Page 40 of 289

WARNING!(Continued)
•Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, air bags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have air bags.
Front Air Bag Operation
Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional
protection by supplementing the seat belts. Front air
bags are not expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear,
side, or rollover collisions. The front air bags will not
deploy in all frontal collisions, including some that may
produce substantial vehicle damage — for example,
some pole collisions, truck underrides, and angle offset
collisions.
On the other hand, depending on the type and location
of impact, front air bags may deploy in crashes with
little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a
severe initial deceleration. Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration
over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are
not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should
have deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all
collisions, and also are needed to help keep you in
position, away from an inflating air bag.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the front air
bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right
side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the
way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The front air
bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink your
eyes. The front air bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the
driver and front passenger, and position the front
occupants for improved interaction with the front air
bags.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 232 of 289

may result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (anti-
freeze) performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnor-
mally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear, and possible brake damage. Riding the
brakes may also reduce braking capacity in an
emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” is on.Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may
be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 281 of 289

Euro Twin Clutch TransmissionFluid Type .......................... .234
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................56, 187
Exhaust System ...................... .56, 223
Exterior Lights ...........................59
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... .215
Engine Fuel ......................... .257
Engine Oil .......................... .215
Engine Oil Disposal ....................215
Flashers Hazard Warning ...................... .192
Turn Signal ....................... .59, 107
Flooded Engine Starting ...................135
Fluid, Brake ........................... .258
Fluid Capacities ........................ .256
Fluid Leaks .............................59
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ..........257
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ..................192
Fuel ................................. .183
Adding ............................ .187
Additives ........................... .185
Capacity ........................... .256
Clean Air ........................... .184Ethanol
............................ .184
Gasoline ........................... .183
Materials Added ...................... .185
Methanol ........................... .184
Octane Rating ........................ .183
Requirements ........................ .183
Tank Capacity ....................... .256
Fueling .............................. .187
Fuses ................................ .240
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... .184
Gasoline (Fuel) ...................... .183, 256
Gasoline, Reformulated ....................184
General Information ...................125,
183
General Maintenance ..................... .213
Glass Cleaning ......................... .239
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water ....................... .147
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................192
Headlights ..............................71
Cleaning ........................... .239
Passing ..............................72
Head Restraints ..........................67
10
INDEX 279