2000 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 199

Car care 199 Flat spotting All tires get hot, especially on long journeys or when the car is driven hard. After the car has been parked with hot tires and the tires have cooled down, a flat spot can form in the tire, where it is in contact with the ground. The same can occur if the car has not been moved for a long time. Flat spots can cause vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel, similar to that experienced when the wheels need balancing. Flat spots of this type disappear once the tires get hot again, usually after 10-15 miles (20-25 km) of driving at cruising speed. Safety belts WARNING Safety belts and belt pretensioners that were in use in a serious collision must be replaced even if they are not visibly damaged. No attempt must be made to repair, or modify the function of, safety belts. A check should be made periodically to ensure that the safety belts are working properly. • Hold the diagonal strap and pull it sharply. The seat belt should lock and it should not be possible to withdraw it further. A sharp tug on the belt should cause the inertia reel to lock. Check the floor anchorage points for corrosion damage. If a belt is worn or has any fraying edges, it should be replaced. Safety belts must not come into contact with substances such as polishes, oil or chemicals. If the belts get dirty, wash them with warm water and a detergent or have them replaced. Removing the wheel cover Tightening sequence, wheel bolts IB925 IB923