2009 SAAB 9-3 flat tire

250 Car care
Loading Your VehicleThis is an example of what your vehicle´s
Tire-Loading Information/Certification label
might look like. It is located on the B-pillar
and shows how much weight your vehicle
may properly carry. The label tells you the
proper size, and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It
also gives you important information about
the number of people that can be in your
vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle
Capacity Weight, and includes the weight of
all occupants, cargo and all nonfac-
tory-installed options.
Tire Terminology and DefinitionsAir Pressure: The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilo pascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight: This means the com-
bined weight of optional accessories, for
example, automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire´s
height to its width.
Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other rein-
forcing materials.
Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the
ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at
alternate angles substantially less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Inflation Pressure: The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or ki lo pascal (kPa), before
a tire has built up heat from driving. See
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 240.
Curb weight: This means the weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant, without passengers
and cargo.
This label can only be found on vehicles
sold in the U.S.
Vehicles sold in Canada have the tire
information label in the glove box, see
page 292.
TIN-codea Manufacturer´s Identification Mark
b Tire Size
c Tire Type Code
d Date of Manufacture93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm
Page 250 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

251
Car care
DOT Markings: A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation motor vehicle safety stan-
dards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an alphanu-
meric designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant, brand
and date of production.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see
page 285.
GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the front axle, see page 285.
GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the rear axle, see page 285.
Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of
an asymmetrical tire that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilo pascal (kPa): The metric unit for air
pressure. There are 6.9 kPa to one psi.
Light Truck (LT -Metric) Tire: A tire used
on light duty trucks and some multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load Index: An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire. Maximum Load rating:
The load rating for
a tire at the maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The
sum of curb weight; a ccessory weight; vehi-
cle capacity weight; and production options
weight.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pres-
sure: The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which a tire may be inflated.
Normal occupant weight: The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat mul-
tiplied by 150 pounds (68 kg). See “Loading
Your Vehicle” on page 250.
Occupant Distribution: Designated seat-
ing positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of a
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side
that faces outward when mounted on a vehi-
cle. The side of the tire that contains a white-
wall bears white letter ing or bears manufac-
turer, brand and or model name molding on
the other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks
and multipurpose vehicles. Recommended Inflation Pressure:
Vehi-
cle manufacturer´s recommended tire infla-
tion pressure shown on the tire placard, see
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 240 and
“Loading Your Vehicle” on page 250.
Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to the beads are
laid at substantially 90 degrees to the cen-
terline of the tread.
Rim: A metal support for a tire or a tire and
tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the
tread and the bead.
Speed rating: An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the maximum
speed at which a tire can operate.
Traction: The friction between the tire and
the road surface. The amount of grip pro-
vided.
Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands,
sometimes called “wear bars”, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
2/32 inch of tread remains. See “When It Is
Time for New Tires” on page 242.93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 251 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

252 Car careTread Width: The width of the tire´s tread.
UTQGS: Uniform Tire Quality Grade Stan-
dards, a tire information system that pro-
vides consumers with ratings for a tire´s
traction, temperature and treadwear. Rat-
ings are determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing procedures. The
rating are molded into the sidewall of the
tire. See “Uniform Tire Quality Grading” on
page 244.
Vehicle Capacity Weight: Is the number of
designated seating positions multiplied by
150 pounds (68 kg) plus the rated cargo
load. See “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 250.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: Load
on an individual tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant weight and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard: A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing original
equipment tire size and the recommended
cold inflation pressure. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” on page 250.
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit1 Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed
XXX pounds” on your vehicle´s
placard.
2 Determine the combined weight of the driver and pa ssengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3 Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4 The resulting figure equals the avail- able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5x150) =
650 lbs.). 5 Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
6 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 252 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

253
Car care
Winter tiresWinter (snow) tires are recommended for
winter climates where the majority of your
driving will be done on snow and ice. Winter
tires should be fitted to all four wheels to
maintain a proper balance. Your Saab
dealer can advise you of to the correct size
tire for your car (if different from the original
size) and also supply Saab approved winter
tires pre-mounted on steel or alloy rims.
Winter tires normally use a different speed
rating compared to summer/all season tires.
Make sure not to exce ed the stated speed
rating on the tires you use.
Make sure that wheels with sensors for tire
pressure monitoring are fitted during
replacement if the car has automatic tire
pressure monitoring.Tire date codeTires should be regarded as perishable
goods. As the tires age, the rubber becomes
progressively harder, and the road holding
ability of the tires diminishes. This is partic-
ularly true on winter tires.
Tires have a code that specifies their date of
manufacture. The first two digits denote the
week number and the last two digits the year
followed by a filled triangle.
Automatic tire pressure
monitoring systemThe system consists of a sensor in each
wheel and a common receiver. The sensors
are located inside the tire in direct connec-
tion with the air pressure valves.
Make sure that wheels with sensors for tire
pressure monitoring are fitted during
replacement if the car has automatic tire
pressure monitoring.
The system will trigger a warning/alarm if
the spare wheel is fitted because it has no
sensor. Tire pressure informa
tion is transmitted
wireless to the receiver.
The system checks the tire pressures when
speed exceeds 19 mph (30 km/h).
The system is self-programming which
means that the wheels can be shifted
around without any need for adjustment.
The sensor batteries last for 10 years or
around 160 000 km. The battery cannot be
replaced. The whole sensor must be
replaced.
WARNING
The system is an aid to the driver. The
driver always has the responsibility that
the tires have the correct air pressure.
For optimum safety, economy and com-
fort tire pressures should be checked reg-
ularly even if the automatic tire pressure
monitoring has not alarmed.
NOTICETire replacement must take place with
great care to avoid damaging the sensors
that are built together with the valves.
 Remove the rear side first, see page 255.
 Start to remove the tire opposite the valve.
 During removal the tire machine must not come closer than ±10° from the
valve.
 During fitting, start 20° after the valve and finish 20° before the valve.
 Do not inflate the tire with pressure higher than 102 psi (700 kPa).
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 253 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

255
Car care
MalfunctionsThe above message is shown on the SID if:
 Wheel without pressure sensor has been
fitted (e.g. spare wheel)
 One or more pressure sensors are broken or missing
 A fault has arisen in the receiver
 A system error has arisen.
Removing a tireRemove the tire with a tire machine. It is
important to follow the instructions for the
tire machine as well.
Do not fit the tire tool in an area ±10° from
the valve
 Start removing opposite the valve
 Remove the rear side first.
Fitting a tireFit the tire with a tire machine. It is important
to follow the instructions for the tire machine
as well.
 Start to fit about 20° after the valve
 Finish fitting before an area 20° from the valve
Do not inflate the tire to a pressure higher
than 102 psi (700 kPa).
Tire pressure system
failure. Contact service.
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm
Page 255 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

258 Car careDriving with a compact wheel
fittedObserve the following when the compact
spare tire is fitted:
 The compact spare is light and easy to handle when changing a tire.
 Do not drive further than necessary with the compact spare fitted - the maximum
life of the tire is only just over 2,000 miles
(approx. 3,500 km).
 Refit the standard tire as soon as possi- ble.
 Fitting a spare tire/wheel without pressure sensor will trigger a malfunction
message, see page 255.
Important considerations when driving with
a compact spare tire:
 The car’s ground clearance is reduced.  The car must not be driven with more than
one compact spare tire at a time.
 Avoid driving against the curb.
 Do not use snow chains.
 Do not fit the wheel cover - this would conceal the warning text.
Changing a tire
WARNING
 Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). The
tire can overheat affecting the car’s
road holding.
 Tire pressure: refer to page 291.
 The spare tire or punctured tire must be stowed under the trunk floor, and
secured in place with the retaining nut.
WARNING
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. The jack provided with your
vehicle is designed only for changing a
flat tire. If it is used for anything else, you
or others could be badly injured or killed if
the vehicle slips off the jack. Use the jack
provided with your vehicle only for chang-
ing a flat tire.
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall on you or other people. You and
they could be badly injured or even killed.
Find a level place to change your tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1 Set the parking brake firmly.
2 If you have an automatic transmis- sion, put the shift lever in PARK (P).
For a manual transmission, leave the
car in gear (1st or REVERSE (R)).
3 Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4 Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 258 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

260 Car care1 Wind the jack up to a suitable height before placing it under the jacking point.
Each jacking point is indicated by an
arrow on the sill (see illustration).
Make sure that the jack fully engages the
jacking point in the underside of the sill
member and that the entire foot of the
jack is steady and flat on the ground. The
jack must not stand on snow, ice or sim-
ilar.
Wind up the jack until it just begins to lift
the car. 2 It is not necessary
to remove the wheel
cover.
If, none the less, you wish to remove the
wheel cover, take hold of the outer edge
and pull it straight out.
Remove the plastic wheel bolt covers.
Loosen the wheel bolts half a turn.
3 Wind the jack to raise the wheel clear of the ground. Remove the wheel bolts and
lift off the wheel.
Jacking points
Marking of jacking points
IB4529
Removing the plastic wheel bolt covers
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 260 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

262 Car care
Tire repair kit3
The tire repair kit re places the spare wheel.
The repair kit allows a punctured tire to be
temporarily repaired and reinflated without
needing to remove the wheel.
Minor damage to the tire, such as a foreign
object that has penetrated the tread, can be
temporarily repaired with the repair kit.
Do not remove the foreign object. Damage
larger than 0.16 in. (4 mm) and damage to
the sidewalls cannot be repaired with the
repair kit.
Follow the instructions supplied with the
repair kit carefully.
If the compressor sounds strange or
becomes abnormally hot, leave it switched
off for at least 30 minutes.
WARNING
Make sure no one can jog the gear lever,
for example, as the engine must be idling
when the tire is repaired. There is other-
wise a risk of personal injury.
Do not use the repair kit if:
 the damage to the tire is larger than 0.16 in. (4 mm).
 the wheel is damaged.
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) after
repairing one of the car tires with the
repair kit.
WARNING
Change the punctured tire as soon as
possible.
Replenish the repair kit at a workshop.
We recommend that you contact an
authorized Saab workshop. The canister
of sealant must be changed once every
four years. See the date on the canister.
The handling characteristics of the car
may be impaired.
Driving with a tire that is underinflated or
has a puncture can damage the tire in
such a way that it is not possible to repair
it with the sealant.
Tightening sequence, wheel bolts93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 262 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com