2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Owners 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.
After the compact spare tire is put on the vehicle, store
the at tire in the trunk. Use the following procedure
to secure it in the trunk. When storing a full-size tire, use
the extension and protector/guide, located in the foam
holder, to help avoid wheel surface damage.To store a full-size tire:
1. Install the tools in their original location in the trunk
area and secure.
2. Place the tire in the trunk with the valve stem facing
down, and the protector/guide placed through a
wheel bolt hole.
3. Remove the protector and attach the retainer
securely.
4. Place the protector/guide back in the foam holder
when putting the compact spare back in the trunk.
Store the cover as far forward as possible.
The compact spare tire is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as possible. SeeCompact Spare Tire on
page 5-109for more information. Use the following as a
guide for storing the compact spare tire and tools.
5-107

A. Retainer
B. Cover
C. Compact Spare Tire
D. Nut
E. Jack
F. Wheel Wrench
G. Extension and
Protective Guide
H. Foam Holder
I. Bolt ScrewA. Retainer
B. Spare Tire
C. Protector
D. Bolt Extension
E. Nut
F. Jack
G. Wheel Wrench
H. Foam Holder
I. Bolt Screw
Compact Spare Tire
Full-Sized Spare Tire
5-108

Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inated when
the vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the ination pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure the
spare tire is correctly inated. The compact spare is
made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h)
for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can
nish your trip and have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced where you want. You must calibrate the tire
ination monitor system, if your vehicle has this feature,
after installing or removing the compact spare. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-71. The system may
not work correctly when the compact spare is installed on
the vehicle. Of course, it’s best to replace the spare with a
full-size tire as soon as you can. The spare will last longer
and be in good shape in case you need it again.
Notice:When the compact spare is installed, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare can get
caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and
wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They will not t. Keep the
spare tire and its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains will not t your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on
your compact spare.
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if it is
cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and dirt
can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular
vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from
your upholstery. It is important to keep your upholstery
from becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils should
be removed as quickly as possible. Your vehicle’s interior
may experience extremes of heat that could cause stains
to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home furnishings may also
transfer color to your vehicle’s interior.
5-109

When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners
specically designed for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass
cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.
Notice:If you use abrasive cleaners when cleaning
glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could scratch
the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window
defogger. When cleaning the glass on your vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents that may become
concentrated in your vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety
instructions on the label. While cleaning your vehicle’s
interior, maintain adequate ventilation by opening your
vehicle’s doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs
using a small brush with soft bristles.Your dealer/retailer has a product for cleaning your
vehicle’s glass. Should it become necessary, you can
also obtain a product from your dealer/retailer to remove
odors from your vehicle’s upholstery.
Do not clean your vehicle using:
A knife or any other sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
A stiff brush. It can cause damage to your vehicle’s
interior surfaces.
Heavy pressure or aggressive rubbing with a
cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage
your interior and does not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
Laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that streaks and
attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops per
gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide. Use only
mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Too much cleaner that saturates the upholstery.
Organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc. that
can damage your vehicle’s interior.
5-110

Fabric/Carpet
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic, and painted surfaces
with a clean, damp cloth.
Your dealer/retailer has cleaners for the cleaning of
fabric and carpet. They will clean normal spots and
stains very well.
If the vehicle has the Ultra Lux
®suede fabric, follow the
listed procedures except do not use any solvents or dry
cleaning products.
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can, before
they set.
Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are
stubborn.
To avoid forming a ring on fabric after spot cleaning,
clean the entire area immediately or it will set.Most stains can be removed with club soda water.
To clean, use the following instructions:
1. For liquids: blot with a clean, soft white cloth.
For solids: remove as much as possible and
then vacuum or brush.
2. Apply club soda water to a clean, soft white cloth.
Do not over-saturate; the cloth should not
drip water.
3. Clean the entire area. Avoid getting the fabric
too wet.
4. Start cleaning from the seams into the stain to
avoid a ring effect.
5. Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth
each time it becomes soiled.
6. When the stain is removed, blot the cleaned area
with another dry clean, soft white cloth.
5-111

Using Cleaner on Fabric
1. First, try the cleaner in an inconspicuous area to
make sure the cleaner does not affect the color of
the fabric.
2. For liquids: blot the stain with a clean, soft
white cloth.
For solids: remove as much as possible and then
vacuum or brush.
3. Spray a small amount of the cleaner onto a clean,
soft white cloth. Do not apply spray directly to
the fabric.
4. Start cleaning from the seams into the stain to
avoid a ring effect.
5. Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth
each time it becomes soiled.
6. When the stain is removed, blot the cleaned area
with another dry clean, soft white cloth.
7. If the cleaner leaves a ring effect, follow up with the
club soda water instructions given earlier in this
section.
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee, tea,
milk, fruit, fruit juice, jelly, cheese, chocolate, vomit,
urine, and blood can be removed using the club soda
water instructions given earlier in this section.If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the
area with a water and baking soda solution: 1 teaspoon
(5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm
water. Let dry.
Stains caused by oil and grease can be cleaned with an
approved GM cleaner and a clean, white cloth.
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. Clean with cool water and allow to dry completely.
3. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner instructions
described earlier.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water can be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a
soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be
used. Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use heat
to dry. Never use steam to clean leather. Never use spot
lifters or spot removers on leather. Many commercial
leather cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve
and protect leather may permanently change the
appearance and feel of your leather and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to clean
your vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner. Never use shoe polish on leather.
5-112

Ultra Lux Suede
Cleaning Ultra Lux Suede
Use a mild solution of lukewarm water and a neutral
dish soap on a soft cloth or sponge. For the following
stains, follow these instructions:
Coffee, Tea, and Milk:Blot with a clean, soft, white
cloth. Then clean with mild soapy water and a clean
white cloth.
Cosmetics:Clean with mild soapy water and a clean
white cloth.
Jelly, Syrup, and Fruit:Remove most of the solids,
then clean with warm tap water and a clean white cloth.
Oil and Grease:Sprinkle baking soda on the spot,
brush, then wipe with a clean white cloth.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a
clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can
be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use spot
lifters or removers on plastic surfaces. Many commercial
cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve and
protect soft plastic surfaces may permanently change the
appearance and feel of your interior and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to clean
your vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on your
instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reections in the windshield and even make it
difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.
5-113

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. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s nish is to keep
it clean by washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain chemicals that can
damage the emblems or nameplates on your
vehicle. Check the cleaning product label. If it states
that it should not be used on plastic parts, do not use
it on your vehicle or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Use a car
washing soap. Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain acid or abrasives, as
they can damage the paint, metal or plastic on your
vehicle. Approved cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance
Materials on page 5-118. Follow all manufacturers’
directions regarding correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after to
remove all cleaning agents completely. If they are
allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain.
5-114