
D (Drive) :This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
.Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
D (Drive) or M (Manual Mode) can be used when
towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on
steep hills, or for off-road driving. You may want to
shift the transmission to a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding. See “Skidding”
under “Loss of Control” in the owner manual for more
information.
When temperatures are very cold, the transmission's
gear shifting may be delayed, providing more stable
shifts until the engine warms up. Shifts may be more
noticeable with a cold transmission. This difference in
shifting is normal. M (Manual Mode) :
This position lets drivers select
the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If the vehicle has this feature, see “Range
Selection Mode” later in this section.
Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that
adjusts the transmission shifting to the current driving
conditions to reduce rapid upshifts and downshifts.
If the shift stabilization feature determines that a current
vehicle speed cannot be maintained, the transmission
does not upshift. In some cases, this may appear to be
a delayed shift, however the transmission is operating
normally.
3-8

Climate Controls
For more information on the vehicle's climate control
system, see“Climate Control System” in the owner
manual.
Electric Air Conditioning Compressor
This hybrid vehicle has a electrically powered air
conditioning compressor. This allows for continuous
air conditioning operation and passenger comfort,
even while the hybrid engine cycles on and off.
When operating the climate control system, select the
AUTO mode and the desired temperature setting.
The climate control system automatically adjusts the fan
speed and airflow direction. The climate control system
continues to adjust the climate control settings chosen
for best use of electrical power. At mild temperatures, select a warmer air conditioner
temperature or turn the air conditioner off to get
maximum fuel economy. Continuous air conditioner use
can cause the vehicle to Auto Start more frequently.
During hot weather, driving with the windows closed and
the air conditioner set to Auto mode, will result in better
Hybrid system performance.
Some noise may be heard occasionally from the
compressor, especially when air conditioning use is
high and the engine has turned off.
4-2

Turn the DMCM coolant surge tank pressure cap
slowly counterclockwise (left) about one full turn.
Wait 30 seconds.
2. Then keep turning the DMCM coolant surge tankpressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Add the pre‐mixed DEX‐COOL™, available at your dealer/retailer, to the DMCM coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
4. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN without starting the engine. The hybrid cooling pumps will run and any
trapped air will purge to the surge tank. 5. Add the pre‐mixed DEX‐COOL™, available at your
dealer/retailer, until the coolant level is maintained
at the FULL COLD mark. This should take no
longer than two minutes of hybrid cooling pump
operation.
If the level cannot be kept at the FULL COLD
level, your vehicle may need service. See your
dealer/retailer.
6. Then replace the
DMCM coolant surge
tank pressure cap.
Be sure the pressure
cap is hand-tight and
fully seated.
Notice: Using tap water, cooling system sealers or
conditioners in an attempt to stop coolant leaks can
damage the DMCM and engine cooling systems.
Never use tap water, cooling system sealers or
conditioners in your cooling system.
6-12

Notice:
.Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake hydraulic system parts. For example,
just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake hydraulic system
can damage brake hydraulic system parts
so badly that they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in the wrong kind
of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on the vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See“Washing Your Vehicle”
in the owner manual.
Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new
pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear warning sound
is heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
6-15

When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly
inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Check the tire's inflation pressure when the tires are
cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for at
least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the tire and loading
information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
If the pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck 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.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in the vehicle's tires
and transmit the tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS will illuminate the
low tire pressure warning
symbol located on the
instrument panel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure
in a specific tire appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning
light and the DIC warning message come on at
each ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to
the correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed by the driver. For
6-29

additional information and details about the DIC
operation and displays seeDIC Warnings and
Messages
on page 4‑12. Also, see “DIC Operation and
Displays” in the Index of the owner manual for more
information.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is first 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 inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to your
vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle's original
equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for
your vehicle's tires when they are cold. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” for an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on your vehicle.
Also see Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 6‑28. Your vehicle's TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See
“Tire Inspection and Rotation” and
“Tires” in the Index of the owner manual for more
information.
Notice: Using non‐approved tire sealants could
damage the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using an
incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer/retailer.
Your vehicle, when new, included a factory‐installed
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit. This kit uses a
GM approved liquid tire sealant. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit (Without Selector Switch)
on
page 6‑35or Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
(With Selector Switch) on page 6‑45.
6-30

Tire Chains
{WARNING:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension, or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and you or others may be injured in a
crash. Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer recommends it for use
on the vehicle and tire size combination and
road conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, re‐adjust or remove the device if it
is contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the
wheels. If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
Your vehicle has a tire inflator kit. There is no spare tire,
no tire changing equipment, and no place to store a tire.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out slowly.
But, if you should ever have a blow out, here are a
few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blow out, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would
use in a skid. In any rear blow out, remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under
control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go.
It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer.
Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
6-34