2009 SATURN ASTRA belt

Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking. For
example, you come over a hill and
nd a truck stopped in your lane, or a
car suddenly pulls out from nowhere,
or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of
you. These problems can be avoided
by braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop in
time because there is no room.
That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the
problem.
The vehicle can perform very well
in emergencies like these. First
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 8-17. It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just
as quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency
situations are always possible is a
good reason to practice defensive
driving at all times and wear
safety belts properly.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only
slightly below the pavement,
recovery should be fairly easy.
Ease off the accelerator and then, if
there is nothing in the way, steer so
that the vehicle straddles the edge
of the pavement. Turn the steering
wheel 3 to 5 inches, 8 to 13 cm,
(about one-eighth turn) until the right
front tire contacts the pavement
edge. Then turn the steering wheel to
go straight down the roadway.
Driving and Operating 8-21
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Accessories and
Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories are added to the
vehicle, they can affect vehicle
performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking,
stability, ride and handling,
emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems
like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. Some of
these accessories could even cause
malfunction or damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from the installation or use
of non-GM certied parts, including
control module modications,
are not covered under the terms of
the vehicle warranty and may
affect remaining warranty coverage
for affected parts.GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize
the vehicle using genuine GM
Accessories. When you go to your
GM dealer/retailer and ask for
GM Accessories, you will know that
GM-trained and supported service
technicians will perform the work
using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-36.
California Proposition 65
Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.Engine exhaust, many parts and
systems (including some inside the
vehicle), many uids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained
in remote keyless transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-3
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Tire Size
The following illustration shows
an example of a typical
passenger 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 index and speed rating
of the tire. The load index
represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to
carry. The speed rating is the
maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Denitions
Air 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 combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are,
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, 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
reinforcing materials.
9-44 Vehicle Service and Care
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GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specications that impact the overall
performance of your vehicle,
including brake system performance,
ride and handling, traction control,
and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire’s
sidewall near the tire size. If the tires
have an all-season tread design,
the TPC Spec number will be
followed by an MS for mud and
snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling on
page 9-42for additional information.
GM recommends replacing tires
in sets of four. This is because
uniform tread depth on all tires will
help keep your vehicle performing
most like it did when the tires
were new. Replacing less than a
full set of tires can affect the braking
and handling performance of your
vehicle. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-52for
information on proper tire rotation.{CAUTION
Mixing tires could cause you
to lose control while driving.
If you mix tires of different
sizes, brands, or types
(radial and bias-belted tires),
the vehicle may not handle
properly, and you could have
a crash. Using tires of different
sizes, brands, or types may
also cause damage to the
vehicle. Be sure to use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels. It is all
right to drive with the compact
spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on the
vehicle. SeeCompact Spare
Tire on page 9-68.{CAUTION
If you use bias-ply tires on
the vehicle, the wheel rim
anges could develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s
tires with those that do not have
a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction type (radial and
bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s
original tires.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-55
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Service and
Maintenance
Service and Maintenance
Introduction.......................11-1
Maintenance
Requirements..................11-1
Your Vehicle and the
Environment....................11-2
Using the Maintenance
Schedule.........................11-2
Scheduled Maintenance. . . .11-3
Additional Required
Services..........................11-6
Maintenance Footnotes.....11-8
Owner Checks and
Services..........................11-9
At Each Fuel Fill...............11-9
At Least Once a Month. . .11-10
At Least Once a Year.....11-10
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants...............11-12
Maintenance
Replacement Parts........11-14
Engine Drive Belt
Routing..........................11-15
Maintenance Record........11-16
Service and
Maintenance
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at
the proper level and change as
recommended.
Maintenance
Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals,
checks, inspections, replacement
parts, and recommended uids
and lubricants as prescribed
in this manual are necessary to
keep this vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused
by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Service and Maintenance 11-1
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Additional Required Services (cont’d)
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000) 50,000
(80 000) 75,000
(120 000) 100,000
(160 000) 125,000
(200 000) 150,000
(240 000)
Engine cooling system service (or every
ve years, whichever occurs rst).
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (j). •
Solid lifter tappet adjustment (or every
10 years, whichever occurs rst).
See footnote (m).
Not to exceed 90,000 miles (144 000 km). ••
Replace timing belt and tensioner
(or every 10 years, whichever
occurs rst). See footnote (m).
Not to exceed 100,000 miles (160 000 km). ••
Inspect engine accessory drive belt
(or every two years, whichever occurs
rst). An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (k).
Not to exceed 36,000 miles (58 000 km). ••• • • •
Change brake and clutch hydraulic uid at
a regular maintenance service every
two years. See footnote (l).
Service and Maintenance 11-7
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Maintenance Footnotes
(a)A fluid loss in any vehicle system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid
if needed.
(b)If driving regularly under dusty
conditions or in high-polluted
regions, replace the filter at each
engine oil change.
(c)Inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc
brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Inspect other
brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(d)Inspect front and rear suspension
and steering system for damaged,
loose, or missing parts or signs of
wear. Inspect power steering cables
for proper hook-up, binding, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect power steering
hydraulic lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.(e)Inspect hoses and have them
replaced if they are cracked,
swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings and clamps; replace
with genuine parts as needed.
To help ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling system
and pressure cap and cleaning
the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(f)Inspect wiper blades for wear,
cracking, or contamination.
Clean the windshield and wiper
blades, if contaminated. Replace
wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 9-21
and “Windshield and Wiper Blades”
in Exterior Cleaning on page 9-76.
(g)Make sure the safety belt
reminder light and safety belt
assemblies are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts.
If you see anything that might keep
a safety belt system from doingits job, have it repaired. Have any
torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also see Airbag System Check
on page 1-37.
(h)Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
door hinges and latches, hood
hinges and latches, and trunk lid
hinges and latches. More frequent
lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer,
seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(i)Change automatic transmission
fluid if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the
outside temperature regularly
reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer
towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police,
or delivery service.
11-8 Service and Maintenance
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(j)Drain, flush, and refill cooling
system. This service can be
complex; you should have your
dealer/retailer perform this service.
See Engine Coolant on page 9-16
for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(k)Inspect belt for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage. Replace
belt if necessary.
(l)Drain, flush, and refill brake/clutch
hydraulic system at a regular service
interval (IorII) every two years.
This service can be complex; you
should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Brakes
on page 9-22.
(m)This service can be complex;
you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service.Owner Checks and
Services
These owner checks and services
should be performed at the intervals
specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and
emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with
these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once. Whenever any
uids or lubricants are added to
the vehicle, make sure they are
the proper ones, as shown in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these
underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check
the engine oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level.
Failure to keep the engine oil
at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Check the engine oil level and
add the proper oil if necessary.
SeeEngine Oil on page 9-7.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level
and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 9-16.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid
level in the windshield washer
uid reservoir and add the proper
uid if necessary.
Service and Maintenance 11-9
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