2008 PONTIAC VIBE mirror

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 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.
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 the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If you do
not have 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.
4-11

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving
because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by
fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because your headlamps can only
light up so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect
your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower
in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or owing
water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through owing water could
cause your vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle occupants
could drown. Do not ignore police warnings
and be very cautious about trying to drive
through owing water.
4-12

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 5-49.
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?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
4-13

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll 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 the trailer hitch, platform 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.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good
deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your 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 your
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’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
4-31

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The fuse block is located underneath the instrument
panel on the driver side of the vehicle.
Fuses Usage
TAILFront Parking Lamps, Taillamps,
License Plate Lamps, Instrument
Panel Lights, Engine Control System
OBD On-Board Diagnostic System
Empty Not Used
P/W Power Windows
WIPER Windshield Wipers
AM2Charging System, Air Bag System,
Starter System, Engine Control
Fuses Usage
STOPStop Lamps, CHMSL,
Engine Control System,
Anti-lock Brakes, Cruise Control
DOOR Power Door Locks, Liftglass Lock
AM1Cigarette Lighter, Gauge, ECU-IG,
Wiper, Rear Wiper, Washer Fuses
Empty Not Used
ECU-IGCruise Control, Anti-lock Brakes,
Theft Deterrent System, Automatic
Transmission Control System,
Electric Cooling Fan
RR WIPERRear Window Wiper,
Rear Window Defogger
A/C Air Conditioning
INV Power Outlets
P/POINT Power Outlets
ECU-B Daytime Running Lamps
CIGCigarette Lighter, Power
Rearview Mirrors, Power Outlets,
Audio System, Automatic
Transmission Control System
5-92

M
Maintenance, Replacement Parts......................5-96
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-12
At Least Once a Month................................6-13
At Least Once a Year..................................6-14
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-13
Brake System Inspection..............................6-18
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-18
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-17
Fuel System Inspection................................6-18
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-12
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-17
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-19
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-21
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-17Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Throttle System Inspection............................6-18
Using.......................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-36
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-26
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Manual Windows............................................2-12
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-33
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-35
Outside Remote Control Mirrors.....................2-34
MP3 .............................................................3-58
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-17
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
8

O
Odometer......................................................3-27
Odometers, Trip..............................................3-27
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-10
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-38
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-17
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-35
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-22
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-18
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-35
Remote Controls Mirrors...............................2-34
Overdrive Off.................................................2-25
Overdrive Off Light..........................................3-39
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-88
Panic Brake Assist............................................ 4-7
Park Brake....................................................2-27
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-31
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-12
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-17
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-19
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-21
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-30
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-23
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-59
Passing.........................................................4-10
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,
California..................................................... 5-4
9

Power
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-91
Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current.................3-18
Steering Fluid.............................................5-33
Windows....................................................2-13
Privacy..........................................................7-16
Event Data Recorders..................................7-16
Navigation System.......................................7-17
OnStar.......................................................7-17
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-17
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-26
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy......7-17
Radios..........................................................3-42
Radio(s)........................................................3-44
Radios
Reception...................................................3-63
Setting the Time..........................................3-43
Reading Lamps..............................................3-17
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System.................2-42
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-9
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-8
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-41Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper.........................3-10
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-34
Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®...........................2-33
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-25
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-73
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-71
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-48
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................5-96
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-14
General Motors...........................................7-14
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-66
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-67
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-19
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................5-97
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-32
10