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2008 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 225

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Manual

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Steering Tips It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here is why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this. Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems - steering and braking - have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have antilock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems - steering and acceleration - have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6 and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will want to go slower. If you need to reduce speed when approaching a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while the front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect your vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 5-3. 4-11

Section	Page
2008 Chevrolet Malibu BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint Systems	5
Front Seats	6
Manual Seats	6
Power Seats	7
Manual Lumbar	7
Heated Seats	8
Reclining Seatbacks	8
Head Restraints	11
Power Lift Seat	12
Rear Seats	13
Split Folding Rear Seat	13
Safety Belts	15
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	15
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	20
Lap-Shoulder Belt	29
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	34
Safety Belt Extender	34
Child Restraints	35
Older Children	35
Infants and Young Children	38
Child Restraint Systems	41
Where to Put the Restraint	44
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	54
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	56
Airbag System	60
Where Are the Airbags?	62
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	67
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	67
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	68
Passenger Sensing System	69
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	74
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	74
Restraint System Check	76
Checking the Restraint Systems	76
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	77
Features and Controls	79
Keys	81
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	82
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	83
Remote Vehicle Start	85
Doors and Locks	88
Door Locks	88
Power Door Locks	89
Door Ajar Reminder	89
Delayed Locking	89
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	89
Rear Door Security Locks	90
Lockout Protection	90
Trunk	91
Windows	93
Power Windows	94
Sun Visors	96
Theft-Deterrent Systems	96
Content Theft-Deterrent	96
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer	98
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation	98
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	100
New Vehicle Break-In	100
Ignition Positions	100
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	102
Starting the Engine	102
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal	104
Engine Coolant Heater	105
Automatic Transmission Operation (Four Speed Transmission)	106
Automatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed Transmission)	108
Parking Brake	112
Shifting Into Park	113
Shifting Out of Park	115
Parking Over Things That Burn	115
Engine Exhaust	115
Running the Vehicle While Parked	116
Mirrors	117
Manual Rearview Mirror	117
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar® and Compass	117
Outside Power Mirrors	119
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror	120
OnStar® System	120
Universal Home Remote System	123
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED)	124
Storage Areas	130
Glove Box	130
Cupholders	130
Instrument Panel Storage	130
Front Storage Area	130
Center Console Storage	130
Driver Storage Compartment	131
Convenience Net	131
Sunroof	131
Instrument Panel	133
Instrument Panel Overview	136
Hazard Warning Flashers	138
Other Warning Devices	138
Horn	138
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	139
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	139
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	140
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	140
Flash-to-Pass	140
Windshield Wipers	141
Windshield Washer	142
Cruise Control	142
Headlamps	145
Headlamps on Reminder	146
Headlamps Off in Park	146
Delayed Headlamps	146
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	146
Automatic Headlamp System	147
Fog Lamps	148
Instrument Panel Brightness	148
Dome Lamp	149
Entry/Exit Lighting	149
Parade Dimming	149
Front Reading Lamps	149
Overhead Console Reading Lamps	149
Rear Reading Lamps	150
Trunk Lamp	150
Battery Run-Down Protection	150
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	151
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current	152
Climate Controls	153
Climate Control System	153
Automatic Climate Control System	156
Outlet Adjustment	161
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	162
Instrument Panel Cluster	163
Speedometer and Odometer	164
Trip Odometer	164
Tachometer	164
Safety Belt Reminders	165
Airbag Readiness Light	166
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	167
Charging System Light	169
Brake System Warning Light	169
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	170
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light	171
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	172
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	172
Tire Pressure Light	173
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	173
Oil Pressure Light	176
Security Light	176
Cruise Control Light	176
Highbeam On Light	177
Fuel Gage	177
Driver Information Center (DIC)	178
DIC Operation and Displays	178
DIC Warnings and Messages	180
DIC Vehicle Personalization	185
Audio System(s)	191
Setting the Clock	192
Radio(s)	194
Using an MP3	205
XM Radio Messages	210
Theft-Deterrent Feature	211
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	211
Radio Reception	212
Backglass Antenna	213
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	213
Driving Your Vehicle	215
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle	216
Defensive Driving	216
Drunk Driving	216
Control of a Vehicle	217
Braking	218
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	219
Braking in Emergencies	219
Traction Control System (TCS)	220
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	222
Panic Brake Assist	224
Steering	224
Off-Road Recovery	227
Passing	227
Loss of Control	227
Driving at Night	229
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	229
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	230
Highway Hypnosis	230
Hill and Mountain Roads	231
Winter Driving	232
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	234
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	235
Loading the Vehicle	235
Towing	240
Towing Your Vehicle	240
Recreational Vehicle Towing	240
Towing a Trailer	244
Service and Appearance Care	251
Service	253
Accessories and Modifications	253
California Proposition 65 Warning	254
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	254
Doing Your Own Service Work	254
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle	255
Fuel	255
Gasoline Octane	256
Gasoline Specifications	256
California Fuel	256
Additives	257
Fuels in Foreign Countries	258
Filling the Tank	258
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	261
Checking Things Under the Hood	262
Hood Release	262
Engine Compartment Overview	264
Engine Oil	269
Engine Oil Life System	272
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	274
Automatic Transmission Fluid	276
Engine Coolant	276
Pressure Cap	279
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap	279
Engine Overheating	279
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	281
Cooling System	282
Power Steering Fluid	286
Windshield Washer Fluid	288
Brakes	289
Battery	292
Jump Starting	293
Headlamp Aiming	298
Bulb Replacement	298
Halogen Bulbs	298
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps	299
License Plate Lamp	300
Replacement Bulbs	301
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	301
Tires	302
Winter Tires	303
Tire Sidewall Labeling	304
Tire Terminology and Definitions	307
Inflation - Tire Pressure	310
High-Speed Operation	312
Tire Pressure Monitor System	312
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	314
Tire Inspection and Rotation	317
When It Is Time for New Tires	319
Buying New Tires	320
Different Size Tires and Wheels	322
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	322
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	324
Wheel Replacement	324
Tire Chains	326
If a Tire Goes Flat	327
Changing a Flat Tire	328
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	329
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	331
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	337
Compact Spare Tire	338
Appearance Care	339
Interior Cleaning	339
Fabric/Carpet	340
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	341
Care of Safety Belts	342
Weatherstrips	342
Washing Your Vehicle	342
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	343
Finish Care	343
Windshield and Wiper Blades	344
Aluminum Wheels	344
Tires	345
Sheet Metal Damage	345
Finish Damage	345
Underbody Maintenance	346
Chemical Paint Spotting	346
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	346
Vehicle Identification	347
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	347
Service Parts Identification Label	348
Electrical System	348
Add-On Electrical Equipment	348
Windshield Wiper Fuses	348
Power Windows and Other Power Options	348
Fuses	349
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	349
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	352
Rear Compartment Fuse Block	355
Capacities and Specifications	358
Maintenance Schedule	361
Maintenance Schedule	362
Introduction	362
Maintenance Requirements	362
Your Vehicle and the Environment	362
Using the Maintenance Schedule	363
Scheduled Maintenance	364
Additional Required Services	366
Maintenance Footnotes	367
Owner Checks and Services	368
At Each Fuel Fill	368
At Least Once a Month	369
At Least Once a Year	369
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	372
Maintenance Replacement Parts	373
Engine Drive Belt Routing	374
Maintenance Record	376
Customer Assistance Information	379
Customer Assistance and Information	380
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	380
Online Owner Center	383
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	384
Customer Assistance Offices	384
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	385
Roadside Assistance Program	385
Scheduling Service Appointments	388
Courtesy Transportation	388
Collision Damage Repair	390
Reporting Safety Defects	393
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	393
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	393
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	394
Service Publications Ordering Information	394
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	396
Event Data Recorders	396
OnStar®	397
Navigation System	397
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	397

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Steering Tips

It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.

A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on

the news happen on curves. Here is why:

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject

to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.

The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it

possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn

the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will keep

the vehicle going in the same direction. If you have

ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will

understand this.

Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires

and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is

banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the

one factor you can control.

Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.

Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control

systems — steering and braking — have to do their

work where the tires meet the road. Unless you

have antilock brakes, adding the hard braking can

demand too much of those places. You can lose control.

Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.

Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control

systems — steering and acceleration — have to do

their work where the tires meet the road. Adding

the sudden acceleration can demand too much of

those places. You can lose control. See

Traction

Control System (TCS) on page 4-6

and

Electronic

Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8

What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on

the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way

you want it to go, and slow down.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should

adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds

are based on good weather and road conditions. Under

less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.

If you need to reduce speed when approaching a curve,

do it before you enter the curve, while the front

wheels are straight ahead.

Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the

curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait

to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then

accelerate gently into the straightaway.

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect

your vehicle’s performance. See

Accessories and

Modifications on page 5-3

4-11