Driving and Maintenance Tips

Here's some information your car or truck will thank you for with improved performance and mileage. You can also consult your owner's manual for even more helpful information.

Tire Pressure?
To get a true tire pressure reading, check the tires when they're cold -- when your vehicle has been idle for at least three hours.

How Much Pressure?
A label on the underside of the trunk lid or on the edge of the driver's door will tell you the proper tire inflation for your car or truck.

Tire Inflation
Over-inflated tires wear out more quickly in the center of the tread. Under-inflated tires wear out more quickly at the outer edge of the tread. With under-inflated tires, rolling resistance is increased causing increased fuel consumption.

Hands on the Wheel
Always drive with both hands on the wheel. The best place for your hands are at the nine and three o'clock positions. This gives you greater steering control in all situations.

Quick Manoeuvring
If you need to turn the wheel suddenly to avoid hitting an object in the path of your vehicle, look in the direction you're turning. If you look at the object, you're more likely to hit it.

Lights On, Please!
In rainy or snowy weather, turn on your headlamps and tail lamps. Even if your visibility is good, other drivers will have a better view of your vehicle in their rearview mirrors.

Driving Out of a Skid, Backward and Forward
The best way to drive out of a skid is to take your foot off the accelerator, steer in the direction you want to go and constantly check for an escape route.

Wash Wax Concentrate
Use GM Wash Wax concentrate (part number 10953196) as directed for a clean, shiny finish. It rinses off quickly and leaves no residue.

Figuring Out Your Mileage
Start out with a full tank of gas. Note the mileage on your odometer, or zero out your trip odometer. The next time you fill up, note how many litres of gas you've added and how many kilometres you've driven. Divide the number of litres added by the number of kilometres driven and multiply by 100. The resulting number is your vehicle's L/100 kilometres.

Engine Overheating
If your engine overheats in summer traffic, turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater and fan to the highest level. It may be uncomfortable, but it will help cool down the engine.