
179 Starting and driving
Driving with a roof rack
loadThe maximum permissible roof load is
220 lbs. (100 kg).
Note that the roof load is included in the
car’s maximum permissible load (see
page 258).
Strong, sturdy roof carriers3 designed spe-
cially for the car are available from your
Saab dealer. Always secure the roof load
safely.
Driving with a loadThe driving characteristics of the car are
affected by the way it is loaded.
Place heavy loads as far forward and as
low as possible in the trunk.
Secure the load to the tie downs, see
page 131.
The load should be such that the car´s
total weight or axle weight are not
exceeded, see page 258.
Heavy loads mean that the car’s center of
gravity is further back. As a result, the car
will sway more during evasive steering.
Never exceed the permissible load in the
roof box3, even if there is room for more.
Ensure that the tire pressure is correct –
slight overinflation is preferable to under-
inflation.
The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance from
the vehicle in front.
Roof loads can negatively affect tele-
communication.
Tire pressure, see page 263.
Additional information on tires, see page
220.
WARNING
A roof load will affect the car’s center
of gravity and aerodynamics. Be
aware of this when cornering and driv-
ing in crosswinds.
Suit your speed to the prevailing con-
ditions.
Due to higher aerodynamic drag, fuel
economy may suffer when driving with
a roof rack.95_US_MY09.book Page 179 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM
ProCarManuals.com

229 Car care and technical information
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 kilopascal (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 kilopascal (kPa), before
a tire have built up heat from driving. See
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 220.
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.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 258.
GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the front axle, see page 258.
GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the rear axle, see page 258.
Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of
an asymmetrical tire that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (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. This label can only be found on vehicles
sold in the U.S.
Vehicles sold in Canada have the tire
information label in the glovebox, see
page 264.
95_US_MY09.book Page 229 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM
ProCarManuals.com

230 Car care and technical informationMaximum 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; accessory 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-
tipled by 150 pounds (68 kg). See “Loading
Your Vehicle” on page 229.
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 lettering 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 label, see
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 220 and
“Loading Your Vehicle” on page 229.
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 222.Tread 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 224.
Vehicle Capacity Weight: Is the number of
designated seating positions multipled by
150 pounds (68 kg) plus the rated cargo
load. See “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 229.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: Load
on an individual tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant weight and
cargo weight.
Vehicle label: A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing original
equipment tire size and the recommended
cold inflation pressure. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” on page 229.95_US_MY09.book Page 230 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM
ProCarManuals.com

231 Car care and technical information
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
label.
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 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.
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 exceed 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 roadholding
ability of the tires diminishes. This is partic-
ularly true on winter tires.
Tires now have a date-code marking for the
year of manufacture. The first two digits
denote the week number and the two last
digits the year followed by a filled triangle.Tire direction of rotationThe direction of rotation is important for the
majority of tires. These tires have a marking
on the side of the tire. The marking may
state "Tire rotation" together with an arrow
or the text "Facing out". The tire must rotate
in the same direction for its entire service
life.
95_US_MY09.book Page 231 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM
ProCarManuals.com

258 SpecificationsGeneral Overall length, including bumpers:
9-5 Sedan _______________________ 190.4 in (4836 mm)
9-5 SportCombi __________________ 190.6 in (4841 mm)
Overall width, including door mirrors ____ 80.4 in (2042 mm)
Maximum height:
9-5 Sedan _______________________ 57.3 in (1454 mm)
9-5 SportCombi __________________ 57.7 in (1465 mm)
Wheelbase _______________________ 106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground clearance at gross vehicle weight approx. 4.6 in
(116 mm)
Tr a c k :
Front __________________________ 59.9 in (1522 mm) *)
Rear ___________________________ 60.2 in (1528 mm) *)
Turning circle (curb to curb) ___________ 37.1 ft (11.3 m)
Turning circle (measured at vehicle extremi-
ties) _____________________________ 39.0 ft (11.9 m)
Number of seats (incl. driver) _________ 5
*) Specified track applies to wheel sizes: 6.5 x 16
VIN on cars sold in
USAVIN on cars sold in CanadaPermissible load (in addition to driver) = GVW minus curb weight
The maximum permissible axle load, front or rear, must not be exceeded.
The maximum permissible axle load, front or rear, must not be exceeded. Chassis number in engine bay
Weight ready for driving (i.e. with full fuel
tank, washer-fluid reservoir, standard tools
and spare wheel) ____________________ 3450–3760 lbs.
(1565–1705 kg)
Gross vehicle weight (GVW) ___________ 4390–4700 lbs.
(1990–2130 kg)
Maximum axle load:
Front ___________________________ 2590 lbs. (1175 kg)
Rear, 9-5 Sedan ___________________ 2310 lbs. (1050 kg)
Rear, 9-5 SportCombi ______________ 2480 lbs. (1125 kg)
Weight distribution:
Curb weight, front/rear ______________ 60/40 %
GVW, front/rear ___________________ 50/50 %
Maximum roof load __________________ 220 lbs. (100 kg)
Maximum luggage compartment load§ ___ 176 lbs. (80 kg)
Maximum combined load, luggage
compartment and roof ________________ 264 lbs. (120 kg)
95_US_MY09.book Page 258 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM
ProCarManuals.com

