Page 258 of 344

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.
258 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 327 of 344

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 327
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Page 336 of 344

Liftgate............................... 26
Lights..............................58,92
Airbag.......................40,47,58,136
Anti-Lock........................... 139
Brake Assist Warning.................. 103
Brake Warning....................... 137
Bulb Replacement..................... 296
Courtesy/Reading..................... 92
Daytime Running...................... 95
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 94
Electronic Stability Program Indicator...... 101
Engine Temperature Warning............ 136
Fog .............................95,137
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 250
Headlight Switch...................... 94
Headlights........................... 94
High Beam Indicator................... 137
Illuminated Entry...................... 15
Instrument Cluster..................... 94
Interior.............................. 93
License............................. 301
Lights On Reminder.................... 95
Malfunction Indicator.................. 140Oil Pressure......................... 137
Reading............................ 107
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 137
Service..........................296,297
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . 140
Traction Control...................... 101
Turn Signal........................94,95
Voltage............................. 134
Load Leveling System................... 128
Loading Vehicle.....................235,236
Capacities........................... 236
Tires ............................... 211
Locks
Door............................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 53
Lubrication, Body....................... 276
Luggage Rack......................... 127
Lumbar Support........................ 87
Maintenance Free Battery................. 273
Maintenance Procedures.................. 267
Maintenance Schedule................... 306
336 INDEX
Page 341 of 344

Spinning............................ 218
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 219
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 241
Towing.............................. 237
Behind a Motor Home................. 247
Disabled Vehicle...................... 259
Guide.............................. 239
Recreational......................... 247
Weight............................. 239
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 247
Traction Control........................ 100
Trailer Towing......................... 237
Cooling System Tips................... 247
Hitches............................. 239
Minimum Requirements................ 242
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 241
Wiring............................. 244
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 239
Trailer Weight......................... 239
Transmission.......................... 286
Automatic........................192,286
Fluid.............................. 303
Shifting............................ 192Transmitter Battery Service................ 21
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 108
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 19
Transporting Pets........................ 56
Tread Wear Indicators................... 219
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 134
Turn Signals........................95,136
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 327
Universal Transmitter.................... 108
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 229
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 65
Variance, Compass...................... 144
Vehicle Certification Label................ 235
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading..................212,235,236
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Storage......................185,296
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 22
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................... 269
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 250
INDEX 341
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