Saturn 2009 VUE User Manual

Braking
See Brake System Warning Light on
page 3-31.
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 vehicle
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
vehicle 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 vehicle; 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 vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the 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 vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-5

Saturn 2009 VUE Specifications

General

Brand	Saturn
Model	2009 VUE
Category	Automobile
Language	English

Summary

Seats and Restraint System

Head Restraints

Adjustable head restraints for front and rear seats, proper installation and adjustment for safety.

Front Seats

Safety Belts

Proper use of safety belts, reasons for wearing them, and legal requirements.

Child Restraints

Guidance on using child restraints for infants, young children, and older children.

Airbag System

Information on airbag types, locations, deployment, and passenger sensing system.

Restraint System Check

How to check safety belt and restraint system components for proper function and damage.

Features and Controls

Keys

Doors and Locks

Theft-Deterrent Systems

PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer

Explanation of the PASS-Key III+ system, FCC/Industry Canada compliance.

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

Automatic Transmission Operation

Object Detection Systems

Details on the Rear Vision Camera (RVC) system and its limitations.

OnStar® System

Overview of OnStar services, safety features, and contact information.

Universal Home Remote System

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview

Identifies the main components of the instrument panel and their functions.

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators

Explains warning lights, gages, and indicators on the instrument panel, including system checks.

Exterior Controls and Signals

Cruise Control

How cruise control works, its limitations, and safety cautions for use.

Climate Control System

Instrument Panel Cluster and Gauges

Safety Belt and Airbag Indicators

Explains safety belt reminders and the airbag readiness and status indicators.

System Warning Lights

Covers charging, brake, ABS, power steering, traction, and StabiliTrak warning lights.

Engine and Tire Monitoring Lights

Explains engine coolant, tire pressure, and malfunction indicator lights.

DIC Operation and Messages

How to use the Driver Information Center, its displays, and understand warning messages.

Audio System Operation

Bluetooth® System

Audio Steering Wheel Controls

Driving Your Vehicle

Driving Fundamentals

Emphasizes driver responsibility and how behavior, environment, and design affect driving.

Driving Techniques and Safety

Tips for fuel economy, defensive driving, avoiding drunk driving, and vehicle control.

Braking and Stability Systems

How braking works, ABS, StabiliTrak, and Traction Control systems improve vehicle control.

Off-Road and Special Conditions Driving

Towing Information

Service and Appearance Care

Service Information

Accessories and Modifications

Doing Your Own Service Work

Fuel

Checking Things Under the Hood

Headlamp Aiming

Tires

Tire Sidewall Labeling

Inflation - Tire Pressure

Importance of correct tire inflation pressure and consequences of under/over-inflation.

Tire Pressure Monitor System

How TPMS sensors monitor air pressure and warn the driver of low pressure.

Tire Inspection and Rotation

When It Is Time for New Tires

Buying New Tires

If a Tire Goes Flat

Changing a Flat Tire

CAUTION about changing tires and steps to prevent vehicle movement.

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire

Steps for removing a flat tire and installing the spare tire, including initial jack use.

Compact Spare Tire

Appearance Care

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule Introduction

Maintenance Requirements

Scheduled Maintenance

Explains when service is required based on the Change Engine Oil light and service intervals.

Additional Required Services

Owner Checks and Services

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

Table listing recommended fluids and lubricants by usage and part number.

Maintenance Replacement Parts

Maintenance Record

Customer Assistance Information

Customer Assistance and Information

Reporting Safety Defects

How to report vehicle safety defects to NHTSA, Transport Canada, and Saturn.

Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy

Event Data Recorders

OnStar®