to the direc-
tional stability of the car (e.g. on braking
or in a skid). The existing rear wheels
should therefore be moved to the front.
WARNING
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been
used or how far it’s been driven. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash. If you
have to replace a wheel, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
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224 Car care and technical informationTire Sidewall LabelingUseful information about a tire is molded
into it´s sidewall.Tire size:
The tire size ia a combination of
letters and numbers used to define a parti-
cular tire´s width, height, aspect ratio, cons-
truction type and service description.
Department of Transportation (DOT):
The Department of Transportation (DOT)
code indicates that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety standards.
Tire Identification Number (TIN):
The let-
ters and numbers following DOT code are
the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The
TIN shows the manufacturer and plant
code, tire size, and date the tire was manu-
factured. The TIN is molded onto both sides
of the tire.
Tire Ply Material:
The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under
the tread.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):
Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on performance factors:
treadwear, traction and temperature resis-
tance. For more information see “Uniform
Tire Quality Grading” on page 221.
Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit:
Max-
imum load that can be carried and the max-
imum pressure needed to support that load.
For information on recommended tire pres-
sure see “Lowest recommended tire pres-
sure, cold tires” on page 261and “Loading
Your Vehicle” on page 226.
Tire SizeThe following illustration shows an example
of a typical passenger car tire size.Tire Width:
The three-digit number indica-
tes the tire section width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.
215
/55 R 16 93 H
| |||||
abcdef
aTire Width
b Aspect Ratio
c Belt Rating
d Rim diameter
e Load range
f Speed rating
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226 Car care and technical informationLoading Your VehicleThis is an example of what your vehicle´s
Tire-Loading Information/Certification label
might look like. It is located on the B-pillar
and shows how much weight your vehicle
may properly carry. The label tells you the
proper size, and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It
also gives you important information about
the number of people that can be in your
vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle
Capacity Weight, and includes the weight of
all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-
installed options.
Tire Terminology and DefinitionsAir Pressure:
The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:
This means the combi-
ned weight of optional accessories, for
example, automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:
The relationship of a tire´s
height to its width.
Belt:
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other rein-
forcecing materials.
Bias Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the
ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at
alternate angles substantially less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Inflation Pressure:
The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa), before
a tire have built up heat from driving. See
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 217.
Curb weight:
This means the weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant, without passengers
and cargo.
DOT Markings:
A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation motor vehicle safety stan-
dards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an alphanume-
ric designator which can also indentify the
tire manufacturer, production plant, brand
and date of production.
GVWR:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see
“Loading Your Vehicle” on page 226.
GAWR FRT:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the front axle, see “Loading Your Vehicle”
on page 226.
GAWR RR:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the rear axle, see “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 226.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of
an asymmetrical tire that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):
The metric unit for air
pressure. There are 6.9 kPa to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:
A tire used
on light duty trucks and some multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load Index:
An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
This label can only be found on vehicles
sold in the U.S.
Vehicles sold in Canada have the tire
information label in the glovebox, see
page 262.
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227 Car care and technical information
Maximum Load rating:
The load rating for
a tire at the maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:
The
sum of curb weight; accessory weight;
vehicle capacity weight; and production
options weight.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pres-
sure:
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which a tire may be inflated.
Normal occupant weight:
The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat mul-
tipled by 150 pounds (68 kg). See “Loading
Your Vehicle” on page 226.
Occupant Distribution:
Designated sea-
ting positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of a
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side
that faces outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that contains a
whitewall bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand and or model name
molding on the other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks
and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure:
Vehicle manufacturer´s recommended tire
inflation pressure shown on the tire label,
see “Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 217
and “Loading Your Vehicle” on page 226.
Radial Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to the beads are
laid at substantially 90 degrees to the cen-
terline of the tread.
Rim:
A metal support for a tire or a tire and
tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall:
The portion of a tire between the
tread and the bead.
Speed rating:
An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the maximum
speed at which a tire can operate.
Traction:
The friction between the tire and
the road surface. The amount of grip provi-
ded.
