Driving for Better Pontiac G8 Fuel Economy
Driving Your Pontiac G8 habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the best Pontiac G8 fuel economy possible.
• Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
• Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
• Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
• When road and weather conditions are appropriate, use cruise control, if equipped.
• Always follow posted speed limits or drive more slowly when conditions require.
• Keep Pontiac G8 tires properly inflated.
• Combine several trips into a single trip.
• Replace the Pontiac G8’s tires with the same TPC Spec number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
• Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear your safety belt
Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready. In addition:
• Allow enough following distance between your Pontiac G8 and the driver in front of your Pontiac G8.
• Focus on the task of driving. Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in injury or possible death.
Your Pontiac G8 Braking
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second, a Pontiac G8 moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between the Pontiac G8 and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of the Pontiac G8; and the amount of brake force
applied. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic and allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life. If the engine ever stops while the Pontiac G8 is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the Pontiac G8 brakes. If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down. If
the engine stops, there will still be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect Pontiac G8 performance. Your Pontiac G8 Antilock Brake System (if your Pontiac G8 has it) This Pontiac G8 has Electronic Stability Control (if your Pontiac G8 has it)
with the Antilock Brake System (if your Pontiac G8 has it), an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid. When the engine is started and the Pontiac G8 begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
Let us say the road is wet and your Pontiac G8 are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of your Pontiac G8. your Pontiac G8 slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS: Your Pontiac G8 computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the Pontiac G8 computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel. ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As the brakes are applied, the Your Pontiac G8 computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly. Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to geta foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If your Pontiac G8 get too close to the Pontiac G8 in front of your Pontiac G8,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that Pontiac G8 suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedaldown firmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump or motor operating might be heard and the brake pedal
pulsating might be felt, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking. Brake Assist This Pontiac G8 has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing Pontiac G8 speed in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the stability system hydraulic brake control module to supplement the power brake system under conditions where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied
the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down the Pontiac G8. The Pontiac G8 stability system hydraulic brake control module increases brake pressure at each corner of the Pontiac G8 until the ABS activates. Minor
brake pedal pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates
The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
Electronic Stability Control (if your Pontiac G8 has it) The Pontiac G8 has an Electronic Stability Control (if your Pontiac G8 has it)
system which combines antilock brake, traction and stability control systems and helps the driver maintain directional control of the Pontiac G8 in most driving
conditions. ESC activates when the computer senses a discrepancy between the intended path and the direction the Pontiac G8 is actually traveling. ESC selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the Pontiac G8’s brakes to
help steer the Pontiac G8 in the desired direction. When your Pontiac G8 first start the Pontiac G8 and begin to drive away,
the system performs several diagnostic checks to ensure there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt while it is working. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the Pontiac G8. The
system should initialize before the Pontiac G8 reaches 20 mph (32 km/h). If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS light comes on, and the ESC OFF and/or SERVICE ESC message displays. This light flashes on theinstrument panel cluster while the ESC system is both on and activated. When the system activates, an ESC ACTIVE message displays on the DIC. The system may be heard or felt while it is working; this is normal. Continue to steer
the Pontiac G8 in the intended direction. When the light comes on and the message(s) SERVICE ESC, ESC OFF, or both are displayed, the system will not assist the driver in maintaining directional control
of the Pontiac G8. Adjust your Pontiac G8r driving accordingly. The Electronic Stability Control (if your Pontiac G8 has it) system is
automatically enabled whenever the Pontiac G8 is started. To assist the driver with Pontiac G8 directional control, especially
in slippery road conditions, the system should always be left on. But, ESC can be turned off if needed. If the Pontiac G8 is in cruise control when the system begins to assist the driver maintain directional control of
the Pontiac G8, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise control will automatically disengage. The cruise control system may be reengaged when road conditions allow.
Your Pontiac G8 Limited-Slip Rear Axle, If it has one.
Pontiac G8s with a limited slip rear axle can give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low, this feature will allow the rear wheel with the most traction to move the Pontiac G8. During a sudden shift, such as shifting from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) gear at low engine speeds or suddenly applying the clutch, a clunking or rattling noise may be
heard or felt. This is normal. Steering Power Steering If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, the Pontiac G8 can be steered but it will take more effort.
Your Pontiac G8 Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and Pontiac G8 speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled. If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering the curve, while the front wheels are straight. Try to adjust the speed so your Pontiac G8 can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, your Pontiac G8 come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your Pontiac G8r lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of your Pontiac G8. These problems can be avoided by braking — if your Pontiac G8 can stop in time. But sometimes your Pontiac G8 cannot stop in time
because there is no room. That is the time for evasive action — steering around the problem. The Pontiac G8 can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply the brakes. It is better to remove as much speed as possible
from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, it can be turned
a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But your Pontiac G8 have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once your Pontiac G8 have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
Your Pontiac G8 Off-Road Recovery
The Pontiac G8’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that the Pontiac G8 straddles the edge of the pavement. Turn the steering wheel 3 to 5 inches,
8 to 13 cm, (about one-eighth turn) until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn the steering
wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Your Pontiac G8 Passing
Passing another Pontiac G8 on a two-lane road can be dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
• Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect a successful pass. If in doubt, wait.
• Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection. Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your Pontiac G8r side of the lane.
• Do not get too close to the Pontiac G8 your Pontiac G8 want to pass. Doing so can reduce your Pontiac G8r visibility.
• Wait your Pontiac G8r turn to pass a slow Pontiac G8.
• When your Pontiac G8 are being passed, ease to the right.
Your Pontiac G8 Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems — brakes, steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
Your Pontiac G8 Drifting
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the Pontiac G8. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the Pontiac G8’s three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. Remember: The Traction Control System (TCS) helps to avoid only the acceleration skid. See Traction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-8. If the TCS system is off, then an acceleration skid is best handled by easing your Pontiac G8r foot off the accelerator pedal. If the Pontiac G8 starts to slide, ease your Pontiac G8r foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way your Pontiac G8 want the Pontiac G8 to go. If your Pontiac G8 start steering quickly enough,
the Pontiac G8 may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. The Electronic Stability Control (if your Pontiac G8 has it) system might
activate.
Of course, Your Pontiac G8 traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your Pontiac G8r driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and Pontiac G8 control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your Pontiac G8r best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing Pontiac G8 speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. your Pontiac G8 might not realize the surface is
slippery until the Pontiac G8 is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or
packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when your Pontiac G8 have any doubt. Even though the Pontiac G8 has Electronic Stability Control (if your Pontiac G8 has it) with Antilock Brake System (if your Pontiac G8 has it), remember:
ABS helps avoid only the braking skid. If the ABS is ever disabled, in a braking skid, where the wheels are no longer rolling, release enough pressure
on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again. This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down steadily when your Pontiac G8 have to stop suddenly. As long as the
wheels are rolling, your Pontiac G8 will have steering control.
No comments:
Post a Comment