2008 SATURN ASTRA air condition

Remove the valve cap from the
tire valve stem. Press the
tire gage rmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement.
If the cold tire ination pressure
matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no
further adjustment is necessary.
If the ination pressure is low,
add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you overll the tire, release air
by pushing on the metal stem
in the center of the tire valve.
Re-check the tire pressure with
the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps
back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by
keeping out dirt and moisture.High-Speed Operation
{CAUTION
Driving at high speeds, 100 mph
(160 km/h) or higher, puts an
additional strain on tires.
Sustained high-speed driving
causes excessive heat build up
and can cause sudden tire
failure. You could have a crash
and you or others could be
killed. Some high-speed rated
tires require ination pressure
adjustment for high speed
operation. When speed limits
and road conditions are such
that a vehicle can be driven at
high speeds, make sure the
tires are rated for high speed
operation, in excellent
condition, and set to the correct
cold tire ination pressure for
the vehicle load.If the vehicle has P205/55R16 size
tires, additional air pressure is
required when driving the vehicle at
speeds of 99 mph (158 km/h) or
higher. Set the cold tire ination
pressure to the maximum ination
pressure shown on the tire sidewall,
or 32 psi (220 kPa), whichever is
lower. See the example following.
Example:
The maximum load and ination
pressure is molded on the tire’s
sidewall, in small letters, near the
rim ange. It reads something
like this: Maximum load 710 kg
(1565 lbs) 350 kPa (51 psi) Max.
Press.
For this example, the cold tire
ination pressure for high-speed
driving should be set at 32 psi
(220 kPa).
Vehicle Service and Care 9-47
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Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and
wheel assembly, excluding the
spare tire. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in the
vehicle’s tires and transmit tire
pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning
light located in the instrument
panel cluster.The low tire pressure warning light
comes on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inated to
the correct ination pressure.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather
when the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.
This could be an early indicator that
the air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.
You must begin driving before the
TPMS system is operational.
TPMS sensors need to be installed
onto the full-size tire and wheel
assemblies, and the tires adjusted
to the manufacturers’ recommended
tire pressure amount.
A Tire and Load Information label is
attached to the vehicle, and shows
the size of the vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct
ination pressure for the tires when
they are cold. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 8-30, for anexample of the Tire and Load
Information label and its location on
the vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46.
The vehicle’s TPMS can warn you
about a low tire pressure condition
but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-51andTires
on page 9-38.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants
could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) sensors.
Sensor damage caused by
using a tire sealant is not covered
by your warranty. Do not use
liquid tire sealants.
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time
you replace one or more of the
TPMS sensors or rotate the
vehicle’s tires, the identication
codes are automatically learned by
the TPMS. This occurs within a
few moments of driving the vehicle
over 19 mph (31 km/h).
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When It Is Time for
New Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading,
and road conditions inuence
when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear when
the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the
spare tire, if the vehicle has one.
Multiple conditions affect how
fast this aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and ination pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out before
they degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-53
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Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on your
vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give
you the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
will not be necessary on a regular
basis. However, if you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle
pulling to one side or the other,
the alignment might need to
be checked. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels
might need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer/retailer for proper
diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked or badly rusted or corroded.
If the wheel bolts keep coming
loose, the wheel and wheel bolts
should be replaced. If the wheel
leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer/retailer if any of these
conditions exist.
Your dealer/retailer will know the
kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset and be
mounted the same way as the one
it replaces.If you need to replace any of the
wheels or wheel bolts, replace
them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will
be sure to have the right wheel
and wheel bolts for the vehicle.
{CAUTION
Using the wrong replacement
wheels or wheel bolts on your
vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle, make
the tires lose air and make you
lose control of the vehicle. You
could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel
and wheel bolts for replacement.
9-58 Vehicle Service and Care
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page 9-80. 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.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm)
to the surface of the vehicle.
Use of power washers exceeding
1,200 psi (8 274 kPa) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.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 “Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Index of the “Maintenance and
Warranty and Owner assistance
Information” manual.
Wheels and Trim — Aluminum
or Chrome
Your vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft
clean cloth with mild soap and water.
Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean
towel. A wax may then be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and
other chrome trim may be
damaged if you do not wash your
vehicle after driving on roads
that have been sprayed withmagnesium, calcium or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions
such as ice and dust. Always
wash your vehicle’s chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Notice:If you use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, you
could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty.
Use only approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.
The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of your
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because you could damage
the surface. Do not use chrome
polish on aluminum wheels.
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Notice:Using chrome polish on
aluminum wheels could damage
the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
Use chrome polish on chrome
wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on
chrome-plated wheels, but avoid
any painted surface of the wheel,
and buff off immediately after
application.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle
through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, you could
damage the aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. The repairs
would not be covered by your
warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes.Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked
with windshield washer uid or
a mild detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when cleaning
the blades. Bugs, road grime,
sap, and a buildup of vehicle
wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the
wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper
removal
Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush
with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on your
vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced
to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining
the vehicle warranty.
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Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the nish should be
repaired right away. Bare metal will
corrode quickly and may develop
into major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be
repaired with touch-up materials
available from your dealer/retailer.
Larger areas of nish damage
can be corrected in your dealer’s/
retailer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow
removal and dust control can collect
on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can
develop on the underbody parts such
as fuel lines, frame, oor pan, and
exhaust system even though they
have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, ush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Clean any areas
where mud and debris can collect.
Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before
being ushed. Your dealer/retailer
or an underbody car washing
system can do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric
conditions can create a chemical
fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall
upon and attack painted surfaces on
the vehicle. This damage can take
two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job
causes this, we will repair, at no
charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this
fallout condition within 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of
purchase, whichever occurs rst.
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Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. See “Fluids and Lubricants” in the
index of the “Limited Warranty, Maintenance and Owner Assistance Information” manual.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Cooling System Automatic Transmission 6.2 qt 5.9 L
Manual Transmission 7.3 qt 6.9 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.8 qt 4.5 L
Fuel Tank 11.9 gal 45.0 L
Transmission Fluid Automatic Transmission 4.2 qt 4.0 L
Manual Transmission 1.6 qt 1.5 L
Wheel Bolt Torque 81 lb ft 110 Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual.
10-2 Technical Data
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