Page 281 of 384

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When you replace parts of your braking system — for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in — be sure you get new approved
Saturn replacement parts. If you do not, your brakes may
no longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance
between your front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance you have come to
expect can change in many other ways if someone puts
in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When it is
time for a new battery, get one that has the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label. We
recommend an ACDelco
®replacement battery. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for battery
location.Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-40for tips on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Also, for your audio system, seeTheft-Deterrent
Feature on page 3-70.
5-39
ProCarManuals.com
Page 300 of 384

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.
5-58
ProCarManuals.com
Page 310 of 384

Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
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 Saturn original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P235/65R16, P235/60R17 or
245/50R18 size tires, 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’s contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the front tires.
5-68
ProCarManuals.com
Page 372 of 384

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-40
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-70
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-72
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-73
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..................................................5-23, 5-24
Operation...................................................2-19
B
Battery..........................................................5-39
Run-Down Protection...................................3-17
Battery Warning Light......................................3-27
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-36
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-8
Emergencies...............................................4-10
Parking......................................................2-24
System Warning Light..................................3-28
Brakes..........................................................5-36
Braking........................................................... 4-7Braking in Emergencies...................................4-10
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-15
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-47
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-52
Fog Lamps.................................................5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-50
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-52
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Speci cations............................5-99
Carbon Monoxide...................2-11, 2-27, 4-40, 4-55
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-87
Your CD and DVD Player.............................3-73
Your CDs and DVDs....................................3-73
Cargo Area....................................................2-36
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-17
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-36
2
ProCarManuals.com