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Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the
rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the
illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
R means radial ply construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means
belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certi ed
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certi ed
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and De nitions
Air 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 combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
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Page 365 of 446

Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You cannot know how it has been
used or how far it has been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new Saturn original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes, suspension or
other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your vehicle’s wheels. If you do nd
traction devices that will t, install them on the
front tires.
5-65
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Page 434 of 446

Audio System(s).............................................3-72
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-109
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-111
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.......................3-111
Fixed Mast Antenna...................................3-111
Radio with CD............................................3-73
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-106
Setting the Time..........................................3-72
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-109
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-110
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-111
Automatic Door Locks.....................................2-13
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-33
B
Battery..........................................................5-39
Run-Down Protection...................................3-19
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-37
System Warning Light..................................3-35
Brakes..........................................................5-36
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-30
Bucket Seats, Rear........................................... 1-8
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-47
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-49
Buying New Tires...........................................5-61
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Speci cations..........................5-103
Captain Chairs, Rear.......................................1-14
Carbon Monoxide...................2-21, 2-40, 4-26, 4-38
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-91
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-111
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-111
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-19
Chains, Tire...................................................5-65
Charging System Light....................................3-35
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-38
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-94
2
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