User manual GMC SONOMA 1998

[. . . ] I998 O W N E R'S MANUAL SONOMA 1 COMFORTABLY IN COMMAND'"' I *?L 0. 'ourpassengeri can do. This section contains ve lbout safety bn'* US-~, air bags and child restra I I c The 1998 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual 1-1 2-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. [. . . ] For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. But if you're 4-28 Driving in Rain and on Roads Wet Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn't as good as on dry roads. 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 while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for drivingon dry pavement. 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. "-/, ??e It's wise to keep your 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. . They won't work as well in a quickstop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control the vehicle. of After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakeswork normally. Driving too f i s t through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. But if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them. 4-30 Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you're going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. But it can if your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. If you can see reflectionsfrom trees, telephone poles or othervehicles, and raindrops "dimple" the water's surface, there could be hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. Driving Through DeepStanding Water I NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine's air intake and badly damage your engine. Neverdrive through water that slightly is you lower than the underbody your vehicle. If of can't avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. Some Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. (See "Tires" in the Index. ) 4-31 City Driving Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: 0 Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip. [. . . ] Please call us at 1-800-GMC-8782 (1-800-462-8782) or write: Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center P. O. Box 436008 Pontiac, MI 48343-6008 8-11 1998 GMC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by fillin and o the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below. ) CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1998 GMC SERVICE MANUALS Service Manuals havethe diagnosis and repairinformation on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE:$90. 00 TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL This manual provides informationon unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE:$40. 00 OWNER'S INFORMATION Owner publicationsare written directly for Owners and intended to provide basic operational information about th vehicle. [. . . ]