2008 PONTIAC G8 ECU

19. Wipe off any sealant from the
wheel, tire or vehicle.
20. Dispose of the used sealant
canister at a local dealer/retailer
or in accordance with local
state codes and practices.
After using the sealant canister,
replace it with a new canister
available from your
dealer/retailer.
This is a temporary repair. Take
the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
to have the tire repaired or
replaced as soon as possible.Using the Air Compressor
without Sealant to Inate an
Underinated Tire
To use the air compressor to inate
a tire with air only and not sealant:
A. Air Compressor Accessory Plug
B. Air Compressor
C. Sealant Canister
D. Sealant/Air Hose
E. Air-only Hose
F. Pressure Gage
G. On/Off SwitchDo a safety check before
proceeding. SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat
on page 9-62.
To use the air compressor to inate
a tire with air only and not sealant:
1. Lift the lever and pull the air-only
hose (E) from the bottom of
the kit.
2. Remove the tire valve stem cap
from the at tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
3. Push the air-only hose (E) onto
the tire valve stem and push
the lever down to secure in place.
4. Plug the air compressor
accessory plug (A) into an
accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 4-9for
more information.
9-68 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools
Spare Tire
The equipment you will need is
located in the rear storage area.
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk
on page 2-10.
2. Pull the handle of the spare
wheel cover strap straight up and
secure to the trunk lid.3. Turn the retainer nut
counterclockwise and remove the
spare tire.
4. Place the spare tire next to the
tire being changed.
5. The jack and tools are stored
below the spare tire.
9-72 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools
{CAUTION
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle
could cause injury. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike
someone. Store all these in the
proper place.To store a at or spare tire and
tools, do the following:
A. Jack Handle
B. Nut Cap Tool
C. Wheel Wrench
D. Jack1. Replace the jack and tools as
shown.
2. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to
tighten.
3. Remove the wheel center cap by
pushing it from the back.
4. Place the at tire face up into the
spare tire hub.
5. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to
secure it into place.
6. Put the load oor back in place.
The compact spare tire is for
temporary use only. Replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as
soon as possible.
9-78 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
2,000 lbs (907 kg). But even
that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use
your rig. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your
vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can also depend on
any special equipment that you have
on your vehicle, and the amount
of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” later in this section for
more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
form the maximum trailer weight.You can ask your dealer/retailer for
our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at our
Customer Assistance Offices.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
on page 12-4for more information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total or gross
weight of your vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the
people who will be riding in the
vehicle. If you have a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo
in your vehicle, it will reduce
the tongue weight your vehicle can
carry, which will also reduce the
trailer weight your vehicle can tow.
And if you tow a trailer, you
must add the tongue load to the
GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 8-28
for more information about your
vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
If you are using a weight-carrying
hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 10 to 15 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you have loaded your
trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the
weights are proper. If they are not,
you may be able to get them
right simply by moving some items
around in the trailer.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-87
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that
the vehicle you are driving is now a
good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by
itself.
Before you start, check all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has electric brakes,
start your vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets
you check your electrical connection
at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
Towing with the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP®)
When towing, the sound of the ESP
modulator might be heard. The
ESP is reacting to the vehicle
movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as when driving
your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed up
ahead when you are towing a
trailer. And, because the vehicle is
longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. Then, to move
the trailer to the left, just move
that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move the hand to
the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause
the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. Your vehicle could
be damaged. Avoid making
very sharp turns while trailering.
When you are turning with a
trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer will
not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road
signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers.
Signal well in advance.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-89
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Owner Checks and
Services
These owner checks and services
should be performed at the intervals
specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission
control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once. Whenever
any uids or lubricants are added to
the vehicle, make sure they are
the proper ones, as shown in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these
underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check
the engine oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level. Failure
to keep the engine oil at the
proper level can cause damage to
the engine not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add
the proper oil if necessary. See
Engine Oil on page 9-8.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level
and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 9-13.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid
level in the windshield washer
uid reservoir and add the proper
uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make
sure they are inated to the correct
pressures. Do not forget to check the
spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46. Check to
make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
(V6 Engine) on page 9-71.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for
high mileage highway drivers prior to
the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for
wear and, if necessary, rotate the
tires. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 9-54.
Service and Maintenance 11-9
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

General Motors of Canada
also has a Mobility Program.
Call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483)
for details. TTY users call
1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance
Program
For vehicles purchased in the U.S.,
call1-800-ROADSIDE (762-3743);
(Text telephone (TTY):
1-888-889-2438).
For vehicles purchased in Canada,
call1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
As the owner of a new Pontiac
vehicle, you are automatically
enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside
Assistance program.
Who is Covered?
Roadside Assistance coverage is for
the vehicle operator, regardless of
ownership. In Canada, a person
driving this vehicle without the
consent of the owner is not eligible
for coverage.
Services Provided
The following services are provided
in the U.S. and Canada up to
5 years/100,000 miles (160 000 km),
whichever occurs rst, and, in
Canada only, up to a maximum
coverage of $100.
Fuel Delivery:Delivery of
enough fuel for the vehicle to get
to the nearest service station
(approximately $5 in Canada).
In Canada, service to provide
diesel may be restricted.
For safety reasons, propane and
other alternative fuels will not
be provided through this service.
Lock-out Service:Lock-out
service is covered at no charge if
you are unable to gain entry
into your vehicle. A remote
unlock may be available if you
have an active OnStar
®
subscription. To ensure security,
the driver must present
personal identication before
lock-out service is provided. In
Canada, the vehicle registration
is also required.
Emergency Tow From a Public
Roadway or Highway:Tow to
the nearest dealership for
warranty service or in the event
of a vehicle-disabling crash.
Winch-out assistance is provided
when the vehicle is mired in
sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Installation of
a spare tire in good condition,
when equipped and properly
inated, is covered at no charge.
The customer is responsible
for the repair or replacement of
the tire if not covered by a
warrantable failure.
12-6 Customer Information
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Jump Start:A battery jump start
is covered at no charge if the
vehicle does not start.
Trip Routing Service (Canada
only):Upon request, Roadside
Assistance will send you detailed,
computer personalized maps,
highlighting your choice of either
the most direct route or the most
scenic route to your destination,
anywhere in North America, along
with helpful travel information
pertaining to your trip.
Please allow three weeks before
your planned departure date.
Trip routing requests will be
limited to six per calendar year.
Trip Interruption Benets and
Assistance (Canada only):
In the event of a warranty related
vehicle disablement, while en
route and over 250 kilometres
from the original point of
departure, you may qualify fortrip interruption expense
assistance. This assistance
covers reasonable reimbursement
of up to a maximum of $500
(Canadian) for (A) meals
(maximum of $50/day),
(B) lodging (maximum of
$100/night) and (C) alternate
ground transportation (maximum
of $40/day). This benet is to
assist you with some of the
unplanned expense you may
incur while waiting for your vehicle
to be repaired.
Pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts and a copy of
the repair order are required.
Once authorization has been
given, your advisor will help
you make any necessary
arrangements and explain how to
claim for trip interruption expense
assistance.
Alternative Service (Canada
only):There may be times, when
Roadside Assistance cannot
provide timely assistance.
Your advisor may authorize
you to secure local emergency
road service, and you will be
reimbursed up to $100 upon
submission of the original receipt
to Roadside Assistance.
In many instances, mechanical
failures may be covered. However,
any cost for parts and labor for
non-warranty repairs are the
responsibility of the driver.
Pontiac and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to
limit services or reimbursement
to an owner or driver when, in their
sole discretion, the claims become
excessive in frequency or type
of occurrence.
Customer Information 12-7
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual