2008 PONTIAC G8 brakes

Accessories and
Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories are added to your
vehicle they can affect your vehicle’s
performance and safety, including
such things as, airbags, braking,
stability, ride and handling,
emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems
like antilock brakes, traction control
and stability control. Some of
these accessories could even cause
malfunction or damage not
covered by warranty.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on your vehicle. Your
GM dealer/retailer can accessorize
your vehicle using genuine GM
Accessories. When you go to yourGM dealer/retailer and ask for GM
Accessories, you will know that
GM-trained and supported service
technicians will perform the
work using genuine GM
Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-30.
California Proposition 65
Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems
(including some inside the vehicle),
many uids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained
in remote keyless entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-3
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood, this is what you will see:A. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block. See Engine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 9-35 .
B. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick. See Cooling System on
page 9-17 .
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine
Oil on page 9-8 .
D. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 9-8 .
E. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under Brakes
on page 9-24 .
F. Power Steering Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 9-21 .
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
on page 9-11 .
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 9-22 .
I. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 9-17 .
V6 Engine
9-6 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

A. Engine Compartment FuseBlock. See Engine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 9-35 .
B. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick. See Cooling System on
page 9-17 .
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 9-8 .
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Oil” under Engine Oil on
page 9-8 .
E. Power Steering Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 9-21 .
F. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under Brakes
on page 9-24 .
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-11 .
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 9-22 .
I. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 9-17 .
V8 Engine
Vehicle Service and Care 9-7
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is lled with DOT-4 brake uid.
There are only two reasons why the
brake uid level in the reservoir
might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an
acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings
are put in, the uid level goes
back up. The other reason is that
uid is leaking out of the brake
hydraulic system. If it is, have the
brake hydraulic system xed,
since a leak means that sooner or
later the brakes will not work well.It is not a good idea to top off the
brake uid. Adding brake uid
will not correct a leak. If uid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much uid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake uid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.{CAUTION
If your vehicle has too much
brake uid, it can spill on the
engine. The uid will burn if the
engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and
your vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake uid only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake uid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 4-16.
What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use
only DOT-4 brake uid. It is
recommended that you ush the
brake hydraulic system and rell it
with new DOT-4 uid at a regular
maintenance service every two
years. See “Additional Required
Services” in the Maintenance
Schedule. Use new brake uid from
a sealed container only. See
“Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Maintenance
Schedule.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION
With the wrong kind of uid in
the brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake uid.
9-24 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Notice:
Using the wrong uid can
badly damage brake hydraulic
system parts. For example,
just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system
parts so badly that they will
have to be replaced. Do not let
someone put in the wrong
kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake
uid on your vehicle. If you do,
wash it off immediately. See
Exterior Cleaning on page 9-94.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes. Disc
brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time your vehicle is
moving, except when you are
pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead
to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound,
have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent
brake pulsation. When tires are
rotated, inspect brake pads for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 10-2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-25
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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 the braking
system — for example, when the
brake linings wear down and
you need new ones put in — be
sure you get new approved
replacement parts. If you do not, the
brakes might not work properly.
For example, if someone puts
in brake linings that are wrong for
your vehicle, the balance between
the 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, see your
dealer/retailer for one that has the
replacement number shown on
the original battery’s label.
The battery is located in the trunk
behind a trim panel on the
driver’s side.
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
{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 9-80for tips
on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: If you drive your
vehicle infrequently, remove the
black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: For extended
storage of your vehicle, remove the
black, negative (−) cable from
the battery or use a battery trickle
charger. This will help maintain
the charge of the battery over an
extended period of time.
9-26 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Tire Terminology and
Denitions
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.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard
and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.DOT Markings
:A code
molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) motor
vehicle safety standards.
The DOT code includes the Tire
Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire
manufacturer, production
plant, brand, and date of
production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 8-28.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Loading the Vehicle on
page 8-28.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-43
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give
an inaccurate low-pressure warning
if non-TPC Spec rated tires are
installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC
Spec rated tires may give a
low-pressure warning that is higher
or lower than the proper warning
level you would get with TPC Spec
rated tires. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 9-49.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information Label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 8-28,
for more information about the
Tire and Loading Information Label
and its location on your vehicle.Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a
different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires,
this may affect the way your vehicle
performs, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover.
Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as, antilock
brakes, traction control, and
electronic stability control, the
performance of these systems can
be affected.
{CAUTION
If you add different sized
wheels, your vehicle may not
provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires
not recommended for those
wheels are selected. You may
increase the chance that you
will crash and suffer serious
injury. Only use GM specic
wheel and tire systems
developed for your vehicle, and
have them properly installed by
a GM certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 9-56
andAccessories and Modifications
on page 9-3for additional
information.
9-58 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual