1997 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 261

Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble. Brake Adjustment Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might notadjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then -- very carefully -- make a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly. If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change -- for the worse. The braking performance you've come to expect can change in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts. Battery Every new Pontiac has a Delco Freedom' battery. You never have to add waterto one of these. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown on the original battery's label. Vehicle Storage If you're not going todrive your vehicle for 25 days or more, take off the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down. Replacing Brake SystemParts The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle wasdesigned and tested with top-quality GM brake parts. When youreplace parts of your braking system -- for example, when your brake linings wear down and youhave to have new ones put in -- be sure you get new approvedGM replacement parts. If you don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. 6-34