Treadwear Indicators:
Narrow bands,
sometimes called “wear bars”, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
2/32 inch of tread remains. See “When It Is
Time for New Tires” on page 219.
Tread Width:
The width of the tire´s tread.
UTQGS:
Uniform Tire Quality Grade Stan-
dards, a tire information system that provi-
des consumers with ratings for a tire´s trac-
tion, temperature and treadwear. Ratings
are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The rating
are molded into the sidewall of the tire. See
“Uniform Tire Quality Grading” on
page 221.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:
Is the number of
designated seating positions multipled by
150 pounds (68 kg) plus the rated cargo
load. See “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 226.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:
Load
on an individual tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant weight and
cargo weight.
Vehicle label:
A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing original
equipment tire size and the recommended
cold inflation pressure. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” on page 226.
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241 Car care and technical information
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.
3
Inspect 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 pos-
sible.
Use touch-up paint to repair small scrat-
ches 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.4
Inspect 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 tho-
roughly 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.
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-V-belt and the like.
You can check some points yourself befor-
ehand:
Make sure that the engine is in good con-
dition.
Check that no oil or gasoline leaks out of
the engine or gearbox/transmission.
Check the coolant and power steering
fluid levels. Check also for leaks.
Inspect the Poly-V-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.
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243 Car care and technical information
The vehicle should be fully assembled
and all other work stopped while headlight
aiming is being done.
The vehicle should not have any snow, ice
or mud attached to it.
Tires should be inflated to the prescribed
pressure.
Close all doors.
Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspen-
sion.
Headlight aiming is done with the vehicle
low beam lamps. The high beam lamps will
be correctly aimed if the low beam lamps
are aimed properly.
If you find that the headlight needs adjust-
ment follow these steps:
1 Open the hood and locate the vertical
aiming device.
2 Locate the marker on the lens.
3 Measure the distance from the ground to
the aim marker on each lens.
Subtract 2 inches if the vehicle is equip-
ped with halogen lamps, record this dis-
tance.
Subtract 3 inches if the vehicle is equip-
ped with xenon lamps, record this dis-
tance.4 At the wall or other flat surface, measure
from the ground to the recorded dis-
tance (see point 4) and draw a horizontal
line the width of the vehicle.
IB1950
2
14
3
1 Wall or garage door
2 25 ft (7.6 m) between wall and headlight lens.
3 Measurement from the ground to the low beam aiming marker on the headlight lens.
4 Same measurement as (3) but substract 2 inches for vehicles with halogen lamps and
3 inches for vehicles with xenon lamps.
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260 SpecificationsWheels and tires(recommended dimensions)
2.3t 2.3T 2.3 Turbo
All season tires215/55 R16 93 H X X X
225/45 R17 94 V XL/RF X X XSummer tires225/45 R17 94 W XL/RF X X XWinter tires205/65 R15 94 Q X X –
215/55 R16 93 Q X X X
225/45 R17 94 Q XL/RF X X XWheel sizes6 x 15” X X –
6,5 x 16” X X X
7 x 17” X X X15" wheels must not be fitted to the 2.3 Turbo since the size of the brake
discs prohibits this.
Speed ratings and load indexes, see page 225.Always
contact an authorized Saab dealer if you wish to fit other wheels
or tires than those fitted as standard.
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)NOTICESnow chains:Snow chains must
not
be fitted to the rear wheels, and may only
be used with the following wheel-tire combinations:
Wheels Tires6 x 15” ________ 205/65 R15 or
205/65 R15 M+S
6.5 x 16”_______ 215/55 R16 or
215/55 R16 M+S
Snow chains must not be fitted to 17" wheels.
Max. permissible speed with snow chains fitted is 30 mph
(50 km/h).
Contact an authorized Saab dealer for advice on snow chains.NOTICEWheels larger than 17” must not be fitted.
Wheel offset must be 49 mm.
Vehicles with 12.05” in (306 mm) front brake discs must not use
15” rims.
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