2008 PONTIAC SOLSTICE tire pressure

Brake Assist
If your vehicle has ESC with ABS, it also has a brake
assist feature that responds to emergency braking by
generating additional pressure and engaging the ABS.
When this happens, the brake pedal will feel easier to
push. Just hold the brake pedal down rmly and let the
system work for you. You might feel the brakes vibrate
or notice some noise, but this is normal. The brakes will
return to normal operation after the brake pedal is
released.
Brake assist cannot compensate for unsafe driving
practices and braking effectiveness, itself, depends
on the condition of the road, tires, and brakes and
vehicle mass.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the rear wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the rear brakes and reduces engine
power by closing the throttle and managing engine
spark to limit wheel spin.
If your vehicle has TCS, there is a ESC/TCS button
located on the instrument panel.
This light will ash when
your traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
4-6

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
remember: It helps to avoid only the acceleration skid.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
If you do not have TCS, or if the system is off, then
an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
the ESC might activate. SeeElectronic Stability
Control (ESC) on page 4-9.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety,
you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow
down when you have any doubt.
If you have your vehicle has Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) with the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
remember: ABS helps avoid only the braking skid.
If you do not have ESC with ABS, then in a braking skid,
where the wheels are no longer rolling, release enough
pressure on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again.
This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down
steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the
wheels are rolling, you will have steering control.
4-15

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up
under your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-51.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have up-to-date
maps?
4-17

Tire and Loading Information Label
A vehicle specic Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar)
of your vehicle. With the driver’s door open,
you will nd the label attached below the door
latch. This label shows the number of occupant
seating positions (A), and the maximum vehicle
capacity weight (B) in kilograms and pounds.The Tire and Loading Information label also shows
the size of the original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire ination pressures (D).
For more information on tires and ination see
Tires on page 5-51andInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-58.
There is also important loading information on the
vehicle Certication label. It tells you the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See “Certication Label” later in this
section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
Label Example
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Tires..............................................................5-51
Winter Tires.................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-55
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-58
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-59
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-61
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-65
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-67
Buying New Tires.........................................5-68
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-69
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-71
Wheel Replacement......................................5-72
Tire Chains..................................................5-74
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-75
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit....................5-76
Appearance Care............................................5-85
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-85
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-86
Leather.......................................................5-87
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-87
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-88Weatherstrips...............................................5-88
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-88
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-89
Finish Care..................................................5-89
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-90
Convertible Top............................................5-90
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim . . .5-91
Tires...........................................................5-91
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-92
Finish Damage.............................................5-92
Underbody Maintenance................................5-92
Chemical Paint Spotting
.................................5-92
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-93
Vehicle Identication......................................5-94
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-94
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-94
Electrical System............................................5-95
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-95
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-95
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-95
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-95
Floor Console Fuse Block..............................5-96
Underhood Fuse Block..................................5-97
Capacities and Specications........................5-101
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your vehicle Warranty
booklet for details. For additional information
refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet included
with your vehicle’s Owner Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much exing. You could have an
air-out and a serious accident. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-24.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting accident could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be checked when
your vehicle’s tires are cold. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-58.
Overinated tires are more likely
to be cut, punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact — such as when
you hit a pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or
if your vehicle’s tires have been
damaged, replace them.
5-51

Low-Prole Tires
If your vehicle has P245/45R18 size tires, they
are classied as low-prole tires. These tires
are designed for very responsive driving on wet
or dry pavement. You may also notice more
road noise with low-prole performance tires
and that they tend to wear faster.
Notice:If your vehicle has low-prole tires,
they are more susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than standard prole
tires. Tire and/or wheel assembly damage can
occur when coming into contact with road
hazards like, potholes, or sharp edged objects,
or when sliding into a curb. Your vehicle
warranty does not cover this type of damage.
Keep tires set to the correct ination pressure
and, when possible avoid contact with curbs,
potholes, and other road hazards.
Winter Tires
If your vehicle has P245/45R18 size tires, they
are classied as low-prole performance tires.
These tires are designed for very responsive
driving on wet or dry pavement. If you expect
to drive on snow or ice covered roads often,
you may want to get winter tires for your vehicle.The low-prole performance tires may not offer the
traction you would like or the same level of performance
as winter tires on snow or ice covered roads.
Winter tires, in general, are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice covered roads. With winter
tires, there may be decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter tire tread life. After
switching to winter tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
See your dealer/retailer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also, seeBuying
New Tires on page 5-68.
If you choose to use winter tires:
Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all
four wheel positions.
Use only radial ply tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating as the original
equipment tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your original
equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W, Y,
and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose winter tires with
a lower speed rating, never exceed the tire’s maximum
speed capability.
5-52

(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on three performance factors:
treadwear, traction and temperature resistance.
For more information seeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-70.
(G) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit
:Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger (p-metric) vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P
as the rst character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U. S. Tire and Rim Association.(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 certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certied to carry
a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
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