User manual OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA 1997

[. . . ] The 1997 Oldsrnobile Achieva Owner's Manual 1-1 2-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the "SRS" system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your Oldsmobile. 3- 1 4- 1 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjustthe ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. 5- 1 6- 1 7-1 8- 1 Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your Oldsmobile running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenanceand what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Oldsmobile for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on "Reporting Safety Defects'' on page 8-8. 9-1 Index Here's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read. i p J CERTIFIED We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, OLDSMOBILE, the OLDSMOBILE Rocket Emblem and the name ACHIEVA are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. [. . . ] And, if your tires don't have much tread left, you'll get even less traction. It's always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall whileyou are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement. The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road and even people walking. It's wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking ormissing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts. Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because 4-18 A CAUTION: Wet brakes can causeaccidents. They won't work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. After driving througha large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally. Driving too fastthrough large water puddles or even going through some carwashes can cause problems, too. But if you can't, try-to slow down before you hit them. Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This canhappen if the road is wet enough and you're going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or nocontact with the road. But it can if your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and raindrops "dimple" the water's surface, there could behydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn't a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice isto slow down when it is raining. Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, watercan come in through your engine's air intake and badly damageyour engine. Never drive through water that is slightly lower than the underbody your vehicle. If you of can't avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. Some Other Rainy Weather Tips 0 Turn on your low-beam headlamps -- not just your parking lamps -- to help make you more visible to others. 0 Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. [. . . ] 8-4 9-10 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals . 2-36 2-36 Turn Signal On Chime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer . 4-40 Underbody Flushing Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ]