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The low tire pressure warning light on the
instrument panel cluster, and the CHECK TIRE
PRESS message displays at each ignition
cycle until the tires are in ated to the correct
in ation pressure. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays
seeDIC Operation and Displays on page 180and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 182.
The tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are getting low and
need to be in ated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to
your vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and the correct in ation
pressure for your vehicle’s tires when they
are cold. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 242,
for an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on your vehicle.
Also seeIn ation - Tire Pressure on page 304.Your vehicle’s TPMS system can warn you about
a low tire pressure condition but it does not
replace normal tire maintenance. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on page 310andTires on
page 298.
Notice:Your vehicle has a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). Use only the
GM-provided tire sealant. Other liquid tire
sealants may damage the tire pressure
sensors.
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more
of the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable.
See your Saturn retailer for service if all TPMS
sensors are installed and the TPMS error message
comes on and stays on.
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Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires
as soon as possible and check wheel alignment.
Also check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen
It Is Time for New Tires on page 311andWheel
Replacement on page 316for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The
rst rotation is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance” for additional information.When rotating your tires, always use the correct
rotation pattern shown here.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear in ation pressures as shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 242, for an example of
the tire and loading information label and
its location on your vehicle.
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Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Speci cations.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause a crash. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt
from places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if
you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle loading,
and road conditions in uence when you need
new tires.
One way to tell when it
is time for new tires is
to check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread
remaining.
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You need new tires if any of the following
statements are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more
places around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through
the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or
snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage
that cannot be repaired well because of the
size or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over time. This is
true for the spare tire as well, even if it is not being
used. Multiple conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including temperatures, loading
conditions, and in ation pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance tires will
typically wear out before they degrade due to age.
If you are unsure about the need to replace
your tires as they get older, consult the tire
manufacturer for more information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched speci c tires for
your vehicle. The original equipment tires
installed on your vehicle, when it was new, were
designed to meet General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Speci cation (TPC spec)
system rating. If you need replacement tires, GM
strongly recommends that you get tires with
the same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that are designed to
give the same performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original tires.
GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers over
a dozen critical speci cations that impact the
overall performance of your vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire’s sidewall by the tire manufacturer.
If the tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC spec number will be followed by a MS,
for mud and snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling on
page 299for additional information.
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Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in
the nish should be repaired right away. Bare
metal will corrode quickly and may develop into
major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with
touch-up materials available from your Saturn
retailer. Larger areas of nish damage can
be corrected in your Saturn retailer’s body and
paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and
dust control can collect on the underbody. If these
are not removed, corrosion and rust can develop
on the underbody parts such as fuel lines,
frame, oor pan and exhaust system even though
they have corrosion protection.At least every spring, ush these materials from
the underbody with plain water. Clean any
areas where mud and debris can collect. Dirt
packed in close areas of the frame should
be loosened before being ushed. Your Saturn
retailer or an underbody car washing system can
do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can
create a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can
fall upon and attack painted surfaces on your
vehicle. This damage can take two forms: blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, we
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles
(20 000 km) of purchase, whichever occurs rst.
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Maintenance Schedule................................ 354
Introduction............................................... 354
Maintenance Requirements........................ 354
Your Vehicle and the Environment............ 354
Using the Maintenance Schedule............... 354
Scheduled Maintenance............................. 356
Additional Required Services..................... 359
Maintenance Footnotes.............................. 360Owner Checks and Services..................... 362
At Each Fuel Fill....................................... 362
At Least Once a Month............................. 362
At Least Once a Year............................... 363
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants........ 365
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ... 366
Engine Drive Belt Routing......................... 367
Maintenance Record.................................. 368
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
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Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level
and change as recommended.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, replacement parts, and
recommended uids and lubricants as
prescribed in this manual are necessary to
keep your vehicle in good working condition.
Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance might not be covered
by warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep
your vehicle in good working condition, but also
helps the environment. All recommended
maintenance is important. Improper vehicle
maintenance can even affect the quality of the air
we breathe. Improper uid levels or the wrong
tire in ation can increase the level of emissions
from your vehicle. To help protect our environment,
and to keep your vehicle in good condition, be
sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
Using the Maintenance Schedule
We at Saturn want to help you keep your vehicle
in good working condition. But we do not know
exactly how you will drive it. You may drive
very short distances only a few times a week. Or
you may drive long distances all the time in
very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle
in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to
work, to do errands, or in many other ways.
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Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may
need more frequent checks and replacements. So
please read the following and note how you
drive. If you have any questions on how to keep
your vehicle in good condition, see your Saturn
retailer.
This schedule is for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits. You will nd these limits
on the Tire and Loading Information label.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 242.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within
legal driving limits.
use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline
Octane on page 255.
The services inScheduled Maintenance on
page 356should be performed when indicated.
SeeAdditional Required Services on page 359and
Maintenance Footnotes on page 360for further
information.
{CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a
vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do
some jobs, you can be seriously injured.
Do your own maintenance work only if
you have the required know-how and the
proper tools and equipment for the job. If
you have any doubt, see your retailer to
have a quali ed technician do the work.
SeeDoing Your Own Service Work on
page 254.
Some maintenance services can be complex. So,
unless you are technically quali ed and have
the necessary equipment, you should have your
Saturn retailer do these jobs.
When you go to your Saturn retailer for your
service needs, you will know that Saturn-trained
and supported service technicians will perform the
work using genuine Saturn parts.
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