259 Specifications
Trailer
Luggage compartment
Luggage compartment, length, 9-5 Sedan:
Rear seat upright _________________ 43.0 in (1092 mm)
Rear seat folded down _____________ 67.5 in (1714 mm)
Luggage compartment, length,
9-5 SportCombi:
Rear seat upright _________________ 42.8 in (1087 mm)
Rear seat folded __________________ 68.2 in (1732 mm)
WARNING
The GVW and maximum axle loads must not be exceeded.
Note that if some accessories (e.g. towbar, CD changer) are
fitted, the available load capacity is reduced by the weight of
these.
When carrying a load in the luggage compartment, make sure
that it is tied down securely, particularly when part or all of the
rear seat is folded down.
Maximum towing speed:
Trailer with brakes _________________ 60 mph (100 km/h)
Trailer without brakes _______________ Local restrictions
apply
Maximum weight:
Trailer with brakes _________________ 3500 lbs (1588 kg)
Trailer without brakes ______________ 1000 lbs (450 kg)
Maximum load on ball hitch __________ 110–165 lbs
(50–75 kg)
The above speed and weight restrictions are those specified by
Saab Automobile AB.
Note that local restrictions may apply to trailer speeds and weights
(see page 174).
95_US_MY09.book Page 259 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM
ProCarManuals.com

271 Index
Temperature gauge, engine
________ 66
Temperature zones, ACC
__________ 81
Textile carpeting
________________ 241
Through-load hatch ______________ 131
Tie Downs
_____________________ 131
Tightening torque, wheel studs
_____ 237
Time display
___________________ 106
Tip, driving at night
______________ 179
Tip, to avoid theft
_______________ 166
Tips, ACC
______________________ 86
Tire chains ____________________ 226
Tire date code __________________ 231
Tire direction of rotation
__________ 231
Tire inspection and rotation ________ 221
Tire markings
__________________ 228
Tire pressure ___________________ 180
Tire sidewall labeling
_____________ 227
Tire terminology and definitions
____ 229
Tire, compact spare
_____________ 235
Tires
_____________________ 220
, 261
Tires, winter
___________________ 261
Touching-in the paintwork
_________ 243
Towbar attachment
______________ 174
Towbar load
___________________ 178
Towing the car _________________ 181
Towing, automatics
______________ 181
Traffic programme ________________ 99
Trailer weights
__________________ 259
Treadwear indicators
____________ 222
Trionic
________________________ 190
Trip computer
___________________ 68
Trip meter
______________________ 64Trunk
_________________________ 129
Trunk lid, opening
________________ 47
Tuning
_________________________ 93
Turbo gauge
____________________ 67
Turbo, points to note
_____________ 144
UUnder the hood
_________________ 189
Uniform tire quality grading
________ 224
Upholstery and trim
______________ 241
Upholstery and trim, care of
_______ 241
VVanity mirrors
__________________ 125
Vehicle Data Collection
___________ 255
Ventilated front seats
_____________ 87
Viscosity, engine oil
______________ 260
WWarning labels
___________________ 7
Warning light, AIR BAG
____________ 37
Warning lights
___________________ 58
Washers
______________________ 200
Washers, windshield
_____________ 201
Washing the car
________________ 242
Waxing and polishing
____________ 243
Wear indicators, tires ____________ 222What Will You See After an Airbag
Inflates?
_______________________ 38
Wheel replacement
______________ 225
Wheel, change
_________________ 237
Wheels and tires ________________ 261
Wheels and tires, sizes
___________ 261
When it is time for new tires
_______ 222
Windshield washers
______________ 77
Windshield wipers
________________ 77
Winter tires
________________ 231
, 261
Wiper blades, replacing
___________ 200
Wipers and washers
__________ 77
, 200
XXenon headlight
________________ 202
95_US_MY09.book Page 271 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM
ProCarManuals.com