
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through
the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed.
Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 385.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more
effective than braking. For example, you come
over a hill and nd a truck stopped in your lane,
or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or
a child darts out from between parked cars and
stops right in front of you. You can avoid
these problems by braking — if you can stop in
time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room.
That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies
like these. First, apply the brakes. SeeBraking
on page 334. It is better to remove as much speed
as you can from a possible collision. Then steer
around the problem, to the left or right depending
on the space available.An emergency like this requires close attention
and a quick decision. If you are holding the
steering wheel at the recommended 9 and
3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full
180 degrees very quickly without removing either
hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly,
and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you
have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are
always possible is a good reason to practice
defensive driving at all times and wear safety
belts properly.
341

3. When the chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the
chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often
when you’re pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 502for more information.
Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission uid
(don’t over ll), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive
belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of
these is covered in this manual, and the Index will
help you nd them quickly. If you’re trailering,
it’s a good idea to review this information before
you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
381

Buying New Tires...................................... 450
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 452
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 453
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 454
Wheel Replacement.................................. 454
Tire Chains............................................... 456
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 457
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 458
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 459
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire....................................... 463
Secondary Latch System........................... 468
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 472
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 477
Appearance Care........................................ 478
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 478
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 480
Leather...................................................... 481
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 481
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 482
Weatherstrips............................................ 482
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 482
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 483Finish Care............................................... 483
Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades......................................... 484
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim................................................ 484
Tires......................................................... 485
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 486
Finish Damage.......................................... 486
Underbody Maintenance............................ 486
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 486
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 487
Vehicle Identi cation.................................. 488
Vehicle Identi cation Number (VIN)........... 488
Service Parts Identi cation Label............... 488
Electrical System........................................ 489
High Voltage Devices and Wiring.............. 489
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 489
Windshield Wiper Fuses............................ 490
Power Windows and Other
Power Options....................................... 490
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 490
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................... 490
Underhood Fuse Block.............................. 493
Capacities and Speci cations.................... 497
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
384

(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.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
439

{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose
control while driving. If you mix tires of
different sizes, brands, or types (radial
and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a
crash. Using tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may also cause damage
to your vehicle. Be sure to use the correct
size, brand, and type of tires on all
wheels. It is all right to drive with your
compact spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on your vehicle.
SeeCompact Spare Tire on page 477.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle,
the wheel rim anges could develop
cracks after many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing
a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the
wheels on your vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those
that do not have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load range,
speed rating, and construction type (radial and
bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s original tires.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on
the Tire and Loading Information label. This label
is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar).
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 361, for
more information about the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on your vehicle.
451

Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you
do, it may severely weaken them. In a
crash, they might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Clean safety belts
only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During
very cold, damp weather frequent application may
be required. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 511.
Washing Your Vehicle
The paint nish on the vehicle provides beauty,
depth of color, gloss retention, and durability.
The best way to preserve the vehicle’s nish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the
sun. Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong
soaps or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the
vehicle well, removing all soap residue completely.
Approved cleaning products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance
Materials on page 487. Do not use cleaning agents
that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or
abrasives. All cleaning agents should be ushed
promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or
they could stain. Avoid using hard brushes during
cleaning. It may damage your vehicle’s nish. Dry
the nish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton
towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter the vehicle. Avoid using high pressure
washes closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to the
surface of the vehicle.
482

Maintenance Schedule................................ 500
Introduction............................................... 500
Maintenance Requirements........................ 500
Your Vehicle and the Environment............ 500
Using the Maintenance Schedule............... 501
Scheduled Maintenance............................. 502
Additional Required Services..................... 504
Maintenance Footnotes.............................. 506Owner Checks and Services..................... 507
At Each Fuel Fill....................................... 508
At Least Once a Month............................. 508
At Least Once a Year............................... 509
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants........ 511
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..... 512
Engine Drive Belt Routing......................... 513
Maintenance Record.................................. 514
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
499