Page 250 of 336

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the rear 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 to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK 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.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
— if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) — if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to Electronic
Stability Program, or Traction Control System in your
Owner’s Manual for Details.
250 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 319 of 336

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 319
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Page 328 of 336

Bulb Replacement..................... 289
Courtesy/Reading..................... 95
Daytime Running...................... 98
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 97
Electronic Stability Program Indicator...... 107
Engine Temperature Warning............ 134
Fog .............................99,135
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 242
Headlight Switch...................... 98
Headlights........................... 98
High Beam Indicator................... 135
Illuminated Entry...................... 15
Instrument Cluster..................... 98
Interior.............................. 96
License............................. 294
Lights On Reminder.................... 98
Malfunction Indicator.................. 138
Oil Pressure......................... 135
Reading............................ 111
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 135
Service..........................289,290
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . 138
Traction Control...................... 107Turn Signal........................97,99
Voltage............................. 132
Loading Vehicle.....................237,238
Capacities........................... 238
Tires ............................... 213
Locks
Door............................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 54
Lubrication, Body....................... 269
Lumbar Support........................ 90
Maintenance Free Battery................. 266
Maintenance Procedures.................. 259
Maintenance Schedule................... 298
ScheduleA......................... 308
ScheduleB......................... 301
Malfunction Indicator Light............138,257
Manual, Service........................ 317
Mini-Trip Computer..................... 141
Mirrors............................... 65
Automatic Dimming.................... 65
Electric Remote....................... 67
328 INDEX
Page 333 of 336

Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 239
Traction Control........................ 103
Trailer Towing......................... 239
Transmission.......................... 278
Automatic........................194,278
Fluid.............................. 296
Shifting............................ 194
Transmitter Battery Service................ 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 112
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 19
Transporting Pets........................ 56
Tread Wear Indicators................... 221
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 132
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 27
Turn Signals........................99,134
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 319
Universal Transmitter.................... 112
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 231
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 67
Variance, Compass...................... 144
Vehicle Certification Label................ 237Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading..................214,237,238
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Storage......................187,289
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 22
Video Entertainment System............... 168
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................... 262
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 242
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 316
Washer, Adding Fluid.................101,270
Washers, Windshield.................... 100
Washing Vehicle........................ 280
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 223
Wheel and Wheel Trim................... 281
Wheel Bearings........................ 279
Wind Buffeting......................27,119
Window Airbag.......................37,45
Window Fogging....................181,187
Windows.............................. 24
Power.............................. 24
Windshield Defroster.................180,185
INDEX 333
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